ASK THE EXPERT
QI’VE just found out I’m pregnant – what’s the safest, least toxic diet for me and my baby?
ADR LIDA CHATZI, right, associate professor of preventive medicine at the University of Southern California, has just co-authored a study into diet and levels of environmental contaminants in mothers and children.
She says: “During gestation and early development, the foetus and the child, respectively, are vulnerable to the effects of environmental chemicals. A balanced diet is critical for optimal nutrition.
“We conducted the largest study to date examining the association between diet and levels of 33 environmental contaminants. The study included 1,000 pregnant women and their children up to the age of six-to-10 years across six European countries.
“We found that the higher the fish consumption, the higher the levels of toxic persistent chemicals in both pregnant women and their children. The chemicals included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and the toxic metals arsenic and mercury.
“If the recommendation of up to three servings of fish per week for pregnant women and up to two for children was followed, it resulted in lower levels of PFAS, arsenic and mercury. In general, women should eat a variety of types of fish each week and avoid raw fish and large predatory fish, such as king mackerel, swordfish, shark, and tilefish. They should be aware of dietary recommendations, and adhere to guidelines.
“We also showed fruit consumption was associated with increased levels of four organophosphate pesticides metabolites. On the other hand, children who ate organic food more than once per week had lower levels of pesticides metabolites.
“The choice of organic over conventionally-grown fruits can contribute to lower exposures of pesticides and other environmental pollutants.
“We believe the results carry important public health messages related to the avoidance of excess exposure to environmental contaminants with toxic effects on humans.”