Mercury in fish: do I need to be worried?

You’ve probably heard murmurs of the dangers of this metal that’s found in fish, but what’s the deal? Mercury is a heavy metal that poses health risks, particularly for women who are pregnant (or planning to become pregnant) and children – but it’s not beneficial for anyone to consume large amounts. Mercury has found its way into the oceans from coal burning and farming, and fish absorb the metal. When you eat fish, you also consume the mercury it has absorbed. A study published by Harvard in 2019 pointed to increased levels in fish thanks to climate change and pollution. But not all fish contain levels high enough to be concerning. Try snacking on smaller fish rather than the big guys. Larger fish, such as tuna and swordfish, have higher levels because they eat small fish and live for longer, so it’s best to stick to less frequent portions.