Does Eating Fish Make You Less Fertile?

Many women eat fish several times a week or take a daily fish oil supplement to take advantage of the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids. While you're trying to conceive, there are a number of changes that you will need to make to your diet. Is it necessary to remove fish or fish oil from your diet? Here's what all women who are trying to become pregnant should know about how fish oil may affect your fertility.

Mercury and Infertility

High levels of mercury have been linked to fertility problems. One British study found that 23% of infertile women had high blood levels of mercury, according to BBC News. It's important to keep in mind that the study's results were not limited to women. Men who had high blood levels of mercury were also more likely to be infertile. At this point, researchers do not know why mercury has been linked to infertility.

The study found that those with high levels of mercury also had diets high in seafood. Although researchers also measured fish oil supplement consumption and skin lightening cream usage to see if it impacted mercury levels, a diet that was high in seafood was the only contributing factor, according to BBC News.

Reducing Mercury Levels to Conceive

Although only one study has measured the effects of mercury on fertility to date, women who are having a hard time getting pregnant should try reducing their seafood intake, according to WebMD. This doesn't mean that you need to give up fish entirely when you're trying to get pregnant. Follow the United States Environmental Protection Agency's recommendations for fish consumption. Stick to types of fish with lower levels of mercury, such as salmon, shrimp, and canned light tuna.

You do not need to stop taking fish oil supplements while you are trying to conceive. However, it's important to make sure that you're using a mercury-free supplement. Check out the Environmental Defense Fund's Fish Oil Supplements Guide to make sure that your fish oil supplement is safe.

At this point, it's best to keep in mind that only one study has been done to determine the role that mercury levels play in infertility. That said, reducing your mercury intake cannot hurt while you're trying to become pregnant. It's also ideal to get in the habit of consuming less pregnant women should avoid consuming high levels of mercury, which has been linked to birth defects. Sticking to a diet which is low in mercury before and after pregnancy is a healthy option for anyone.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about their health should seek medical attention from a licensed health care professional.

Sources:
BBC News
WebMD