Eating fish during pregnancy. Risk of exposure to toxic levels of methylmercury.

QUESTION: One of my pregnant patients consumes four cans of tuna a week. She became very concerned when she read that tuna contains methylmercury, which is toxic to the fetal brain. How should I advise her? ANSWER: Fresh tuna might contain toxic levels of methylmercury, but levels are much lower in canned tuna. Reassure your patient that eating canned tuna will not harm her or her baby.