The
Louisiana Restaurant Association (LRA) is pleased to see new draft advice from
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encouraging pregnant women to increase
the amount of seafood they eat.
The
new advice is based on extensive peer-reviewed science that looks at fish as a
whole food, considering the benefits as well as any theoretical risks. The
results clearly state that fish during pregnancy has “a positive impact on
growth and development as well as on general health.” The new advice recommends
pregnant women eat at least 8 ounces, or two servings, of seafood per
week.
“We’re
glad to see this advice reflecting the science of what’s actually on the plate;
fish as a whole food is good for you,” said LRA President & CEO Stan
Harris. “It’s important that the final advice properly communicates the message
that there is a minimum amount of seafood moms-to-be should be eating, or else
they risk missing out on important health benefits.”
Seafood
is central to Louisiana’s state culture; nearly one in 70 jobs in the state is
seafood related. Residents and visitors are very familiar with the variety and
quality of seafood Louisiana has to offer, and now it’s important to ensure the
average patron of a Louisiana restaurant is also familiar with the vast nutritional
benefits of seafood, specifically for pregnant women and young children.
“The
seafood and restaurant industries will work with the FDA during the next phase
of this effort in order to ensure that key nutrition messages are conveyed
properly to pregnant women,” said Harris. “There are certain nuances in this
first draft that could confuse pregnant women; the advice is a work in
progress.”
The
FDA maintains that pregnant women currently eat less than 2 ounces of seafood
per week. To meet FDA’s new recommendations, they would need to eat at least 4
times as much seafood as they do now. Louisiana restaurants with seafood on the
menu are a great way to start incorporating more seafood into the diet.
When trying to eat a nutritious diet, use the microwave less. These meals typically contain heavy amounts of salt and sugar. Fresh vegetables and different types of meats are optimal when creating a diet plan.
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