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Washington, DC - The New England Journal of Medicine published two studies yesterday relating to mercury, omega-3 fatty acids, and coronary heart disease. One suggests that high mercury content in fish may counteract the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. The other study found no direct association between mercury levels and coronary heart disease.

The overwhelming majority of science as well as the Food and Drug Administration suggest people eat fish regularly for the healthful benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, not the least of which is cardiac health.

Fortunately for consumers, a high omega-3 fish solution with only trace amounts of mercury is at home in their pantry: canned tuna. "Canned tuna has been shown again and again to be an excellent source of omega-3s. And even at consumption levels up to 25 times higher than typical consumer patterns, canned tuna does not exceed the methylmercury guidance provided by any federal agency," commented Melanie Miller, national director of communications for the U.S. Tuna Foundation.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown in epidemiological trials to reduce the incidence of heart disease. Just last week, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommended that people with heart disease can lower their risk of heart attack with a daily helping of fatty fish (such as tuna). The Physicians' Health Study suggested that fish can reduce a man's risk of dying from a heart attack by 80 percent, and a Nurses' Health Study found that omega-3 fatty acids have been found to cut a woman's risk of a fatal heart attack by 33 percent.

"Numerous studies have shown that fish like tuna are full of protein and omega-3 fatty acids that many scientists report help in the fight against heart disease, play a beneficial role in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce depression, and can ease the pain of arthritis," continued Ms. Miller. "The value of omega-3 fatty acids is undeniable, and countless studies have shown that people can't forego the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, it is an essential and important part of a healthy balanced diet."

The Food and Drug Administration has recommended that pregnant women and those who may become pregnant should avoid 4 species of fish completely (swordfish, shark, tilefish, and king mackerel) and limit their consumption of other seafood to 12 ounces per week. "People should consult their physicians or a registered dietician about their diets, and follow the Food and Drug Administration and American Heart Association's guidelines recommending two-to-three fish meals per week. And canned tuna should be an important part of that," added Miller.

The U.S. Tuna Foundation is the national organization representing the fisherman, processors and marketers of canned tuna.

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