Washington, DC - A study in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine released Wednesday supports what the U.S. Tuna Foundation has been saying all along - If you eat canned tuna, your risk of adverse effects from mercury is minimal.

The study states that "fish consumption has clear health benefits, and the risk posed by exposure to mercury is currently speculative." Furthermore, the Journal calls into question the findings of a National Academy of Sciences committee report on prenatal mercury exposure, saying that the Academy's conclusions are unjustified.

"This study confirms what we have said time and again - The heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and low-fat protein found in canned tuna, the most affordable and highly consumed fish in the U.S., are good for Americans. In addition to advocating the health benefits of canned tuna, we will continue to educate our consumers who are pregnant and women considering pregnancy, to follow government established consumption guidelines for tuna." said Dr. Lillian Beard, spokeswoman for the U.S. Tuna Foundation.

Two additional studies add support to the Journal's conclusions. A Seychelles study of some 700 mother-infant pairs found no neurological damage to children whose mothers consumed high levels of fish, and an Annapolis Center Independent Analysis recognized the FDA's guidelines as fit.

The American Heart Association and other health organizations continue to recommend eating 2-3 servings of fish a week as part of a healthy and balanced diet.

For more information on canned tuna, its benefits, and new ways to enjoy it, go to www.tunafacts.com. The U.S. Tuna Foundation is the national organization representing canned tuna processors and the fishermen who supply them.

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