Tuna Industry Applauds Release of New Child-Friendly “MyPyramid”

Washington, DC - The U.S. Tuna Foundation (USTF) today said that the new child-friendly “MyPyramid,” the food guidance system developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), will help teachers and children learn about the many health benefits of eating seafood, such as canned tuna.

Adapting the “MyPyramid” tool for adults that USDA introduced in April, this interactive, computer-based version for children incorporates recommendations from the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, including the advice that fish is one of the healthiest foods that a child can eat. This is because fish, such as canned tuna, is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are important for child growth and development.

USTF also noted the findings of a new study which links omega-3 fatty acids with improved brain function in children suffering from developmental co-ordination disorder (DCD), a condition closely related to dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Published in the May 5 issue of Pediatrics, the study found that supplementing the omega-3 fatty acids in children with DCD resulted in improvements in reading, spelling and behavior. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in most types of seafood but especially in cold-water varieties like tuna, one of the most omega-3 rich fish species.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans also encourages the consumption of more lower-fat protein sources, such as canned tuna, which is a “kid friendly” food that is tasty and adaptable to many different meal options. Moreover, canned tuna is very low in calories compared to other protein sources, which is especially important for the estimated 9 million children ages 6 to 19 years (15 percent) whom the federal government classifies as overweight or obese. There are 116 calories in a 100-gram serving of water-packed canned tuna compared with 208 calories in the same serving of turkey. According to “MyPyramid,” adults and children over age 2 should consume 5 1/2; ounces of lean protein every day.

The message to consume more fish in the diet was determined by the 13-member 2005 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee whose scientific review formed the basis for updating the government’s nutrition advice. Based on an extensive review of the science, the committee concluded that higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are cardio-protective. At the same time, there is a growing body of research linking omega-3 fatty acids with optimal brain function and cognition, improved eye and skin health, protection against certain cancers, and a therapeutic effect on depression and specific autoimmune diseases including lupus, psoriasis and arthritis.

More information about canned tuna and its health benefits is available at the USTF Web site, www.tunafacts.com.

Established in 1976, the US Tuna Foundation (USTF) is the national organization representing the canned tuna processors and the fishermen who supply them and addresses issues ranging from fishing access arrangements to federal and state regulations and domestic marketing.

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