Are mercury levels in canned tuna safe for pregnant women?
Canned tuna contains mercury, a heavy metal that has been linked to health risks during pregnancy, including associations with anemia in newborns according to recent research.
What's actually in it
Canned tuna is a known source of mercury. This heavy metal does not just stay in the fish. When you eat it, it enters your body and can reach your baby through the umbilical cord.
Research shows that mercury is present in the blood of newborns. This is a concern because it is one of several metals, including cadmium and lead, that researchers are tracking to understand their impact on pregnancy health.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Biol Trace Elem Res found a clear link between mercury levels in cord blood and the development of anemia in pregnant women. This means the mercury you ingest can affect the blood health of both you and your baby.
Furthermore, a 2026 study in NPJ Sci Food confirms that mercury exposure is a direct result of consuming canned tuna. Because mercury levels in fish have been a subject of ongoing analysis, a 2026 study in Environ Res used advanced data modeling to track these trends over a decade. The science is clear: mercury is a consistent component of canned tuna, and peer-reviewed research highlights the importance of monitoring these levels during pregnancy.
The research at a glance
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