lautnusantara.com Barramundi, also known as Asian sea bass, generally has low levels of mercury compared to many other fish species.
1. Here's a breakdown of what the search results indicate:
- Low Average Levels: Farmed barramundi, in particular, consistently tests below detectable limits for mercury, with an average of around 0.02 parts per million (ppm). This is significantly lower than the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowable limit of 1 ppm.
- Wild vs. Farmed: Mercury levels can differ between wild-caught and farm-raised barramundi due to their different diets. Wild barramundi, especially larger ones that are higher up the food chain and consume other fish, may have higher mercury concentrations.
- Comparison to High-Mercury Fish: Barramundi is often listed as a fish that can contain higher levels of mercury alongside species like shark, swordfish, gemfish, orange roughy, ling, and southern bluefin tuna. However, other sources specifically state that barramundi is low in mercury. This apparent contradiction might be due to variations based on whether the fish is wild-caught or farmed, its size, and its origin.
- Stringent Testing: Some barramundi producers implement rigorous testing and maintain standards that are stricter than the FDA's, ensuring very low mercury levels (e.g., below 0.22 ppm and consistently testing even lower).
- Safe for Consumption: Due to its generally low mercury levels, barramundi is often considered a safe seafood choice for most people.
2. General Information about Mercury in Fish:
- Bioaccumulation: Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can accumulate in fish, primarily as methylmercury. Larger, longer-lived, and predatory fish tend to have higher mercury levels because they consume smaller fish that have ingested mercury, and the mercury builds up in their tissues over time (biomagnification).
- Health Concerns: High levels of mercury can be harmful, especially to the developing nervous system of unborn babies and young children. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and young children are often advised to limit their consumption of fish known to have high mercury levels.
- Dietary Recommendations: Health authorities generally recommend that people eat a variety of fish for their nutritional benefits, but advise choosing fish lower in mercury. The FDA and EPA provide guidance on which fish are the "Best Choices," "Good Choices," and "Choices to Avoid" based on their mercury content.
- Factors Influencing Mercury Levels: Several factors can influence the mercury levels in fish, including the species, age, size, diet, and the levels of mercury in their environment.
In summary, while some sources list barramundi among fish that can have higher mercury levels, likely referring to larger, wild-caught specimens, farmed barramundi is generally considered low in mercury and a safe option. It's always a good idea to consume a variety of fish and be mindful of any specific advisories, especially for vulnerable populations.
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