Children who are exposed to mercury while in the womb in low doses, such as from fish eaten by his mother, it turns out not to increase the risk to develop autism.
Conclusions are drawn based on the study for 30 years in the Republic Sychelles, the area around the Indian Ocean. Population in these countries on average consume 10 times more fish than the fish that eat the Europeans and the United States.
Research involving children of mothers who ate 12 servings of fish per week during pregnancy. Reveals no link between mercury exposure during pregnancy and the emergence of developmental disorders such as autism.
"The results of this study strengthen the evidence that exposure to chemicals that do not play a strong role in the occurrence of autism in children," said Edwin van Wijngaarden, researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, USA.
Exposure to mercury can occur from natural sources in the environment, such as volcanic eruptions, or from the results of power plant waste. Most of the mercury accumulated in the oceans, so that these chemicals enter the human food by fish.
The fish itself is a source of protein, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids are very good for brain development. However, mercury levels in fish are generally low.
Concerns about fish consumption will increase the risk of autism originated from research that says exposure to high levels of mercury associated with developmental disorders.
Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently also recommends that pregnant women limit their consumption of fish. Although so far the effects of low-dose mercury exposure is not known.
"Although the Seychelles population fish consumption is higher than other countries, but the levels of mercury in fish is still considered to be low," said Philip Davidson, researchers.
Therefore, the researchers say pregnant women need not worry to consume fish.
