Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 30

Experts Warn Shark Meat Carries 18 Grams of Protein but Dangerous Mercury, Arsenic Levels

Updated

Updated · Fox News · Jul 30

Experts Warn Shark Meat Carries 18 Grams of Protein but Dangerous Mercury, Arsenic Levels

Q: What safer, low-mercury seafood alternatives provide the exact same omega-3s and lean protein without the dangerous risks hidden in apex predators?

The safer substitutes are low-mercury fish and shellfish such as salmon, sardines, trout, cod, haddock, shrimp, tilapia, catfish and canned light tuna. They do not provide the “exact same” nutrient profile gram for gram as shark, but they deliver the same key benefits people seek from shark — lean protein plus omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA — with far lower mercury exposure. Experts cited in the news report specifically pointed to salmon and sardines as better routine choices. Both are rich in omega-3s and protein, yet are much lower on the food chain, so they accumulate far less mercury than apex predators like shark. Trout is another strong option for omega-3s and protein. Cod, haddock, tilapia and catfish are especially useful for lean protein with relatively low mercury, though they generally contain less omega-3 than oily fish. Shrimp and canned light tuna can also fit as lower-mercury choices compared with shark, swordfish or tuna steak. The key distinction is species: canned light tuna is generally a better option than larger tuna varieties, which can be higher in mercury. For pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers and children, shark should be avoided altogether, while lower-mercury seafood is the recommended way to get seafood nutrients. For people who do not eat fish, algae-based omega-3 supplements and seaweed can provide EPA and DHA without the contaminant burden linked to large predatory fish.

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 30

Shark meat can deliver about 18 grams of protein in a 3-ounce raw portion, but nutrition and food-safety experts say its toxin load makes it a poor seafood choice.
Large, long-lived sharks accumulate mercury and other contaminants at the top of the food chain, and experts also flagged Arsenic as an added heavy-metal risk.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children and people planning pregnancy were told to avoid shark entirely because mercury can harm the central nervous system and fetal brain development.
Healthy adults were advised to treat shark as an occasional novelty food at most and choose lower-mercury fish such as salmon or sardines to meet twice-weekly seafood recommendations.
Shark remains popular in countries including Brazil, Iceland, Japan, Spain and Portugal, while in the U.S. it is less common and sometimes appears as steaks, tacos or a seafood substitute.