Monday’s edition of the Bradenton Herald in Bradenton, Florida offers us evidence educated health professionals are getting the message that inflated concerns about mercury in seafood have been over-stated for years and are now passing along word that the latest science shows the greatest risk, when it comes to seafood, is not eating enough.

Katie Powers, R.N., writes about the Best Foods to Eat While Pregnant and summarizes the current state of science with respect to mercury. She explains, “In order to meet the needs of the growing baby, the mother needs to include in her diet fish that are rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docoshexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is very important for the development of the baby’s nervous system. Studies have shown that adequate intake of DHA is important for visual, cognitive (thinking), motor and behavioral skills. New research is supporting the benefits of eating fish.”

According to the paper Katie Powers, R.N., is a board-certified lactation consultant and perinatal educator at Manatee Memorial Hospital’s Family BirthPlace. She is clearly educated about the latest science and has endeavored to share it with not only her patients but her readers.

Perhaps larger publications like, let’s say… hmmm… oh- I don’t know, the New York Times and Chicago Tribune might take a cue from Powers and start reporting on the latest science and stop pushing an eco-extremist agenda that clearly values environmental health over public health.