Can you have a can of tuna 4/5 times a week?

[Headlessbond]

I love tuna salad. I could literally have it everyday. But my auntie who is a doctor said you should restrict it to one tin a week because of mercury. Is this true? It’s such a shame because it’s a quick way to make a salad.

Depends whether you want to have any more children. If you do then definitely definitely cut back. If you don't, then probably cut back.

Yes it's high in Mercury and not particularly sustainable. Switch to other oily fish.

Tinned tuna doesn't count as an oily fish due to the canning process so there are only limits for women TTC or pregnant women. Fresh tuna does have limits if you plan on having further children as it counts as an oily fish.

You can eat as much tinned tuna as you wish.

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/fish-and-shellfish-nutrition/#:~:text=Remember%2C%20tuna%20doesn't%20count,(men)%20of%20oily%20fish.

Sorry, I think my link has a highlight that refers to pregnant women. The rest of the link is more relevant

high in mercury so not recommended

Actually the link says fresh tuna also isn't an oily fish but should be limited in pregnancy. Even when pregnant it says 4 medium cans are ok

You’ll get mercury poisoning

I’m not sure but personally I’d listen to the doctor who you actually no rather than randoms on mumsnet.

I linked to the nhs site which is hardly just listening to random people on mumsnet!

Maybe Auntie isn't up to date on the limits (or not) for canned tuna

Knowing how to use an NHS link doesn’t make you any less of a random on mumsnet does it, does she personally no you through your lovely NHS link?

Ffs no she wont

I'm not giving my personal opinion. I am linking to a site that looks to be more up to date and less scare mongering than OPs aunt

Regardless, you are a random person, you are also not the only random to repose. OPs aunt might be incorrect, or she may no OP better than us randoms, OP could be TTC or breastfeeding for all we no, the aunt knows her. I’m still perfectly entitled to my opinion that random opinions on mumsnet shouldn’t get to choose what I do or don’t eat.

*respond

Well is a medical professional has given you guidance, I’m unsure why your doubting it and checking mums et for confirmation.

this isn’t a specialist medical forum so I would be inclined to follow directions by someone who is.

NHS Website
Tuna: if you are trying for a baby or are pregnant, you should have no more than 4 cans of tuna a week or no more than 2 tuna steaks a week. This is because tuna contains higher levels of mercury than other fish. If you are breastfeeding, there is no limit on how much tuna you can eat.

BBC Website
Which canned tuna has the lowest mercury levels UK?

skipjack tuna
Research suggests light and skipjack tuna are lower in mercury than larger species such as bigeye and albacore.6 Feb 2023
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/canned-tuna-healthy

Used to have high levels of cadmium, which I think can leach calcium out of bones.