Canned Tuna Daily? Doctor Warns of Mercury and Arsenic

A viral TikTok video has sparked concern about the daily consumption of canned tuna, with an influencer sharing her experience of near-mercury poisoning and high arsenic levels. The influencer reported experiencing weight gain, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance, leading to medical tests that revealed these alarming results.

Dietitians explain that mercury content varies by fish type. Canned light tuna, commonly consumed in Canada, typically has low mercury levels and is generally safe for most people. Health Canada reassures the public that typical fish consumption does not pose a significant mercury exposure risk.

However, predatory fish and certain types of tuna, such as canned albacore (white tuna), contain higher mercury levels. Pregnant women, those who may become pregnant, breastfeeding mothers, and children under 11 are advised to limit their intake of canned albacore tuna. Other fish high in mercury include fresh or frozen tuna, shark, swordfish, and marlin.

Regarding arsenic, experts note that the type of arsenic matters. Inorganic arsenic poses health risks with prolonged exposure, but it is more commonly found in rice and fruit juices. Organic arsenic, found in fish, is less harmful. Arsenic levels in Canadian foods are generally low and monitored by regulatory agencies.

Health Canada recommends specific consumption limits for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, particularly for albacore tuna. They advise limiting intake to no more than 300 grams per week. For other high-mercury fish, the limit is 150 grams per month.

Experts emphasize dietary variety, recommending a range of fish and shellfish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, crab, and shrimp, as healthy alternatives to relying heavily on one food source.