Pregnancy food guidance
Tuna
Depends—Type matters
Canned light tuna is a lower-mercury choice. Albacore and yellowfin should be limited, while bigeye tuna should be avoided.
What changes the answer for Tuna
- Canned light tuna: FDA Best Choice, 2 to 3 servings per week as part of a varied fish intake.
- Albacore or yellowfin: one serving that week and no other fish that week.
- Bigeye tuna: avoid.
Why it matters for Tuna
Different tuna species contain different average mercury levels.
Practical takeaway
Check the tuna type, not just the word tuna.
Evidence interpretation
Emily Oster’s perspective on Tuna
Oster agrees mercury is the important fish-specific concern and recommends favoring fish that are lower in mercury and higher in omega-3 fats.
Read the ParentData analysis (opens in a new tab)Sources and review details
- Review status
- Source reviewed
- Last reviewed
- Guidance region
- United States