Milkfish is generally safe to consume during pregnancy. It is a good source of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an essential nutrient that helps in the brain and memory development of your unborn baby. Milkfish also provides proteins that are necessary during pregnancy.
National Centre for Biotechnology Information, Canada recommends pregnant women to eat two 75-g servings of milkfish a week to meet their DHA requirement.
For centuries Milkfish have been a major food fish throughout South East Asia. It is a saltwater species that can also be found in freshwater. Milkfish, or Bangus, is known as the national fish of the Philippines. Large adult Milkfish are also called Awa.
According to a study done by Philipines University, the level of mercury in Milkfish is low and hence can be safely consumed by pregnant women without any risk of neurological effects.
For fish lovers, milkfish is a good alternative for other large salt water fish such as shark, tuna and sea bass.
