Should Americans eliminate fish from their diets because of methylmercury?

No. Fish is an excellent source of lean protein, vitamins and minerals. In addition, research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in certain species of fish help lower the risk of heart disease and ease the pain of arthritis, among other things. There are ways to decrease one's risk of methylmercury without denying oneself the good taste and health benefits of fish. What's more, FDA acknowledges that seafood is an important part of a balanced diet for pregnant women and those of childbearing age who may become pregnant. According to a recent report authored by a committee from the National Academy of Sciences' National Research Council (NAS/NRC) for the EPA, "Because of the beneficial effects of fish consumption, the long-term goal needs to be a reduction in the concentrations of methylmercury in fish rather than a replacement of fish in the diet by other foods. Eliminating an entire type of food or food group from the diet is generally unwise from a nutritional standpoint."