Studies confirm farmed Atlantic salmon as a leading source of omega-3 DHA
and very low in contaminants
ST. GEORGE, NB, April 14 /CNW/ - Average Canadian adults consume just one
fish serving every 7-10 days(1), despite Canada's Food Guide recommendations
to include two servings of fish, such as salmon, per week. The North Atlantic
Aquaculture Council reminds Canadians that including farmed Atlantic salmon
from Canada's East Coast is a smart, safe and simple solution to makeover your
menu and a step towards better nutrition this spring.
Naturally low in saturated fat and a lean source of protein, farmed
Atlantic salmon from Canada's East Coast offers more than two grams of DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) per 100 gram
serving(2). An essential fatty acid that is naturally found in cold water
fish, omega-3 DHA has been shown to have a positive effect on heart health and
play an important role in the normal development and function of the brain.
Although Health Canada has yet to set official guidelines for daily
intake of omega-3s, the American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada
recently released a joint position paper outlining recommended intake. The
paper concluded that for overall health, adults should consume 500 milligrams
of long chain omega-3 fatty acids, namely DHA+EPA, per day. Current estimates
indicate Canadians' intake of omega-3 DHA is quite low(3), despite substantial
research to support increased consumption.
"A single serving of East Coast Atlantic salmon provides a significant
amount of omega-3 DHA," says Pam Lynch, registered dietitian. "Atlantic salmon
is great tasting and easy to prepare, and available fresh all year long. There
is really no better way to include this vital nutrient in our diets."
Farmed Atlantic salmon low in PCBs and other contaminants
Persistent organic pollutants, such as PCBs, are produced by some
industrial processes and present in all aspects of our lives from the clothes
we wear to the food we eat. The most recent U.S. FDA Market Basket Study shows
the absolute amount of organic pollutants, such as PCBs, in salmon is
comparable to other sources of protein, including poultry, beef and pork. And
in addition, when consumption data is also considered, the amount of PCBs
consumed by eating salmon is much lower than from other protein sources.
Recent studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association
confirm the health benefits of consuming farm-raised Atlantic salmon(4),(5).
Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World
Health Organization (WHO) agree that both farm-raised and wild salmon contain
similar trace levels of PCBs that are well within current safety guidelines.
"Atlantic salmon farmers from Canada's East Coast work with world-leading
experts to ensure their fish is of the highest quality, and continues to be a
safe, healthy part of a balanced diet," says Dr. Jamey Smith, executive
director of the New Brunswick Salmon Growers' Association (NBSGA) and founding
member of the NAAC. "Our members adhere to rigorous, science-based
environmental performance standards set by the Government of Canada that are
among the most stringent in the country and around the world."
The East Coast aquaculture industry, and specifically salmon farming, has
made huge strides to enhance operations and environmental practices, while
honouring the east coast tradition of locally owned and operated businesses.
Industry regulations imposed by all levels of government, and additional
guidelines set and monitored by the NBSGA, ensure the industry continues to
operate in a sustainable and responsible manner.
Salmon farmers from Canada's East Coast partner with leading
organizations to support the wild salmon conservation effort and are committed
to helping understand and address the primary threats to wild salmon
populations including acid rain, warming of waters and survival at sea.
Heightened public concern about the spread of disease from fish farms to wild
populations, such as sea lice, is not applicable to salmon farms in the Bay of
Fundy according to the Atlantic Salmon Federation. In fact, the 2007 Canada -
North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO) Implementation Plan
states that aquaculture sites in Canada operate in a manner intended to
minimize environmental effects.
Atlantic salmon from Canada's East Coast is an important food for good
health. Responsibly produced and of the highest possible quality, it is a
smart, safe choice for Canadians.
About the North Atlantic Aquaculture Council (NAAC)
The North Atlantic Aquaculture Council works on behalf of the entire
sector to promote a sustainable aquaculture industry, responsible management
practices, safe food, a safe environment and global competitiveness. For more
information, visit www.AllAboutSalmon.com.-----------------------------------------
(1) DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute (http://dhaomega3.org/index.php?category
=overview&title=Omega-3-Nutrition-Gap-and-
Recommended-Intakes)
(2) DHA/EPA Omega-3 Institute (http://www.dhaomega3.org/index.php?
category=overview&title=Dietary-Sources-of-
Omega-3-Fatty-Acids)
(3) Ervin RB, et al. Dietary Intake of Fats and Fatty Acids for the
United States Population: 1999-2000. Advance Data from Vital and
Health Statistics, 2004. 348 (Hyattsville,Maryland: National Center
or Health Statistics): p. DHHS Publication No. (PHS) 2005-1250 04-
0565
(4) Mozaffarian, D, Rimm EB: Fish intake, contaminants, and human health:
evaluating the risks and the benefits (review). JAMA 2006;296
(15):1885-1899
(5) Torpy JM, Lynm C, Glass RM: Eating fish: health benefits and risks.
JAMA Patient Page. JAMA 2006;296(15):1926
For further information: Dr. Jamey Smith, NBSGA, Tel: (506) 755-3526,
Email: j.smith@nbsga.com
