Many women may consider eating smoked salmon in pregnancy due to the various health benefits attributed to the fish. Salmon contains several healthy fats, helping healthy fetal brain development while also benefiting maternal health. Nevertheless, it is essential to observe some safety precautions to avoid eating fish contaminated with germs or other contaminants, such as mercury, which can harm the fetus. Read this post to know the various benefits and risks of eating salmon during pregnancy.
Is It Safe To Eat Smoked Salmon In Pregnancy?
Smoked salmon is safe for consumption if it is part of a cooked dish and is stored well. For example, canned or shelf-safe smoked salmon are usually safe for consumption. Its safety also depends on the smoking style used to process the salmon. For example, salmon labeled as lox, nova style, or jerky should be avoided unless part of a cooked meal (1).
What Is The Nutritional Value Of Smoked Salmon?
The nutritional value of 100g of smoked salmon is as follows: Source: Smoked Salmon: FoodData Central; U.S. Department of Agriculture Salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is also low in saturated fats, making it a healthy fat source that assists in fetal brain development (2).
Which Types Of Smoked Salmon Are Safe In Pregnancy?
The following types of smoked salmon pose a low risk of infection and can be consumed during pregnancy:
Hot-smoked salmon
It has a smoky flavor and is completely cooked and cured at temperatures as high as 82°C (179.6°F). It is safe for consumption if used in a dish that has been heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C). However, avoid eating refrigerated or pre-frozen hot-smoked salmon as it may harbor Listeria (3) (4) (5).
Canned, tinned, or shelf-stable smoked salmon
They are safe for consumption in a cooked dish where the internal temperatures are 165°F (73°C) (6). Shelf-stable smoked salmon is vacuum packed and available in non-refrigerated aisles. However, as they should be refrigerated once opened, avoid consuming after unsealing the pack.
Which Types Of Smoked Salmon Are Unsafe For Pregnant Women?
As parasites could grow in undercooked smoked salmon, it is best avoided during pregnancy. Also, avoid fish products that pose a higher risk of contamination, such as
Cold-smoked salmon
As per its name, this type of salmon is cured at below 30°C (86°F) to ensure good muscle texture. Since cold-smoked fish is uncooked, it offers a natural breeding ground for Listeria (3) (7). Cold salmon may also be marketed in other names, so ensure you check the labels.
Products containing smoked salmon
Pre-processed food products, such as smoked salmonpâté and spreads or salmon-flavored cream cheese or dips, may pose a threat of contamination. As the cure type or processing method used is unknown, they are best avoided during pregnancy. These salmon products may also contain unpasteurized milk—another reason to avoid them (6).
Smoked salmon sushi
Salmon sushi is mostly made of raw fish. A study on Listeria in salmon sushi showed an exponential increase in their count over three days. Hence, avoid salmon sushi, especially if raw, during pregnancy. However, you may consider eating cooked salmon sushi (8).
How Much Smoked Salmon Is Safe To Eat When Pregnant?
Though salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, smoked salmon has a high salt content. Furthermore, seafood may contain high levels of mercury, which may affect a developing fetus’s nervous system. Considering the above factors, you may consume up to two portions of smoked salmon per week (9).
What Are The Potential Risks Of Eating Smoked Salmon While Pregnant?
Both hot-smoked and cold-smoked salmon pose risks. The following are the potential side-effects of eating smoked salmon during pregnancy:
High risk of listeriosis
Cold-smoked salmon and deli meat may harbor Listeria monocytogenes, a germ that causes foodborne illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, listeriosisiXA food-borne disease caused by bacteria of the genus Listeria. may affect the fetus and result in premature birth, stillbirthiXThe death or loss of a baby after 28 weeks of pregnancy, before or during birth. , or miscarriages. It easily affects those with compromised immune systems; hence, pregnant women are ten times more likely to be infected. (10) (11).
Parasitic worms
Salmon could be a breeding ground for tapeworms, and the consumption of raw salmon increases the risk of parasitic infectionsiXInfections caused by parasites, which are organisms living on other species (hosts). . When consumed, fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum) may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, and anemia (12).
High in sodium
Hot or cold, smoked salmon is initially cured in salt. 100g of smoked salmon contains around 1214mg of sodium, nearly 40% of the recommended daily sodium intake (3000mg). Excessive salt intake during pregnancy could affect the newborn’s renal functioniXA term used to represent or assess kidney functioning. (13) (14) (15).
