Is there anything I can do to reduce the mercury passed through my milk?

[mcmom]

Hi! This is my first time posting to these boards. I recently became aware that the mercury in my fillings is being passed to my six month old baby. I am beyond myself, and feel totally ignorant having not known this. This is my fourth child, and to think that I could have caused them harm from having metal fillings just saddens me terribly. (I have 8 fillings.) My 5 year old also has a metal filling. (Her cavity was too deep to do a clear filling... it was considered a baby root canal). I was wondering if there is anything I can take (vitamins or otherwise) to reduce the amount of mercury that is passed through my breastmilk. Also, is there anything I can give my 5 year old to help eliminate the mercury she absorbs? It is in a baby tooth which will hopefully fall out soon. Thank so much for your insights.

[goldenwillow]

Charcoal tabs will help absorb toxins.. just do not know how long it is recommended to take them.

[PatioGardener]

Avoiding food sources of mercury will help a lot too. here is a good guide to mercury in fish: http://www.toronto.ca/health/fishandmercury/pdf/guide_eat_fish.pdf

IMO the tiny amount of mercury passed to baby is completely outweighed by the benefits of breastfeeding. Kellymom quotes a study thay says

""the additional exposure to mercury of breast-fed babies from maternal amalgam fillings is of minor importance compared to maternal fish consumption.""

reading the whole page may help to calm your fears.

nak