Seafood

Shark

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

A firm-fleshed fish — but high in mercury and often endangered.

Effect on the body: as a top predator it accumulates mercury, which can harm the nervous system and a developing baby; best avoided on both health and conservation grounds.

Benefits

  • Protein
  • Omega-3
  • Selenium

Pros

  • Firm, meaty texture

Cons

  • Very high in mercury — avoid in pregnancy and limit for everyone
  • Many species are endangered (finning)
  • Ethical/sustainability concerns

Sources & references

  1. WHO — Q&A on red/processed meat
  2. British Nutrition Foundation

Related entries

DolphinMackerelOctopusPrawns / shrimpSalmonSardines
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