# Fish Consumption Frequency in the Adult Population in Poland
## 4 Discussion
a longitudinal study from Australia reported that women who ate fish 2 times/week or more had significantly lower depression than those who ate fish less frequently, while for men, depression was not associated with fish consumption [49]. Fish consumption may also be beneficial for dementia. A meta-analysis of seven prospective cohort studies found that subjects with the highest category of fish consumption had a 17% reduced risk of dementia compared with those with the lowest category of fish consumption [50]. Data on the impact of fish consumption on the risk of cancer are not clear. According to the WCRF/AlCR, limited evidence shows that fish consumption reduces the risk of colorectal and liver cancers [51]. On the other hand, it is not beneficial to eat salted fish, which can increase the risk of nasopharyngeal cancer. According to an umbrella review of meta-analyses from 2020, in most of the analyzed studies the relationship between fish and omega-3 fatty acid intake and cancer risk was insignificant or weak [52]. The literature also reports the problem of fish contamination, especially with dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and methylmercury [1; 15; 16; 17]. It is demonstrated in studies that the overall health benefits of a high consumption of fish high in omega-3 fatty acids may outweigh the adverse effects of contaminants [1; 53; 54]. However, special consideration should be taken to avoid potential risks due to contaminant exposure for selected groups, such as children, women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers [55; 56]. Infrequent fish consumption may contribute to deficiencies in omega-3 acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). People who do not eat fish or eat them in small amounts should consider supplementing omega-3 acids. In particular, in the preconception period, supplementation with this nutrient is recommended for pregnant women and women who do not eat fish or eat it in small amounts due to the influence of DHA on the proper course of pregnancy and ensuring the proper development of the child [57]. There is a need to educate and promote dietary recommendations to increase awareness of the beneficial health effects of fish consumption and to increase the availability of fish for the average consumer. It is important to involve government administration in such activities. In 2008-2009, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development conducted a nationwide educational campaign in Poland on the benefits of eating fish under the slogan \"Fish Affects Everything\", the aim of which was to increase fish consumption among Poles. The campaign included television and radio spots aimed at people at different stages of life and different social groups, to make consumers aware of the benefits of a fish diet from early childhood to old age. As reported by the Ministry, as a result of this campaign, there was an increase in average fish consumption (in 2007 the average was 12.91 kg/person, in 2008 the average was 13.67 kg/person, and in 2009 the average was 13.94 kg/person) [58]. Nationwide studies carried out in Poland in 2018 and 2022 showed that the Internet was a very important source of nutritional knowledge, in particular among women. Poles also often used knowledge obtained from family or friends. Unfortunately, information from a doctor or nurse was used less in 2022 than 4 years earlier [33]. Therefore, it is essential to use the Internet as a pathway to disseminate knowledge about the health benefits of eating fish. The relationship between fish consumption and health benefits and possible risk requires further research. In particular, it is important to conduct in-depth analyses of the consumption of individual species.