Pescatarians

Pescatarian is a term used to describe a dietary pattern in which a person does not eat meat from land animals or birds but includes fish and other seafood in their meals. Pescatarians may also include dairy products and eggs, in which case they are often described as lacto-ovo pescatarian or ovo-pescatarian, depending on whether they consume dairy, eggs, or both.

In practice, pescatarians vary in their overall eating habits. Most eat a wide range of fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds alongside seafood. Some restrict dairy or eggs, while others consume them freely. Some individuals choose only certain types of seafood or aim to prioritize sustainably sourced options to minimize environmental impact.

Nutritional considerations for pescatarians include typically lower intake of saturated fat and cholesterol compared with many meat-heavy diets, and a higher intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish. To maintain balanced nutrition, attention is often given to protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, iodine, and vitamin D, particularly for children, pregnant people, and those who exclude animal products entirely.

Environmental and ethical aspects are common reasons for adopting a pescatarian diet. Compared with diets rich in red meat, pescatarian eating can lower greenhouse gas emissions, but fishing practices raise concerns about overfishing, bycatch, and habitat disruption. Guidance often emphasizes choosing certified sustainable seafood and consuming a diverse range of foods to mitigate these issues.

The term encompasses a range of practices centered on fish as a primary animal protein source alongside plant-based foods, reflecting varying cultural, health, and environmental considerations.