You can safely eat the bones in canned mackerel, as they become soft during the canning process and are entirely edible. Many people enjoy the subtle crunch they add to the texture of the fish, and these softened bones are easily digested and provide extra calcium[3].
For fresh or cooked (non-canned) mackerel, the bones are typically larger and sharper. Eating these is not advised, as cooked mackerel bones can be too tough and may cause injury or discomfort if swallowed[7]. Accidentally swallowing a small cooked fishbone is rarely a cause for concern, as it will usually pass naturally. However, if you experience pain, feel something is stuck, or have trouble swallowing, it’s best to seek medical advice[5].
Eating the edible bones in tinned (canned) mackerel comes with added nutritional benefits, especially calcium and vitamin D, but always exercise caution with non-canned varieties to avoid potential injury[3][7].
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