Salmon

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Salmon FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is salmon high in iron?
• Is salmon high in cholesterol?
• Is salmon kosher?
• Is salmon high in purines?
• Is salmon low FODMAP?
• Is salmon gluten-free?
• Is salmon halal?
• Is salmon high in protein?
• Is salmon low histamine?
• Is salmon high in sodium?
• Is salmon keto?
• Is salmon high in potassium?
• Is salmon vegan?
• Is salmon high in uric acid?
• Does salmon contain fat?
• Does salmon contain fiber?
• Does salmon contain saturated fat?
• Is salmon high in carbs?
• Does salmon contain Vitamin D?
• Is salmon a good source of Omega-3?
• Does salmon contain calcium?
• Does salmon contain magnesium?
• Does salmon contain omega-6?
• Does salmon contain zinc?
• Does salmon contain collagen?
• Does salmon contain Vitamin A?
• Is salmon high in lysine?
• Does salmon contain taurine?
• Is salmon high in phosphorus?
• Is salmon high in arginine?
• Is salmon high in nickel?
• Is salmon high in Vitamin K?
• Does salmon boost testosterone?
• Does salmon increase estrogen?
• Does salmon increase libido?
• Is salmon good for fertility?
• Is salmon Paleo?
• Is salmon vegetarian?
• What are some alternatives to salmon?
• Is salmon high in acid?
• Does salmon contain tryptophan?

Is salmon high in iron?

No, salmon is not high in iron. While it contains iron, salmon wouldn’t generally be considered a good source of iron. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked Atlantic salmon contains around 0.34 mg of iron. The recommended daily value (DV) of iron is 18 mg for adult women, 8 mg for adult men, and it varies for other age groups. Thus, a single serving of salmon contributes to about under 2-5% of your daily iron needs.

Is salmon high in cholesterol?

Yes, salmon is high in cholesterol. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked Atlantic salmon contains around 55 mg of cholesterol. The recommended daily intake of cholesterol for the average adult is less than 300 mg. Thus, a single serving of salmon contributes to roughly 18% of your daily cholesterol intake. However, studies show that dietary cholesterol doesn’t translate to higher blood cholesterol in the body, and it’s important to recognize that salmon contains very heart-healthy fats that may help to lower the “bad” cholesterol in your body.

Is salmon kosher?

Yes, salmon is considered kosher. According to Jewish dietary laws, any fish that has both fins and scales can be consumed, and salmon fulfills these criteria.

Is salmon high in purines?

Yes, salmon contains a moderate amount of purines. It contains about 170-340 mg of purines per 100 grams. A low-purine diet typically contains less than 100 mg of purines per 100 grams of food, so salmon might be best avoided by those who need to restrict their purine intake, such as individuals with gout.

Is salmon low FODMAP?

Yes, salmon is low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides, and polyols), which are types of carbohydrates that some people have difficulty digesting. It’s an excellent source of protein and favored in a low FODMAP diet plan.

Is salmon gluten-free?

Yes, salmon is 100% gluten-free. Gluten is a form of protein found primarily in wheat, barley, and rye. Salmon, as a type of fish, does not naturally contain any gluten. However, any salmon with breading or prepared crusted may contain ingredients that have gluten, so check the label before you eat the salmon.

Is salmon halal?

Yes, salmon is generally considered halal because it’s a type of fish and does not require killing land-based animals. However, be aware that certain methods of preparation or added ingredients (like certain sauces) may not conform to halal guidelines.

Is salmon high in protein?

Yes, salmon is a high in protein and considered a good source of protein. A typical 3.5oz portion of salmon provides around 20g of protein which is about 17% of the recommended daily value (DV) for protein in a 2,000-calorie diet.

Is salmon low histamine?

Fresh salmon typically has low levels of histamine. However, the histamine content can increase if the fish is not stored or cooked properly. Histamine levels in a food can increase if it’s been stored for a long time or at an inappropriate temperature, especially with fish. This amino acid buildup can cause reactions in people with histamine intolerance.

Is salmon high in sodium?

No, salmon is not naturally high in sodium. A 3.5 oz serving of fresh salmon contains around 50-60mg of sodium, which is only about 2-3% of the recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg. However, the sodium content can significantly increase if salt or sodium-containing sauces and marinades are added during cooking or preparation.

Is salmon keto?

Yes, salmon is suitable for a ketogenic diet. With zero carbs, 13 grams of fat and 20 grams of protein per 3.5 ounces, it aligns well with the high-fat, moderate-protein low-carb guidelines of the keto diet. A typical keto diet calls for 20-50 grams of carbs.

Is salmon high in potassium?

No, salmon is not high in potassium. A standard 3.5oz serving of cooked salmon can provide approximately 360mg of potassium. According to guidelines from the Food and Nutrition Board, the daily adequate intake of potassium for adults is roughly 4,700 milligrams per day. Therefore, a serving of salmon provides about 8% of your daily requirements.

Is salmon vegan?

No, salmon is not suitable for a vegan diet. Vegan diets exclude all animal products, including fish and seafood, in favor of plant-based foods.

Is salmon high in uric acid?

Salmon contains a moderate amount of purines, which the body converts into uric acid. However, its purine content is less than that of organ meats and certain types of seafood like mussels. The risk of high uric acid levels or gout would be dependent on the overall composition of a person’s diet and individual health factors.

Does salmon contain fat?

Yes, salmon does contain fat. Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health. A 3.5 ounce portion of farmed Atlantic salmon contains around 13 grams of fat (2.1 grams being omega-3 fatty acids), while the same portion of wild Pacific salmon contains about 8 grams of fat (3.4 grams omega-3 fatty acids). The American Heart Association recommends at least two servings of fish (particularly fatty fish) a week, with each serving size being 3.5 ounces.

Does salmon contain fiber?

No, salmon does not contain any dietary fiber. Fiber is mostly found in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Does salmon contain saturated fat?

Yes, salmon does contain saturated fat. The average amount of saturated fat in a 3.5-ounce serving of salmon is about 3 grams, which makes up 15% of the daily value (DV) for this nutrient. However, keep in mind that saturated fat only makes up a small portion of the total fats in salmon. The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to less than 13 grams per day.

Is salmon high in carbs?

No, salmon is not high in carbs. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon contains approximately 0 grams of carbs, which makes up less than 1% of the daily value for carbs. It’s primarily a source of protein.

Does salmon contain Vitamin D?

Yes, salmon contains vitamin D. It is considered an excellent source of vitamin D, as a 3.5-ounce serving of salmon may contain more than 438 international units (IU) of vitamin D. The recommended daily value for Vitamin D is 600 to 800 IU, so salmon meets 109% of this recommended daily value (DV).

Is salmon a good source of Omega-3?

Yes, salmon is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon contains around 2.1 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, which meets 131% of the recommended daily value (DV) for this nutrient. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish (like salmon) at least two times per week to meet the recommended intake of omega-3 fatty acids.

Does salmon contain calcium?

Yes, salmon does contain calcium, although the amount can quite vary depending on the type of salmon. Wild Atlantic salmon contains around 9 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams, representing around 1% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of 1,000 mg for a typical adult.

Does salmon contain magnesium?

Yes, salmon contains magnesium, but is not considered a good source of this nutrient. On average, a 3.5 ounce serving of salmon provides approximately 27 milligrams of magnesium, which is about 6% of the recommended daily intake of 420 milligrams for adult men and 320 milligrams for adult women.

Does salmon contain omega-6?

Salmon does contain omega-6 fatty acids, though it is more renowned for its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked salmon contains about 100 milligrams of omega-6. However, this quantity can vary depending on the diet of the salmon and the way it’s cooked. The recommended daily intake of omega-6 varies based on age and sex, but adults should aim to get 7%-10% of their daily calories from omega-6 fatty acids.

Does salmon contain zinc?

Yes, salmon contains zinc. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon provides about 0.4 milligrams of zinc, which equates to approximately 3% of the recommended daily intake which is 11 milligrams for men and 8 milligrams for women.

Does salmon contain collagen?

While salmon does not contain collagen, it is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are essential for producing collagen in the human body. Eating salmon won’t provide direct collagen, but it aids your body in the process of producing its own collagen.

Does salmon contain Vitamin A?

Yes, salmon contains Vitamin A. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon contains around 192 International Units (IU) of Vitamin A, which is about 4% of the recommended daily value (3000 IU for men; 2333 IU for women).

Is salmon high in lysine?

Yes, salmon is high in lysine. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon provides approximately 1.9 grams of lysine, which significantly aids in meeting the recommended daily intake of 1-3 grams.

Does salmon contain taurine?

Yes, salmon contains taurine. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon provides around 39.2 mg of taurine. However, it’s important to note that there is not a specific recommended daily intake for taurine, but typically, 500-3000 mg per day is considered safe and healthy.

Is salmon high in phosphorus?

Yes, salmon is high in phosphorus. It is considered a good source of phosphorus. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon can contain approximately 238 mg of phosphorus, which is around 19% of the recommended daily intake of 1000 mg. Phosphorus is vital for bone health along with several bodily functions such as energy production and pH regulation.

Is salmon high in arginine?

Yes, salmon contains a notable amount of arginine. In a 3.5-ounce serving, you can expect around 1.2 grams of arginine. The daily recommended intake of arginine is not standardized; however, practitioners usually suggest between 2 and 15 grams per day. So, consuming salmon can contribute a good portion towards this target.

Is salmon high in nickel?

No, salmon is not considered high in nickel. Although exact nickel content can vary, salmon generally contains about 0.01-0.02 milligrams of nickel per 3.5-ounce serving. For comparison, the daily intake of nickel for an average adult is approximately 0.6-1.0 milligrams per day, so a serving of salmon makes up a very small portion of this.

Is salmon high in Vitamin K?

Although salmon does contain some Vitamin K, it is not considered a high source. A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon contains about 0.1 micrograms of Vitamin K, meeting less than 1% of the recommended daily value. This is very low considering the recommended daily value of Vitamin K for adults is 90-120 micrograms.

Does salmon boost testosterone?

While salmon does not directly boost testosterone, it contains essential nutrients like Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids that support overall health, including the reproductive system. Omega-3 can help improve blood flow and circulation, potentially supporting testosterone production indirectly. That said, it should be considered as part of a balanced diet rather than a standalone solution for boosting testosterone.

Does salmon increase estrogen?

Studies have not shown a direct correlation between eating salmon and increasing estrogen levels. Most fish, including salmon, are low in phytoestrogens, plant-derived estrogens that can mimic the function of the human hormone. However, salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to overall health and can help in maintaining a hormonal balance.

Does salmon increase libido?

While there is no direct scientific evidence to suggest that salmon can increase libido, it is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and other nutrients that support overall health and well-being, including cardiovascular health and mood, both of which can influence libido. As with testosterone, it is most beneficial when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Is salmon good for fertility?

Yes, salmon is generally considered beneficial for fertility. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are essential for both male and female fertility. Additionally, every 3-ounce cooked serving of salmon offers about 570mg of EPA and 430mg of DHA. For an average adult, the recommended daily intake of omega-3 (EPA and DHA combined) is about 250 to 500mg.

Is salmon Paleo?

Yes, salmon fits into the Paleo diet. The Paleo diet consists of food types that our hunter-gatherer ancestors purportedly ate, such as lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Most versions of the Paleo diet allow fish like salmon due to their high protein and omega-3 fatty acid content.

Is salmon vegetarian?

No, salmon is not considered vegetarian. Vegetarianism involves a diet that abstains from meat – this includes beef, poultry, and fish (including salmon). If you’re following a vegetarian diet and looking for alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids, options include flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and algae supplements.

What are some alternatives to salmon?

If you can’t or don’t want to eat salmon but still want to maintain a healthy diet, there are plenty of alternatives. Other fish such as mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are also high in omega-3 fatty acids. For vegetarians or vegans, you might consider algal oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, or walnuts for your omega-3 needs.

Is salmon high in acid?

No, salmon is not typically considered high in acid. However, it is high in purines, which can increase uric acid levels in the blood when metabolized. Eating a balanced diet and maintaining proper hydration can help moderate uric acid levels.

Does salmon contain tryptophan?

Yes, salmon does contain tryptophan. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked, wild Atlantic Salmon contains approximately 0.263 grams of tryptophan. Comparing this intake to the recommend daily allowance of tryptophan for an adult, which is 0.4 grams per day, we can see that consuming salmon covers about 66% of your daily requirement. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that your body cannot produce, so it must be obtained from the diet, and salmon is a great source to include.