Canned tuna

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

Tuna FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is tuna kosher?
• Is tuna gluten-free?
• Is tuna halal?
• Is tuna low FODMAP?
• Is tuna high in protein?
• Is tuna high in cholesterol?
• Is tuna high in iron?
• Is canned tuna high in fat?
• Is canned tuna high in fiber?
• Does canned tuna contain calcium?
• Does canned tuna contain omega-3?
• Does canned tuna contain vitamin D?
• Is canned tuna low in potassium?
• Is canned tuna high in histamine?
• Is canned tuna high in phosphorus?
• Is canned tuna high in uric acid?
• Is canned tuna high in purines?
• Can you eat canned tuna on the Mediterranean diet?
• Is tuna high in saturated fat?
• Is tuna low in sodium?
• Does tuna contain magnesium?
• Does tuna contain zinc?
• Does tuna contain taurine?
• Does tuna boost testosterone?
• Is tuna high in estrogen?
• Is tuna high in Vitamin K?
• Is tuna fish low in carbs?
• Is tuna high in arginine?

Is tuna kosher?

Yes, canned tuna can be kosher. It’s important to note that for a canned tuna to be considered kosher, it does not only pertain to the type of fish, but also the process of canning. The fish and the canning process must be supervised by a reliable kosher certification agency. Brands like StarKist and Bumble Bee offer kosher-certified options.

Is tuna gluten-free?

Yes, tuna itself is naturally gluten-free. However, certain preparations or brands of canned tuna may add sauces or flavorings that contain gluten. For those with celiac disease or a sensitivity to gluten, it’s important to check labels and opt for plain, unflavored varieties of canned tuna, or those that specifically state they are gluten-free.

Is tuna halal?

Yes, tuna is generally accepted as Halal because it is a type of fish. It is also important to note that the processing, packaging and the ingredients used in canned tuna should also comply with Halal guidelines. Brands like American Tuna and Wild Planet offer Halal-certified canned tuna options.

Is tuna low FODMAP?

Yes, canned tuna is low in FODMAPs (fermentable oligo-, di-, mono-saccharides and polyols). These are carbohydrates that are not fully digenerated by the body and can cause digestive discomfort in some people. This makes it suitable for those following a low FODMAP diet. However, tuna canned in oil or flavored options could contain higher FODMAP ingredients so it’s best to choose tuna canned in water. Always check the label for any added high FODMAP ingredients.

Is tuna high in protein?

Yes, canned tuna is indeed high in protein and is considered an excellent source. A can of tuna in water contains approximately 37g of protein, which meets 31% of the recommended daily value (DV) for protein.

Is tuna high in cholesterol?

Yes, canned tuna is high in cholesterol. One can of tuna in water contains 72 mg of cholesterol, which is about 24% of the recommended daily intake of 300mg.

Is tuna high in iron?

No, tuna is not high in iron but does contain some. A can of tuna in water provides about 1.7mg of iron, or about 9% of the recommended daily value (DV) for this nutrient. The recommended daily iron intake is 18mg for women and 8mg for men.

Is canned tuna high in fat?

Yes, canned tuna is high in fat, but it contains heart-healthy fats. A can of tuna in water contains approximately 9g of fat. This is about 12% of the recommended daily intake of 70g for the average adult. 1.5g of this fat comes from omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart, joint, brain, immune, and skin health and are considered “good” fats. However, it’s worth noting that factors like whether the tuna is packed in oil can significantly increase the fat content.

Is canned tuna high in fiber?

No, canned tuna is not high in fiber. A can of tuna contains virtually zero grams of fiber. The recommended daily intake for dietary fiber is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men, making tuna not a significant source of fiber.

Does canned tuna contain calcium?

While the calcium content may vary slightly depending on the brand and preparation, in general, canned tuna does contain some calcium. A can of tuna contains about 17 milligrams of calcium. However, the recommended daily intake for calcium is 1,000 milligrams for adults, so tuna is not a particularly high source of calcium.

Does canned tuna contain omega-3?

Yes, canned tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. A can of tuna can provide about 1.5 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, which meets 93% of the recommended daily value (DV) for omega-3s. Omega-3s are heart-healthy and support other essential functions in the body.

Does canned tuna contain vitamin D?

Yes, canned tuna does contain Vitamin D. A can of una contains about138 IU (International Units), while the same serving of canned albacore tuna provides around 582 IU. Considering the daily recommended intake ranges from 600 IU to 800 IU, canned tuna, especially albacore, can be a good source of Vitamin D.

Is canned tuna low in potassium?

No, canned tuna is not low in potassium. Canned tuna contains a moderate amount of potassium. It contains roughly about 400 mg per can. Potassium’s recommended daily intake for adults is 4,700 milligrams according to the American Heart Association, so a serving of canned tuna provides between 9% of your daily needs.

Is canned tuna high in histamine?

Yes, canned tuna is known to be high in histamines. It is due to its storage and preservation process that histamine levels can considerably increase. People who are sensitive to histamines or who have histamine intolerance are usually advised to be cautious when consuming canned tuna. However, it’s difficult to give specific quantity as histamine levels can vary greatly.

Is canned tuna high in phosphorus?

Yes, canned tuna is high in phosphorus. In fact, it is considered an excellent source of phosphorus. On average, a can of tuna contains about 373 milligrams of phosphorus. This provides 30% of the recommended daily value (DV) for phosphorus.

Is canned tuna high in uric acid?

Canned tuna does not contain uric acid itself but it may contribute to uric acid formation in the body due to its high purines content. Purines are naturally occurring substances found in many foods, including tuna, that the body metabolizes into uric acid. A 100 gram serving of tuna contains about 290 milligrams of purines. To manage uric acid levels, it is generally recommended to limit intake of high-purine foods, particularly if you have gout or a related health condition.

Is canned tuna high in purines?

Canned tuna contains a moderate level of purines, approximately 50-150 mg purine/100g. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the specific type of canned tuna. Since purines can increase the risk of developing gout, people at risk are usually advised to limit consumption of foods with more than 100-200mg purines per 100g.

Can you eat canned tuna on the Mediterranean diet?

Yes, canned tuna is permitted on the Mediterranean diet which emphasizes eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, and prefers lean protein sources such as fish and poultry. The Mediterranean diet also encourages replacing butter with healthy fats such as olive oil, and using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods. Hence, canned tuna, especially varieties packed in olive oil, fits well within this diet schema.

Is tuna high in saturated fat?

No, canned tuna is not high in saturated fat. A can of tuna (about 165 grams) contains approximately 1.3 grams of saturated fat, which represents about 6.5% of the recommended daily limit of 20 grams for a 2000 calorie diet.

Is tuna low in sodium?

This can depend on the specific brand and preparation, but typically, canned tuna is not low in sodium. On average, a can of tuna (165g) contains around 350-600mg of sodium. The recommended daily intake for sodium is less than 2,300mg for most adults, so a can of tuna can represent a significant portion of this. Certain brands may offer low-sodium versions of canned tuna, which would be a better choice for those monitoring their sodium intake.

Does tuna contain magnesium?

Yes, canned tuna contains magnesium. A typical can of tuna has around 57 milligrams of magnesium, which is approximately 8% of the daily recommended value of 400mg for adults.

Does tuna contain zinc?

Yes, canned tuna is indeed a source of zinc. A 100g serving of canned tuna provides around 1.0mg of zinc which is nearly 9% of the recommended daily value of 11mg for adults.

Does tuna contain taurine?

Tuna does contain taurine, a type of amino acid. In a 100g serving, there could be as much as 40-70mg of taurine. There is no established recommended daily value for taurine, as it is not considered an essential nutrient, but some sources suggest a daily intake of around 500 – 2,000mg.

Does tuna boost testosterone?

There’s no direct correlation between consuming canned tuna and a boost in testosterone. However, tuna is a good source of Vitamin D, which has been linked to testosterone production. Specifically, a can of tuna provides 138 IU of Vitamin D, which is around 34% of the recommended daily value of 400 IU for adults. But, it is also important to consider that testosterone production is influenced by a combination of factors and not solely dependent on diet. Thus, while it plays a role, additional factors like exercise, sleep and overall health also play a significant role.

Is tuna high in estrogen?

No, tuna, including canned tuna, does not contain any estrogen.

Is tuna high in Vitamin K?

No, tuna is not high in Vitamin K. A can of tuna typically contains about 4 mcg of Vitamin K, which is only about 4% of the recommended daily value of 90 – 120 mcg for adults.

Is tuna fish low in carbs?

Yes, tuna fish is very low in carbs. A can of tuna contains 0 grams of carbs, which makes it an excellent choice for low-carb diets. Daily recommended values for carbohydrates for adults are around 225-325 grams based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Is tuna high in arginine?

Yes, tuna is high in arginine. A can of tuna provides about 2.4g of arginine, which contributes quite a bit to the recommended daily intake, which isn’t established but falls generally between 4-6 grams for adults. However, many factors such as age, overall health, and other dietary intake can affect individual arginine requirements.