Macronutrient Content of Oysters and Mussels

(Per 100g raw edible portion unless otherwise stated)

Type of SeafoodWater (g)Protein (g)Fat (g)Carbohydrate (g)Energy (Kcal)Energy (Kjl)
Oyster85.710.81.32.765275
Mussel80.912.11.82.575312

Source: Holland, B., Brown, J., & Buss, D.H., 1993. Fish and Fish Products, the third supplement to McCance & Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods (5th Edition), HMSO, London

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A is found in quite high amounts in oil-rich fish such as herring and mackerel and in shellfish. 4oz/100g portions of these fish provide around 10 to 15% of the adult recommended daily amount (RDA) for retinol.

Vitamin E is present in significant amounts in many types of seafood, for example salmon and some shellfish, providing up to 15% of the RDA for vitamin E in a 4oz/ 100g portion. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant protecting polyunsaturated fats and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from oxidation by free radicals – and may also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Vitamin Content of Oysters and Mussels

(Per 100g raw edible portion unless otherwise stated)

Type of SeafoodVit A (mcg)Vit D (mcg)Vit E (mg)Vit B1 (mg)Vit B2 (mg)Vit B6 (mg)Vit B12 (mg)
Oyster7510.850.150.190.1617
Musselntr0.740.020.350.0819

tr= trace amounts only; n= data not available, mg= milligrams; mcg = micrograms

Most fish contain only small amounts of Calcium although oysters, sardines and shrimps are exceptions, supplying 10 to 20% of the adult RDA in a 4oz/100g portion.

Mineral Content of Oysters and Mussels  

(Per 100g raw edible portion unless otherwise stated)

Type of SeafoodSodium (mg)Potassium (mg)Calcium (mg)Iron (mg)Zinc (mg)Iodine (mcg)Selenium (mcg)
Oyster5102601405.759.26023
Mussel290320385.82.514051

tr= trace amounts only; n= data not available, mg= milligrams; mcg = micrograms

Source: Holland, B., Brown, J., & Buss, D.H., 1993. Fish and Fish Products, the third supplement to McCance & Widdowson’s The Composition of Foods (5th Edition), HMSO, London

Shellfish has high levels of Iron, similar to that of red meat. Shellfish, in particular oysters, are a rich source of Zinc – and the reputed aphrodisiac qualities of oysters are commonly attributed to the high level of Zinc present. With the adult RDA for Zinc at 9.5mg, most shellfish can make a contribution of up to 50% of this, though for other fish, the contribution is between 5 and 10%.