scored 82/100
Also known as prawns, jumbo shrimp
Shrimp is a low-calorie, protein-rich seafood with exceptional micronutrient density, particularly selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12, making it a nutrient-efficient choice for longevity-focused diets.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 82.
Shrimp, a crustacean harvested from oceans and freshwater sources worldwide, has been consumed for millennia across Asian, Mediterranean, and American cuisines. Despite its minimal caloric footprint (99 kcal/100g), shrimp delivers 20.9g of high-quality protein with all essential amino acids, supporting muscle maintenance critical for healthy aging. Its micronutrient profile is remarkably concentrated: selenium (38 mcg/100g) exceeds 50% of daily needs and functions as a powerful antioxidant protecting mitochondrial health; iodine (35 mcg) supports thyroid metabolism essential for metabolic rate and cognitive function; vitamin B12 (1.3 mcg) enables neurological function and DNA synthesis; and zinc (1.6 mg) reinforces immune resilience. The minimal carbohydrate and fat content makes shrimp compatible with diverse dietary patterns. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment responsible for shrimp's pink color, provides additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits documented in cardiovascular research. Shrimp's cholesterol content, once considered problematic, is now recognized as inconsequential for most individuals due to its minimal saturated fat. This makes shrimp an exemplary nutrient-dense, calorie-efficient protein source for longevity nutrition strategies.
Shrimp's 20.9g protein per 100g, combined with leucine and other branched-chain amino acids, stimulates mTOR pathways that preserve muscle mass and reduce sarcopenia risk in older adults
Selenium and astaxanthin work synergistically to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in arterial walls, improve endothelial function, and lower homocysteine levels via B12 metabolism
Selenium and vitamin B12 support myelin formation, mitochondrial energy production, and reduce neuroinflammation, protecting against age-related cognitive decline
Iodine and selenium are essential cofactors for thyroid peroxidase enzyme, enabling optimal thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism
Zinc activates T-cell function, enables collagen synthesis, and supports mucosal barrier integrity; selenium enhances glutathione peroxidase activity for immune cell protection
Post-exercise consumption maximizes muscle protein synthesis window when mTOR signaling is elevated; shrimp's complete amino acid profile and minimal carbohydrate allows for efficient nutrient partitioning toward muscle without glycemic spike
Fasting-compatible
Shrimp is compatible with intermittent fasting protocols; its minimal carbohydrate impact preserves ketone production, while high protein supports satiety and muscle preservation during fasting windows
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower shrimp is than the average across 13 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Shrimp is classified as a shellfish (seafood). Shrimp is a low-calorie, protein-rich seafood with exceptional micronutrient density, particularly selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12, making it a nutrient-efficient choice for longevity-focused diets.
Shrimp scores 82/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Selenium, Vitamin B12, Copper. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Yes — it's a high-protein food. A 85 g serving provides about 17.8 g of protein (~36% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 85 g serving provides about 0 g of fiber (~0% of the 28 g daily value).
In a 85 g serving, shrimp is highest in Selenium (~59% DV), Vitamin B12 (~46% DV), Copper (~25% DV), Iodine (~20% DV), Phosphorus (~14% DV).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 85 g serving has about 0.2 g of net carbs (0.2 g total minus 0 g fiber).
Best after a workout. Post-exercise consumption maximizes muscle protein synthesis window when mTOR signaling is elevated; shrimp's complete amino acid profile and minimal carbohydrate allows for efficient nutrient partitioning toward muscle without glycemic spike
A typical serving is around 85 g (~84 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating shrimp alongside several other seafood sources.
Shrimp falls into the fish or shellfish group, which is a common allergen. If you have a known allergy or sensitivity in this category, avoid it and consult a clinician before adding it back.
Shrimp pairs nicely with: Pair with cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) because their sulfur compounds enhance selenium bioavailability and support phase-2 detoxification enzymes; Combine with citrus (lemon, orange) because vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption from any supplementary iron and synergizes with astaxanthin antioxidant activity; Serve with olive oil because fat-soluble astaxanthin requires dietary lipid for optimal absorption, and oleocanthal in olive oil provides additional anti-inflammatory benefits; Pair with garlic and onions because their organosulfur compounds (allicin, quercetin) potentiate selenium's antioxidant enzyme expression and reduce inflammatory cytokines.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients shrimp contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients shrimp contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.