Monkfish Nutrition Benefits and Facts

Nutritional summary

Monkfish is a lean protein source that provides a high concentration of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), a nutrient essential for nerve function and red blood cell production .
While many oily fish are noted for high fat content, monkfish contains relatively low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, providing less than 150 mg of EPA and DHA (long-chain polyunsaturated fats) per 100g serving .
Due to its mercury profile, the FDA and EPA categorize monkfish as a "Good Choice" for women of childbearing age and children, recommending a limit of one serving per week .
Like many other finfish, monkfish contains phosphorus and potassium, contributing to the broader cardioprotective benefits associated with moderate seafood consumption .

Interesting fact

Historically, monkfish were often discarded by fishermen as 'trash fish' due to their grotesque appearance, but they are now one of the most expensive and sought-after species in European gastronomy.

Standout nutrients

ELITE

SOURCE

Phosphorus

ACE

SOURCE

Water

GOOD

SOURCE

Protein

kcal per 100g

Protein15.7g

Fat0.40g

Fat breakdown

Polyunsat0.10g

Monounsat0.10g

Saturated0.10g

Seasonality

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

PeakIn seasonOther months

Diet

PescatarianGluten FreeDairy FreeKetoLow FodmapPaleo

Sustainability

Moderate

Sustainability varies significantly by catch method; bottom trawling can impact seafloor habitats.

Confidencemedium

Storage

Refrigerate

1–2 days

Store in the coldest part of the fridge, ideally on ice.

Freeze

3–6 months

Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Flavour

Data & Sources

Harmonized from 1 validated source

McCance & Widdowson

1 contributing source food

Claim citations

The 2014 FDA assessment of commercial fish: practical considerations for improved dietary guidance - PMC

[1]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

ARTICLE IN PRESS - Nature

[2]www.nature.comnature.com

Balancing the benefits of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risks of methylmercury exposure from fish consumption - PMC

[3]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of guidance on fish consumption in pregnancy - PMC - NIH

[4]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[PDF] Report of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on the Risks ... - IRIS

[7]iris.who.int

Seafood (wild and farmed) for the elderly: Contribution to the dietary intakes of iodine, selenium, DHA and vitamins B12 and D - PMC

[9]pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Coverage

Nutrients

FoodCompass

95.7

Version

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