Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
- Nutrivore Score for King Mackerel – 1242
- King Mackerel Nutrition Facts
- King Mackerel Nutrition Varies With Cooking and Processing
- Mackerel Nutrition Varies With Type
Health Benefits of King Mackerel Nutrients+−
- King Mackerel Provides 748% DV Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
- King Mackerel Provides 144% DV EPA+DHA
- King Mackerel Provides 7.8 mg of CoQ10
- King Mackerel Provides 76% DV Selenium
- King Mackerel Provides 62% DV Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- King Mackerel Provides 23.3 g of Protein
- King Mackerel Provides 46% DV Vitamin D
- King Mackerel Provides 42% DV Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
- King Mackerel Provides 30% DV Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
- King Mackerel Provides 28% DV Vitamin A
- King Mackerel Provides 27% DV Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
- King Mackerel Provides 26% DV Iodine
- King Mackerel Provides 23% DV Phosphorus
- King Mackerel Provides 89.7 mg of Taurine
- How Much King Mackerel Should We Eat Per Day?
Mackerel is an important recreational sport and commercial fish, consumed world-wide and prized for its nutrient density. Not only is this fish a rich source of omega-3s, it’s also one of the few dietary sources of vitamin D in our modern food supply! All I have to say about that is – what a great catch! (Pun intended!)
There are over 30 different species of mackerel, including Atlantic mackerel, chub mackerel, and the king mackerel (aka kingfish).
Mackerel does not refer to one specific fish but to a number of different species of fatty, cold-water fish, that are closely related to tuna, for the most part members of the Scombridae family of fish (though some mackerel are found in Auxis and Rastrelliger families too). These fish are found in open-water, in both temperate and tropical seas, mostly living along the coast or just offshore. In general, mackerel have restricted ranges, which vary geographically depending on species (and there are a lot of them!). In fact, there are over 30 different species of mackerel, including the well-known Atlantic mackerel (found along both coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean), chub mackerel (found in both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans), and the king mackerel, aka kingfish, (which travels the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico). Mackerel travel in large schools (sometimes extending for several miles) all around the globe migrating along the coast or across oceans.
These fish are similar to their tuna-cousins but tend to be smaller and slimmer in size. Their bodies are torpedo-shaped with a row of small finlets, they have extremely small to non-existent scales, tend to have forked tails, and are excellent swimmers. They have prominent vertical stripes on their backs, which helps them stay in formation as they school – allowing them to line up with other fish based on position and speed. Often times predators follow these schools, attacking them in cooperative ways. Mackerel themselves are carnivorous, feeding on other small fish, plankton, crustaceans, fish eggs, or mollusks depending on where they live.
Over 5 million tons of mackerel are commercially fished on an annual basis. The chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel and Chilean jack mackerel together account for the majority of fished mackerel. However, mackerel has a draw-back in that it spoils quickly, which means it needs to be eaten fresh or properly cured (e.g., pickled) to avoid scomboid food poisoning. Historically, this meant a lot of spoiled mackerel! Lucky for us, with the wide-spread availability of canning, refrigeration and freezing, this is no longer a pressing issue.
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Nutrivore Score for King Mackerel – 1242
King mackerel has a Nutrivore Score of 1242, making it a super nutrient-dense food! Plus, it is a low-carb food; king mackerel has 0 grams of net carbs per 115 gram serving.
Per serving, king mackerel is a best source (>50% daily value) of coQ10, EPA+DHA, selenium, vitamin B3 (niacin), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin); an excellent source (20-50% daily value) of iodine, phosphorus, protein, taurine, vitamin A, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B7 (biotin), and vitamin D; and a good source (10-20% daily value) of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), iron, potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamin), and vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid).
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King Mackerel Nutrition Facts
One serving of king mackerel is standardized to 115 grams (4 ounces). When you cook king mackerel, it reduces in volume by approximately 20%: 100 grams of king mackerel is roughly equivalent to 78 grams of cooked king mackerel.
King Mackerel Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| King mackerel, raw | Nutrivore Score: 1242 | Nutrient Density: Super! |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Size: 4 ounces (115 grams) | Protein: 23.3 grams | Net Carbohydrates: 0.0 grams |
| Calories: 121 | Total Fat: 2.3 grams | Dietary Fiber: 0.0 grams |
| VITAMINS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | 250.7 μg RAE | 28% DV |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) | 115.0 μg | 10% DV |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 547.4 μg | 42% DV |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 9.9 mg | 62% DV |
| Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) | 1.0 mg | 19% DV |
| Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) | 508.3 μg | 30% DV |
| Vitamin B7 (Biotin) | 8.1 μg | 27% DV |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 9.2 μg | 2% DV |
| Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | 17.9 μg | 748% DV |
| Vitamin C | 1.8 mg | 2% DV |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 9.3 μg | 46% DV |
| Vitamin E | 0.6 mg | 4% DV |
| Vitamin K | 0.0 μg | 0% DV |
| Choline | ~ | ~ |
| Myo-Inositol | ~ | ~ |
| CoQ10 | 7.8 mg | ~ |
| FUNCTIONAL FATS | ||
|---|---|---|
| MUFA | 0.9 g | 4% DV |
| ALA | 215.1 mg | 13% DV |
| EPA + DHA | 360.0 mg | 144% DV |
| CLA | 0.7 mg | ~ |
| Linoleic Acid | 0.0 g | 0% DV |
| MCT’s | ~ | ~ |
| MINERALS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calcium | 35.7 mg | 3% DV |
| Copper | 29.9 μg | 3% DV |
| Iodine | 39.5 μg | 26% DV |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% DV |
| Magnesium | 36.8 mg | 9% DV |
| Manganese | 5.8 μg | 0% DV |
| Phosphorus | 285.2 mg | 23% DV |
| Potassium | 500.3 mg | 11% DV |
| Selenium | 42.0 μg | 76% DV |
| Sodium | 181.7 mg | 8% DV |
| Zinc | 0.6 mg | 6% DV |
| PHYTONUTRIENTS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Carotenoids | 1.2 μg | ~ |
| Polyphenols | 0.0 mg | ~ |
| Phytosterols | 0.0 mg | ~ |
| Glucosinolates | ~ | ~ |
| Thiosulfinates | ~ | ~ |
| Betalains | ~ | ~ |
| AMINO ACIDS & PEPTIDES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Taurine | 89.7 mg | ~ |
| Ergothioneine | ~ | ~ |
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King Mackerel Nutrition Varies With Cooking and Processing
The Nutrivore Score of king mackerel varies depending on processing, method of preparation and the way in which it was raised (farmed or wild-caught). Typically wild-caught fish have higher levels of nutrients which results in higher Nutrivore Scores, but including any type of fish in our diet, farmed or wild-caught, will result in plenty of health benefits!
| NUTRIVORE SCORE | |
|---|---|
| King mackerel, cooked, dry heat | 1173 |
| King mackerel, raw | 1242 |
| Mackerel, salted | 943 |
Mackerel Nutrition Varies With Type
There are many types of mackerel, each with its own unique taste and nutrient profile, which means their Nutrivore Scores also vary. To maximize all the benefits mackerel has to offer, try incorporating different types into your diet –the most commonly fished mackerel species include: the chub mackerel, Atlantic mackerel and Chilean jack mackerel.
| NUTRIVORE SCORE | |
|---|---|
| Atlantic mackerel, raw | 922 |
| King mackerel, raw | 1242 |
| Pacific and jack mackerel (mixed species), raw | 797 |
| Spanish mackerel, raw | 770 |
Impressed by all the bene-FISH-ial nutrition in mackerel? Maybe your friends will be too!
Health Benefits of King Mackerel Nutrients
Let’s take a closer look at all of the best and excellent source of nutrients found in a 4-ounce serving of king mackerel and see how they benefit our health.
King mackerel is a concentrated source of numerous vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
King Mackerel Provides 748% DV Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
King mackerel is an outstanding source of vitamin B12 (cobalamin), providing a whopping 748% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a cofactor for enzymes involved in energy metabolism, red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, nervous system health, and folate metabolism. As a result of these roles, vitamin B12 is vital for maintaining brain and nervous system health, and may have a protective effect against dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. There’s also some evidence vitamin B12 may be cancer-protective, possibly through supporting folate metabolism (which then assists in repairing DNA damage). Learn more about vitamin B12 here.
King Mackerel Provides 144% DV EPA+DHA
King mackerel is a best source of EPA+DHA, providing 144% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are long-chain omega-3 fats that play important roles in neurological health, immune function, eye health and vision, inflammation, pain signaling, gut health, fetal development, and some aspects of cardiovascular health (like triglyceride levels and blood clotting). They exert many of their effects by helping form chemical messengers called prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. EPA and DHA also serve as a structural component of the cell membrane, influencing important properties such as membrane fluidity and permeability. Small amounts of them can be synthesized from a shorter-chain omega-3 fat, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Learn more about EPA and DHA here.
King Mackerel Provides 7.8 mg of CoQ10
King mackerel is also a best source of coQ10, providing 7.8 mg of coQ10 per 4-ounce serving!
Ubiquinone is the oxidized form and ubiquinol is the reduced, more bioavailable form of the vitaminlike compound coenzyme Q10 (coQ10). CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor in the electron transport chain for the production of ATP. It may be helpful in treating or preventing heart and blood vessel conditions, diabetes, gum disease, muscular dystrophy, chronic fatigue syndrome, and breast cancer. Sources include beef, pork, mackerel, yellowtail fish, and chicken; it’s also found in smaller amounts in vegetables like broccoli and herbs like parsley. Learn more about coQ10 here.
King Mackerel Provides 76% DV Selenium
In addition, king mackerel is a wonderful source of selenium, providing 76% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Selenium is a trace mineral needed by all mammals to sustain life. It serves as a component of the non-proteinogenic amino acids selenocysteine and selenomethionine, and also helps form over two dozen selenoproteins involved in reproduction, thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense, DNA synthesis, and immunity. Observational research suggests selenium could play a protective role against cancer, heart disease, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, although human trials have generally been lacking or contradictory. There’s also evidence that selenium can play a preventative role in asthma and inflammatory bowel disease, while also reducing mortality in patients with sepsis. Learn more about selenium here.
King Mackerel Provides 62% DV Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
King mackerel is rich in vitamin B3 (niacin), providing 62% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Niacin is a water-soluble B complex vitamin (vitamin B3) that’s needed to produce two very important coenzymes: nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP). NAD and NADP are needed for over 400 enzymes involved in DNA repair, fatty acid synthesis, antioxidant systems, detoxification, and hormone synthesis, as well as the breakdown of fat, carbohydrate, protein, and alcohol. Niacin has therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia, and may also be protective against cancer and type 1 diabetes. Some research suggests it could benefit health outcomes for patients with HIV or schizophrenia as well. Learn more about niacin here.
King Mackerel Provides 23.3 g of Protein
King mackerel is an excellent source of protein, providing 23.3 g of protein per 4-ounce serving!
Proteins are the molecules that actually perform most of the various functions of life. In addition to being major structural components of cells and tissues, they have incredibly diverse roles from driving chemical reactions (e.g., enzymes) to signaling (e.g., some types of hormones) to transporting and storing nutrients. Dietary protein is necessary to supply the amino acid building blocks for all of the proteins in our bodies. The recommended daily allowance of protein is 0.36 grams per pound body weight (0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight). That amounts to 56 grams for a 150-pound person. However, it’s important to emphasize that this number is considered a minimum daily allotment, and there is no established upper limit. In fact, many studies have evaluated diets containing three to four times more protein than this minimum and proven benefits to weight management, body composition, hormone regulation, and cardiovascular health. These studies suggest that an optimal protein intake for most people is probably in the range of 1.2 to 1.8 grams per kilogram bodyweight (82 to 122 grams for that same 150-pound person), and that people who are very active may see the best results at even higher intake. Learn more about protein and amino acids here.
King Mackerel Provides 46% DV Vitamin D
King mackerel is also an excellent source of vitamin D, providing 46% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Mackerel is one of the few dietary sources of vitamin D in our modern food supply.
Rather than being a “true” vitamin, vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble steroid hormones that can be either obtained from the diet or synthesized from sun exposure. It plays a major role in cellular differentiation, immune function, endocrine health, cardiovascular health, and even the intestinal absorption of several other nutrients (namely calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus). As a result of these diverse functions, getting enough vitamin D is important for protecting against chronic disease (including diabetes, cancer, and degenerative neurological conditions), maintaining good gut health, and keeping a healthy immune system (including protecting against both infectious disease and autoimmunity). Learn more about vitamin D here.
King Mackerel Provides 42% DV Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
King mackerel is high in vitamin B2 (riboflavin), providing 42% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Riboflavin (or vitamin B2) is a vitamin that helps form two important coenzymes involved in oxidation-reduction reactions: flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). Collectively, these coenzymes are involved in antibody production, energy production, growth and development, skin and hair health, and the metabolism of several other nutrients (vitamin B6, niacin, folate, and iron). Research suggests a role for riboflavin in preventing or treating migraine headaches, cardiovascular disease, cataracts, and preeclampsia during pregnancy. It also possesses some anti-cancer properties due to its involvement in folate metabolism and MTHFR activity. Learn more about vitamin B2 here.
King Mackerel Provides 30% DV Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
In addition, king mackerel contains a significant amount of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), providing 30% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a group of six water-soluble compounds with a similar chemical structure, all of which can be converted into their active form of pyridoxal 5’-phospate (PLP). Over 100 different enzymes require vitamin B6 in order to carry out their various functions in protein metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, neurotransmitter production, gluconeogenesis, hemoglobin synthesis, the release of glucose from glycogen, and energy metabolism (particularly the production of ATP in the Krebs cycle). Research suggests vitamin B6 may help protect against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, could reduce the risk of depression among the elderly, and even reduce symptoms of morning sickness and PMS. Learn more about vitamin B6 here.
King Mackerel Provides 28% DV Vitamin A
King mackerel is an excellent source of vitamin A, providing 28% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Vitamin A is actually a group of fat-soluble retinoids with vitamin A activity in the body. This nutrient is essential for a number of physiological functions—particularly vision, reproduction, thyroid health, immunity, and cellular communication. Getting enough vitamin A helps protect against some vision disorders (like night blindness and macular degeneration), supports a healthy menstrual cycle and sperm production, reduces infection risk, and allows for proper growth and development from the fetal years through childhood. Learn more about vitamin A here.
King Mackerel Provides 27% DV Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
This fish is also an excellent source of vitamin B7 (biotin), providing 27% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin, also known as vitamin B7. Like other B vitamins, it plays an important role in energy metabolism (serving as a coenzyme for five carboxylase enzymes), neurotransmitter production, cellular function, and the function of various organs. Getting enough biotin can help support healthy nail and hair growth. It’s also particularly important during pregnancy, with low intakes increasing the risk of premature delivery and birth defects. There’s even some evidence biotin can benefit diabetics and reduce functional disabilities in people with multiple sclerosis. Learn more about biotin here.
King Mackerel Provides 26% DV Iodine
King mackerel is a great source of iodine, providing 26% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Iodine is a trace mineral that serves as a structural component of thyroid hormones, giving it a major role in thyroid health and function. As a result, it’s involved in regulating metabolism, reproductive function, fatty acid release, carbohydrate absorption, growth, and development. Consuming adequate amounts is particularly important during pregnancy (for preventing complications like preeclampsia, preterm delivery, miscarriage, and stillbirth) and during childhood (where it supports central nervous system development). Untreated iodine deficiency can lead to goiter and hypothyroidism. Learn more about iodine here.
King Mackerel Provides 23% DV Phosphorus
King mackerel is an excellent source of phosphorus, providing 23% of the daily value per 4-ounce serving!
Phosphorus is an essential mineral that makes up about 1% of the total weight of the human body. Along with serving an important structural role for building nucleic acids and cell membranes, phosphorus is involved in numerous biological processes—including acid-base regulation, energy production, cell signaling, and bone mineralization. Excess phosphorus has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, fractures, and osteoporosis, especially in the context of a low-calcium diet. Learn more about phosphorus here.
King Mackerel Provides 89.7 mg of Taurine
King mackerel is also a substantial source of taurine, containing 89.7 mg of taurine per 4-ounce serving!
Taurine is a non-proteinogenic amino sulfonic acid that supports neurological development, serves as a major component of bile (which helps to digest fats), and plays a role in water and mineral regulation within the blood (including through membrane stabilization and calcium signaling). Taurine also regulates the immune system and serves as an important antioxidant, and it plays a role in cardiovascular function and the development of skeletal muscle.
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How Much King Mackerel Should We Eat Per Day?
Fish are nutrient-dense sources of highly-digestible complete protein and outstanding sources of important nutrients in which we are commonly deficient. Let’s just say this seafood is “off the hook!” (Pun intended.)
Fish and shellfish are not only nutrient-dense sources of highly-digestible gut-friendly complete protein and the best food sources of the very important long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA, but they’re outstanding sources of important nutrients in which we are commonly deficient. Eating seafood reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some forms of cancer.
Fish is a great source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12 and E, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, potassium and selenium, with oily cold-water fish also providing substantial amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D. Fish with bones remaining, such as canned salmon and sardines, are the best dietary sources of calcium in the food supply. And marine fish are an excellent dietary source of iodine.
In fact, every 100 grams per day of seafood decreases all-cause mortality by 7%. And, every 20 grams per day of fish decreases cardiovascular disease mortality by 4%. Aim to eat three or more servings of seafood weekly (and up to every meal!). Learn more about seafood here.
It’s always best to mix up the foods you eat day to day (aiming for a wide variety of different fish and shellfish throughout the week), and mackerel definitely has a place at the table.
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USDA Food Central Database: Fish, mackerel, king, raw
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