Why Seafood
If Food is Medicine, Seafood is Lifesaving
Seafood is one of the most nutrient-dense proteins available, providing essential nutrients that support heart health, brain development, vision, and immune function.
Federal dietary guidelines recommend eating seafood at least twice per week because it contains nutrients many Americans do not get enough of, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, iodine, and selenium. Regular seafood consumption has also been associated with improved cardiovascular health and healthy development during pregnancy and childhood. For many families, seafood is not simply another protein source — it is an important part of a healthy diet.
At the same time, seafood is often one of the least accessible foods for families experiencing food insecurity. Those struggling to feed their families face the burden of not only getting enough to eat but also accessing nutrient-rich foods. Seafood is frequently more expensive than other proteins and can be difficult for food banks to source, store, and distribute. As a result, many households that could benefit most from seafood’s nutritional value have the least access to it. Expanding access to nutritious seafood helps ensure that healthy meals are not limited only to those who can afford them.
Seafood provides nutrients linked to many important health benefits:
- Supports heart health
- Provides high-quality protein
- Contains omega-3 fatty acids important for brain and eye development
- Supplies vitamin D, a nutrient many Americans do not get enough of
- Supports healthy growth during pregnancy and childhood
- Provides important nutrients for older adults and growing children
How do the Vitamins and Minerals in Seafood Affect Your Body?
Seafood contains a wide variety of nutrients that support overall health:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) support heart, brain, and eye health
- Vitamin D helps support bone health and immune function
- Vitamin B12 supports nerve function and energy metabolism
- Selenium and iodine help support thyroid and immune health
- Protein supports muscle growth and repair
- Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, herring, tuna, and mackerel are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Seafood During Pregnancy and Early Childhood
Seafood provides nutrients that are especially important during pregnancy and early childhood, including DHA, EPA, iodine, and choline. The FDA and EPA recommend that pregnant and breastfeeding women eat a variety of low-mercury seafood as part of a healthy diet because these nutrients support brain and eye development. DHA is particularly important during the later stages of pregnancy and early childhood, when the brain and nervous system are developing rapidly.
Support Access to Nutritious and Sustainable Seafood
You can help make nutritious seafood available to families who might otherwise go without it. If you are a seafood company, consider donating seafood products.
If you are an individual or organization, financial support helps expand the reach of seafood donations and deliver more healthy meals to communities in need.