Is Shrimp High in Phosphorus for Those with Kidney Disease?

You can find healthy low-phosphorus meats that are good for your kidneys right here. Read on to learn why phosphorus in meat is important and what you should eat that is low in phosphorus.

Shrimp is a type of shellfish that is enjoyed by many. With its sweet, succulent meat and versatility to be used in a variety of dishes, it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular ingredient. However, for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), there is an important question that must be considered – is shrimp high in phosphorus?

Phosphorus is a mineral found in many foods. It plays an essential role in bone health, energy production, and more. However, as kidneys fail, phosphorus levels can build up to dangerous levels in the blood. This can cause bone disease, heart disease, and even death. Therefore, monitoring and controlling phosphorus intake is crucial for those with advanced CKD.

So where does shrimp fall when it comes to phosphorus content? Let’s take a closer look.

How Much Phosphorus is in Shrimp?

The amount of phosphorus in shrimp can vary slightly depending on the exact type and size. However, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), here are some general phosphorus levels found in 3 ounces of cooked shrimp

Pink shrimp – 120 mg
White shrimp – 144 mg
Mixed species – 161 mg

For comparison, the daily recommended phosphorus limit for those on dialysis is 800-1000 mg per day. Those with earlier stage kidney disease may be advised to limit phosphorus to 1000-1400 mg daily.

So a 3 ounce serving of shrimp contains a moderate amount of phosphorus. It certainly doesn’t fall into the “very high” category like some dairy products and beans, which can contain 300-400 mg in a serving.

How Shrimp Compares to Other Proteins

To put shrimp’s phosphorus content into perspective, let’s see how it compares to some other high protein foods:

3 ounces of chicken breast contains around 200 mg phosphorus
3 ounces of salmon contains 250 mg
3 ounces of beef contains around 210 mg
3 ounces of pork tenderloin contains 185 mg

As you can see shrimp falls right in line with other protein-rich foods. It contains a bit less phosphorus than salmon, and a bit more than lean beef or pork.

In general, all animal proteins will contain moderate amounts of phosphorus. Plant proteins like beans and lentils are actually higher in phosphorus than shrimp.

Tips for Managing Phosphorus with Shrimp

Here are some tips for enjoying shrimp while following a kidney-friendly diet:

Control portion sizes – Stick to a 3-4 ounce serving. Larger portions will increase phosphorus intake.
Balance with low phosphorus foods – Pair shrimp with veggies, rice, pasta or bread to help balance out the phosphorus.
Limit add-ons – Avoid breading or heavy sauces which can raise the phosphorus content. Opt for lighter cooking methods like grilling, sautéing or baking.
Cook from raw – Raw shrimp has less phosphorus than pre-cooked or processed shrimp found in some frozen meals.
Talk to your dietitian – Get personalized advice on how much shrimp fits into your daily phosphorus limits.

Benefits of Shrimp for Kidney Disease

While shrimp does contain phosphorus, it also provides some important benefits:

High-quality protein – Shrimp contains essential amino acids for maintaining muscle mass, which can be a challenge for those with kidney disease.
Low potassium – 3 ounces of shrimp has only about 135 mg potassium, which makes it potassium-friendly.

–Low sodium – Fresh, unprocessed shrimp is relatively low in sodium at around 50 mg per 3 ounces.

Anti-inflammatory omega-3s – Shrimp contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA.

–Low saturated fat – Shrimp provides protein and healthy fats without raising cholesterol levels.

Kidney-Friendly Ways to Eat Shrimp

Fortunately, there are many tasty ways those with kidney disease can enjoy shrimp in a phosphorus-conscious way:

Shrimp salad with lemon and dill
Shrimp tacos on corn tortillas
Garlic butter shrimp with rice and asparagus
Coconut shrimp with mango salsa
Shrimp skewers with pineapple and bell pepper
Grilled shrimp pasta with olive oil and fresh herbs
Shrimp stir fry with broccoli and carrots

With a few small tweaks, shrimp can be a delicious, kidney-friendly addition to any meal plan. Moderating portions, choosing cooking methods carefully, and pairing shrimp with fresh produce can help keep phosphorus levels in check.

For other kidney-friendly recipes and meal planning guidance, consult with a registered dietitian who specializes in kidney disease. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your lab results, medication regimen, and other factors.

The Bottom Line

A 3-4 ounce serving of shrimp contains about 120-160 mg phosphorus. This is considered a moderate amount compared to other protein sources.
Controlling portions, choosing cooking methods wisely, and balancing shrimp with low phosphorus foods can help keep phosphorus in check.
Shrimp provides high-quality protein, healthy fats, and important nutrients for those with kidney disease.
Work with your healthcare team to determine how shrimp can fit into your kidney diet and phosphorus limits.

With a bit of planning, shrimp can be enjoyed safely by many people with chronic kidney disease. By combining shrimp with the right foods and controlling portions, you can savor those tasty shrimp recipes while maintaining healthy phosphorus levels.

is shrimp high in phosphorus

How Much Protein Do I Need?

Protein needs are very different based on what stage of kidney disease you have.

In general, people who have kidney disease stages 1-3a should avoid high protein diets. If kidney disease progresses to stages 3b-5, a low protein diet is ideal. If kidney disease progresses further and dialysis is needed, you actually need a HIGH protein diet. (1)

Protein needs are also different based on your medical and nutrition history. Ask your dietitian exactly how much protein is right for you.

Why Low Phosphorus Meats Are Important

If you do eat meat and have kidney disease, it is important to choose low phosphorus meats. Meat (and most proteins) are a major source of phosphorus in our diet. A high phosphorus diet can damage your heart and bones.

Importantly, high phosphorus levels are also associated with faster progression of kidney disease and higher mortality. (6)

Eating low phosphorus meats can help keep phosphorus levels in check!

Phosphorus and kidney disease – Grocery shopping

FAQ

How much phosphorus is in shrimp?

Name	Amount	Unit
Magnesium, Mg	39	mg
Phosphorus, P	237	mg
Potassium, K	259	mg
Sodium, Na	111	mg

Which foods are high in phosphorus?

This article lists 12 foods that are particularly high in phosphorus. 1. Chicken and turkey Each 3-ounce (oz), or 85-gram (g), serving of roasted chicken or turkey contains 194–196 mg of phosphorus, which is nearly 16% of the DV.

Are fish low in phosphorus?

Your kidneys have a difficult time filtering phosphorus. Some fish, like sardines, are high in this nutrient. Fish like salmon, sea bass, and tuna tend to be lower in phosphorus. Consider this when choosing your kidney diet. It’s important to know which low phosphorus meats you can consume on this diet.

Is shrimp a good source of phosphorus & choline?

They are also a good source of phosphorus, providing 201 mg or 16% of the DV. and choline providing 69 mg or 12.5% of the DV. Shrimp also provide calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium. Shrimp are relatively low in calories, providing just 84 calories per 3-ounce serving. Shrimp is healthier than experts used to think.

Is meat a good source of phosphorus?

Meat (and most proteins) are a major source of phosphorus in our diet. A high phosphorus diet can damage your heart and bones. Importantly, high phosphorus levels are also associated with faster progression of kidney disease and higher mortality. ( 6) Eating low phosphorus meats can help keep phosphorus levels in check!