Mackerel
Serving size: 3 oz (85g)
Allergens: fish
Why Eat Mackerel?
Mackerel is one of the richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D among all fish. A single 3 oz serving can provide over 100% of daily omega-3 needs and significant vitamin B12, making it a potent fish for heart and brain health.
Mackerel contains 4.6x more vitamin b12 per serving than Wild Salmon.
At a Glance
Nutrient Fingerprint
Mackerel's top nutrients as % Daily Value (capped at 100%)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Daily Values
How It Compares
Vitamin B12 (% DV) vs similar Proteins
Source: USDA FoodData Central · FDA Daily Values
Nutrient Absorption Tips
Vitamin C dramatically increases iron absorption
Pro tip: Squeeze lemon on your lentils or pair spinach with bell peppers
Learn moreVitamin D helps your body absorb calcium
Pro tip: Salmon + leafy greens covers both synergistically
Learn moreFatty fish covers both omega-3 and vitamin D
Pro tip: Wild salmon is a two-for-one powerhouse
Learn moreFolate and B12 work together for red blood cell formation
Pro tip: Lentils (folate) + eggs (B12) make a complete pair
Learn moreMagnesium is required to activate vitamin D
Pro tip: Pumpkin seeds + salmon = activation combo
Learn moreHigh fiber can reduce zinc absorption — balance intake
Pro tip: Space high-fiber and zinc-rich meals apart if possible
Learn moreVitamin K directs calcium into bones, not arteries
Pro tip: Kale covers both — or pair leafy greens with dairy
Learn moreZinc helps transport vitamin A from the liver
Pro tip: Sweet potato + pumpkin seeds covers both nutrients
Learn moreSelenium and vitamin E work together as antioxidants
Pro tip: Brazil nuts (selenium) + almonds (vitamin E) = antioxidant duo
Learn moreVitamins D and A balance each other for immune function
Pro tip: Salmon (D) + sweet potato (A) covers both fat-soluble vitamins
Learn moreSelenium is essential for thyroid hormone conversion alongside iodine
Pro tip: Seaweed (iodine) + Brazil nuts (selenium) = thyroid support
Learn moreCopper is essential for iron metabolism and red blood cell formation
Pro tip: Liver and shellfish provide both — or pair cashews with lentils
Learn morePhosphorus and calcium work together for bone mineralization
Pro tip: Dairy naturally provides both in ideal ratios
Learn moreHigh zinc intake can reduce copper absorption — balance both
Pro tip: Vary your protein sources between shellfish, nuts, and seeds
Learn moreB6, B12, and folate drive the methylation cycle for DNA repair and homocysteine clearance
Pro tip: Salmon covers B6 and B12 — add lentils for folate to complete the trio
Learn moreLeucine triggers muscle protein synthesis — pair with complete protein for full effect
Pro tip: Chicken breast or eggs provide both protein and leucine together
Learn moreNutrient Profile
Showing all tracked nutrients in Mackerel per serving (3 oz (85g)), grouped by category.
16 mcg per serving
46 mcg per serving
1023 mg per serving
Some nutrients (iodine, omega-3 from plant sources) have limited USDA data and may not appear above even if present in this food.
How to Eat Mackerel
Storage & Selection Tips
How to Select
Fresh mackerel should have bright, clear eyes and firm flesh. Canned mackerel is an affordable, accessible alternative. Choose Atlantic or Pacific mackerel (avoid king mackerel due to mercury).
How to Store
Fresh mackerel is very perishable—store on ice in the refrigerator and cook within 1-2 days. Canned mackerel stores in the pantry.
Shelf Life
Fresh mackerel lasts 1-2 days refrigerated. Canned mackerel keeps 3-5 years unopened.
Practicality Ratings
How easy to prepare and use
How easy to find in stores
How many meal types it fits
Frequently Asked Questions
Mackerel Appears in These Nutrient Guides
Magnesium
20% DV per serving
Iron
7% DV per serving
Omega-3
64% DV per serving
Calcium
1% DV per serving
Zinc
7% DV per serving
Vitamin B12
667% DV per serving
Potassium
7% DV per serving
Vitamin A
5% DV per serving
Selenium
80% DV per serving
Phosphorus
19% DV per serving
Copper
11% DV per serving
Thiamin (Vitamin B1)
8% DV per serving
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
31% DV per serving
Niacin (Vitamin B3)
36% DV per serving
Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5)
16% DV per serving
Vitamin B6
24% DV per serving
Protein
40% DV per serving
Sodium
3% DV per serving
Leucine
59% DV per serving
Isoleucine
64% DV per serving
Valine
55% DV per serving
Tryptophan
81% DV per serving
Lysine
90% DV per serving
Similar Foods (Proteins)
Compare Mackerel
See how Mackerel stacks up against another food, nutrient by nutrient.
Mackerel Supports These Goals
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Try the Supplement Replacer ToolDisclaimer: Nutrient values are approximate and based on USDA FoodData Central. Actual values may vary by source, preparation method, and brand. Not medical advice.