Calories in Lobster
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Raw · Data verified by CaloriesCalc
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Raw · Data verified by CaloriesCalc
* % Daily Value based on a 2,000 kcal diet.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 1.27mg | 141% | |
| Selenium | 48.4µg | 88% | |
| Zinc | 5.4mg | 49% | |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.40µg | 58% | |
| Phosphorus | 271mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 352mg | 7% | |
| Magnesium | 37mg | 9% | |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.0mg | 13% | |
| Vitamin E | 1.0mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 0.29mg | 2% |
| Weight | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|
Very lean shellfish at 0.86g fat per 100g. Low omega-3 (0.07g/100g) — not a significant source. High in copper and selenium. Typically eaten with butter which dramatically increases calories. The 1.15g carbs comes from glycogen naturally present in shellfish.
Lobster provides 1.27mg of copper per 100g — 141% of the daily value and one of the most concentrated food sources of copper available (alongside liver and oysters). Copper is essential for iron metabolism (required to incorporate iron into haemoglobin), antioxidant defence via superoxide dismutase, nerve myelin synthesis, and collagen formation. Copper deficiency can cause anaemia despite adequate iron, cardiovascular problems, and neurological issues.
Lobster provides 48.4µg of selenium per 100g — 88% of the daily value. Selenium is essential for glutathione peroxidase (the primary antioxidant enzyme), thyroid hormone metabolism (converting T4 to active T3), and DNA synthesis. Regular lobster consumption effectively maintains selenium status, particularly in areas where soil selenium is low.
Despite its premium price and reputation, lobster is nutritionally one of the leanest shellfish available at only 0.86g fat per 100g. The luxury status is culturally and historically constructed — nutritionally, lobster is comparable to shrimp (another lean shellfish) at similar calories and protein. The difference is preparation: lobster is traditionally served with clarified butter, which adds 100+ kcal per tablespoon.
A 100g serving of lobster provides 5.4mg of zinc — 49% of the daily value. Zinc is essential for immune cell function, wound healing, protein synthesis, and testosterone production. Regular shellfish consumption (lobster, crab, oysters) is one of the most effective strategies for maintaining adequate zinc status.
Nutrition values from USDA FoodData Central. Not medical advice.