Smoked Salmon Nutritional Information

Smoked salmon contains numerous beneficial nutrients that are important for bone health as well as cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention. Most smoked salmon is smoked at a low temperature giving it a similar texture to raw salmon. Smoked salmon is an especially good source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, choline and vitamin B12. Eat smoked salmon with crackers, in sandwiches and salads or added to an omelet.

Calories, Protein and Fat Content

According to the USDA Food and Nutrient Database, a 3 oz. serving of smoked salmon contains 99 calories, 15.5 g of protein and 4 g of fat. Smoked salmon does not contain any carbohydrate.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

According to the Center for Science Public Interest, the most beneficial types of omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA. EPA and DHA are found in smoked salmon in varying amounts from 900 to 1,800 mg of combined EPA and DHA per 3 oz. serving.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with increased risk for osteoporosis and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis. Furthermore, higher blood levels of vitamin D have been associated with decreased risk for colorectal and breast cancers, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. It's important to note that good food sources of vitamin D are limited, but smoked salmon is an excellent source. According to the USDA Food and Nutrient Database, a 3 oz. serving of smoked salmon contains 582 International Units of vitamin D which exceeds the current daily adequate intake established at 200 IU.

Choline

Choline has a variety of functions in the body and according to the Linus Pauling Institute, research indicates it may play a role in the prevention of neural tube defects. Furthermore, choline may also play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease by keeping homocysteine levels within normal range. The adequate intake for choline is 550 mg/day for men and 425 mg/day for women over age 18. One 3 oz. serving of salmon contains 56 mg of choline.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is found only in animal products and is necessary in adequate amounts to prevent anemia and help to keep homocysteine levels within normal range, according to Gropper's "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism." One 3 oz. serving of smoked salmon contains 2.8 mcg of vitamin B12 and the Recommended Dietary Allowance, or RDA, is 2.4mcg for adults over age 18.