Sliced Turkey Nutrition Information

The turkey, an animal indigenous to the Americas, was originally domesticated by the Aztecs. Sliced turkey, popular on sandwiches or served as cold cuts, is a lean source of many nutrients including protein, minerals and vitamins. Sliced turkey is usually made from the breast or white meat of the turkey and has a mild, almost sweet flavor that blends well with many foods.

Serving Size and Calories

A serving of sliced turkey is 4 oz. or four slices of meat. A 4-oz. serving of sliced turkey provides 113 calories. Sliced turkey is produced by many companies and is available in a variety of flavors such as smoked, honey, oven-roasted or cracked pepper. Sliced turkey can be purchased year round at most grocery stores.

Protein

Sliced turkey meat is a very good source of protein. Protein is necessary in the diet for growth, repair and maintenance of all tissues, cells and organs. A 4-oz. serving of sliced turkey meat has 26 g of protein. Women need 46 g of protein daily and men need 56 g, as recommended by the National Academies' Institute of Medicine. The type of protein in turkey is complete, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids your body cannot make on its own.

Fat and Cholesterol

Sliced turkey is low in fat, providing only 1 g of fat per 4-oz. serving. The Institute of Medicine recommends adults consume between 20 and 35 g of fat. Sliced turkey also has cholesterol, providing 50 mg per 4-oz. serving. Because your body is able to synthesize cholesterol on its own, there is no daily recommended amount. The Institute of Medicine does recommend limiting dietary cholesterol to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Minerals

Sliced turkey is a very good source of selenium, a mineral that functions as an antioxidant. A 4-oz. serving of sliced turkey has 26 mcg of selenium, which is 47 percent of the daily amount recommended by the Institute of Medicine. Turkey also provides zinc, a mineral necessary for immune function and wound healing. A 4-oz. serving of sliced turkey provides 19 percent of the recommended daily amount of zinc for women and 14 percent for men.

Vitamins

Turkey meat is a good source of thiamine, a B vitamin. Your body needs thiamine in the diet to metabolize fat, protein and carbohydrates. A 4-oz. serving of sliced turkey provides 0.15 mg of thiamine. The Institute of Medicine recommends men consume 1.2 mg of thiamine daily and women 1.1 mg. Another vitamin provided by turkey meat is riboflavin, which is also necessary for energy metabolism. A 4-oz. serving of sliced turkey provides 0.37 mg of riboflavin, which is 28 percent of the recommended amount for men and 34 percent for women.

Warning

Deli meats such as sliced turkey can be a source of the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause serious illness in certain people. People at risk for serious illness from Listeria include pregnant women, the elderly, infants and people with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control recommends pregnant women and other people at risk heat deli meats until steaming before consuming.