ask the dietitians

This Month’s Question

Do you have a question about shrimp and diet for Janice and Liz? Send it to contact@nfi.org. Visit the Ask the Dietitians about Shrimp Archives for past answers to questions about shrimp and diet.

Dear Janice & Liz,

Hello, I’m currently on a diabetic exchange diet. Can you please clear something up for me? How many ounces of shrimp equal a protein exchange? Is it 1 or 2 ounces? I’ve seen it both ways … I was hoping it was 2 oz=1 protein.  Means more for me!! 

Thank you,
Shannon H.

Shannon, we have seen it both ways as well. Some sources say that one ounce of shrimp equals a protein exchange and some say two ounces. We contacted a fellow registered dietitian who specializes in diabetes and she tells us that the latest (2003) American Diabetes Association exchange book lists shrimp under Very Lean Meat (7g protein, 1g fat) and that the standard serving for one exchange is one ounce. We can only surmise that because shrimp is so low in fat and calories some say that two ounces is fine. The trend in diabetes management features a greater emphasis on lifestyle changes for individuals with type 2 diabetes, and carbohydrate counting for those with type 1 diabetes.
 
We hope this information helps. Since diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease, eating at least two seafood meals per week, as recommended by the American Heart Association, is one way to lower your risk.

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