Are shrimp shells or meat more nutritious?

I often feed my child whole shrimp, believing the shells are more nutritious and calcium-rich than the meat. Is this true? (Hanh, 40, Hanoi)

Many people commonly eat shrimp with the shells, thinking they are the richest source of calcium. However, this belief is not entirely accurate. While shrimp shells contain calcium, the meat is the source of nutrients that the body can absorb and utilize more effectively.

Shrimp shells contain some minerals, including calcium. However, their main component is chitin, a fiber that forms the hard layer of crustaceans. Because the digestive system struggles to break down chitin, the calcium in shrimp shells is poorly absorbed, contrary to popular belief. Moreover, shrimp shells are hard and sharp, especially in larger shrimp. If not chewed thoroughly or swallowed whole, the shells can scratch the lining of the mouth, throat, or cause discomfort in the digestive tract.

Young children, the elderly, and individuals with stomach or intestinal conditions should limit eating shrimp shells to avoid unnecessary risks.

Unlike the shells, shrimp meat contains valuable and easily absorbable nutrients. Shrimp meat is a high-quality protein source, also providing vitamin B12, selenium, iodine, zinc, phosphorus, and natural calcium. The body digests and absorbs these nutrients much more effectively than the calcium found in the shells. If the goal is to supplement calcium and improve health, eating shrimp meat combined with a balanced diet will be more effective than trying to chew or swallow the shells.

Individuals with a history of seafood allergies need to be especially careful. If symptoms such as hives, itching, lip swelling, or difficulty breathing appear after eating, discontinue consumption and seek medical attention.

In summary, both shrimp meat and shells contain calcium, but the meat is a more valuable source of nutrients and is better absorbed by the body. Therefore, instead of trying to eat the shells hoping to get more calcium, prioritize eating shrimp meat and combine it with a diverse diet to meet the body's needs for calcium and other essential nutrients.