Littleneck Clams Nutrition

Littleneck clams are the smallest of clams, and usually are the most sought after, according to the website SeafoodHealthFacts.org 1. Littleneck clams are grown on the Pacific coast, and like other clams, they are low in fat and are a good source of protein. Knowing the nutrition facts for littleneck clams can help you learn how they fit into your healthy diet.

Low-Calorie Choice

If you're watching your caloric intake, littleneck clams make a good choice, with 130 calories in a 3-ounce, cooked portion. By comparison, the same portion of cooked white meat chicken contains 140 calories. Most Americans already eat more calories than they need, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and finding ways to cut calories here and there can help you get to or maintain a healthier weight.

High-Quality Protein

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With 22 grams of protein in a 3-ounce portion, littleneck clams are a good source of protein. Protein needs vary, depending on age and gender, but most women need 46 grams of protein a day, and men need 56 grams a day. One serving meets 40 percent or more of your daily protein needs. Additionally, as an animal source of protein, littleneck clams contain all of the essential amino acids, which means that they are a high-quality source of protein.

Low in Fat

Littleneck clams are also very low in fat; in fact, they are lower in fat than white-meat chicken and contain no saturated fat. A 3-ounce portion of the cooked clams contains just 2 grams of total fat. Consuming an excessive amount of fat and saturated fat increases your risk of heart disease, says the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans 3. To reduce your risk, limit your intake of total fat to 20 to 35 percent of calories, and your total intake of saturated fat to less than 10 percent of calories. Littleneck clams can help you limit your total fat and saturated fat intake.

Sodium and Potassium

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Littleneck clams are a natural source of sodium, but they also provide potassium. A 3-ounce portion contains 95 milligrams of sodium and 530 milligrams of potassium. A high intake of sodium increases blood pressure, and you should limit your daily intake to less than 2,300 milligrams, or less than 1,500 milligrams, if you already have high blood pressure. Potassium in food, however, decreases the effects of sodium on blood pressure, says the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. You should aim for 4,700 milligrams of potassium a day.

Vitamins and Minerals

Littleneck clams are a good source of vitamins A and C, and also of iron, with 10, 30 and 130 percent of the daily value, respectively, in a 3-ounce portion. The clams can also help you meet your daily calcium needs. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for eye sight and immune health. Water-soluble vitamin C improves your body's ability to fight off infection, and also assists with the healing of cuts. Iron carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body, and not getting enough in your diet can lead to anemia.