
Is Tuna Inflammatory?
Tuna has an inflammation score of 2/10, making it anti-inflammatory. This food actively helps reduce inflammation in your body.
Why Is Tuna Anti-Inflammatory?
Tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are potent anti-inflammatory compounds. It is also rich in selenium, vitamin D, and high-quality protein.
Key Anti-Inflammatory Properties
- Very high in omega-3 fatty acids
- Excellent source of selenium
- Rich in vitamin D
- High-quality lean protein
Things to Watch Out For
- Can contain mercury, especially larger species
- Canned tuna may have BPA from lining
- Limit consumption to avoid mercury buildup
Key Nutrients in Tuna
Tuna contains several notable nutrients that influence its inflammatory profile:
Serving Recommendation
Recommended Serving Size
3-5 oz
Tips
Choose skipjack or chunk light tuna for lower mercury. Limit albacore to 2 servings per week.
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Understanding how tuna affects inflammation is important for anyone following an anti-inflammatory diet. With an inflammation score of 2 out of 10, tuna is classified as anti-inflammatory in the Flammy food database.
Including tuna as part of a balanced anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce chronic inflammation, which is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and certain cancers. The anti-inflammatory compounds in tuna work by reducing inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The inflammation score is based on a comprehensive analysis of the food's nutritional profile, including its fatty acid composition, glycemic impact, antioxidant content, and the presence of pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory compounds. Scores range from 1 (most anti-inflammatory) to 10 (most inflammatory).

