What's in shellfish

Molecules in it 7

• CopperCu

  On MoleculeFinder's curated shellfish list from source

  The first metal people smelted, and the reason electricity is affordable to move. It is also a trace nutrient and a surface that kills bacteria on contact. Element 29.

  As a pure substance: LD50 3.5 mg/kg (mouse, other) from source

• ZincZn

  On MoleculeFinder's curated shellfish list from source

  The metal that galvanises steel against rust, and a trace nutrient the body needs for hundreds of enzymes and for wound healing. Element 30.

  As a pure substance: LD50 630 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• TaurineC2H7NO3S

  On MoleculeFinder's curated shellfish list from source

  An amino sulfonic acid abundant in the heart and retina, and the ingredient energy drinks put on the front of the can.

  As a pure substance: LD50 7,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• Vitamin B12C63H88CoN14O14P

  On MoleculeFinder's curated shellfish list from source

  Cobalamin, the only vitamin built around a cobalt atom. It comes almost entirely from animal foods, which is why it is the vitamin vegans watch.

• IodineI2

  On MoleculeFinder's curated shellfish list from source

  The purple-vapour halogen the thyroid cannot work without, and the brown antiseptic tincture in a first aid kit.

  As a pure substance: LD50 14,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) from source

• GlycineC2H5NO2

  On MoleculeFinder's curated shellfish list from source

  The simplest amino acid, a building block of protein and collagen that also acts as a calming signal in the nervous system.

• CholesterolC27H46O

  On MoleculeFinder's curated shellfish list from source

  The waxy sterol every animal cell membrane is stiffened with, and the starting material your body builds vitamin D and the sex hormones from.