Based on NIH | Can I eat shrimp at night while taking metformin, or is there any interaction or risk I should be aware of?

You can eat shrimp at night while taking metformin. There is no known direct interaction between shrimp (or shellfish in general) and metformin, and shrimp is a lean, high‑protein food that can fit well into blood sugar–friendly meals. The key considerations with metformin are timing with food to reduce stomach side effects and avoiding excessive alcohol, rather than avoiding specific foods like shrimp. ^{[1] [2]}

Metformin and Food: What matters

• Metformin is commonly taken with meals because food slightly reduces and delays metformin absorption, which can help lessen stomach upset (nausea, diarrhea). ^[1]
• This effect is expected and does not reduce metformin’s overall benefit when taken as prescribed; taking it with dinner is acceptable. ^[3]

Alcohol, not shrimp, is the main dietary caution

• Official guidance emphasizes avoiding heavy alcohol use (binge drinking or frequent large amounts) while on metformin because alcohol can raise the risk of lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition. ^[2]
• This caution applies at any time of day, including at night; pairing shrimp with moderate, low‑sugar beverages is generally fine. ^[2]

Shellfish allergy and general safety

• If you have a known shellfish allergy, you should avoid shrimp due to the allergy itself, not because of metformin. There is no established link between shellfish allergy and metformin reactions. ^[4]
• The primary medical risks with metformin relate to kidney function and situations that predispose to lactic acidosis (such as severe illness, dehydration, or procedures with contrast dye), not particular foods. ^{[4] [5]}

Practical tips for a shrimp dinner on metformin

• Take metformin with your evening meal to help minimize stomach side effects; this is consistent with guidance that food can make metformin easier to tolerate. ^{[1] [3]}
• Build a balanced plate: shrimp with non‑starchy vegetables and whole grains can help keep blood sugar steady. This approach complements metformin’s effects. ^[1]
• Keep sodium reasonable, as some shrimp preparations are salty, and watch sauces that are high in sugar.

Summary

• Shrimp does not interact with metformin, and eating it at night is generally safe. ^[1]
• Avoid heavy alcohol while on metformin, especially at night, to reduce lactic acidosis risk. ^[2]
• Take metformin with food if you experience GI upset; this is normal and can improve tolerance. ^{[1] [3]}

If you ever undergo an X‑ray or CT scan with injected contrast dye, your clinician may advise temporarily stopping metformin for safety. ^{[4] [5]}