Not everyone knows what the krill oil is. But even fewer people know about how useful this simple food supplement for human health is.
So, What Is Krill Oil?
Krill is the collective name of small nektonic crustaceans, reaching commercial size from 10 to 65 mm and forming clusters in the surface layers of marine and ocean waters. They live in the high and temperate latitudes of both hemispheres of the earth. This representative of the zooplankton is similar to the small shrimp in appearance, his body is composed of the abdomen and cephalothorax, with abdominal and thoracic pairs of limbs (pleopods and torakopods).
This pink shrimp during the period of active feeding and growth has a green color of cephalothorax. It’s base has legs with bundles of gills which ensure saturation of blood with dissolved in the water oxygen.
Extraction of krill in small quantities started in the XIX century, but the commercial importance in industrial amounts was purchased in the second half of the twentieth century, especially related to the Antarctic species, inhabiting the coasts of Japan and the USSR. In the 80’s of last century trawl catch of not specified krill was 500 thousand tons annually, and its stock equaled to four hundred million tons, which exceeded the global amount of fish caught by several times. Currently, the crustacean fishery decreased five-fold in response to the need to distinguish the species composition to obtain a license. Speaking about the krill, we mean now exceptionally Euphausiids, though often many other species are caught in the net: amphipods, hyperiids, previously included in the concept of “krill”. There are also geographically isolated species: the Pacific and the Norwegian krill.
Amazing health benefits of Krill oil supplements and Omega-3
Krill Oil (KO) is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which lower triglyceride levels, slow the stockpiling of plaque in the arteries, reducing blood pressure, inhibits the growth of cancer cells in the gut, also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke and dying. In fact, the Commission on Food and Drug Administration stated that “consumption of EPA/DHA and other Omega-3 fatty acids may prevent the risk of coronary heart illness”.
Great interest in omega-3 fatty acids appeared in the early 80s, when Danish scientists J. Dyerberg and H. Bang found that the inhabitants of Greenland have extremely low levels of cardiovascular disease, due, most likely, drinking large amounts of seafood, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers found that blood plasma of Greenland inhabitants, compared to the Danes, has a higher concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) acids and less content of linoleic and arachidonic acids. These data confirmed by the results of epidemiological surveys in coastal areas of Japan, the Netherlands and other countries. Later It emerged that the omega-3 fatty acids, along with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, improve blood circulation, reduce blood cholesterol levels, and also protect the skin from ultraviolet rays, so slow down photoaging. Krill oil is very useful for kids, especially for those, who have autism or aspergers symptoms. However, not all omega-3 oils are equally useful.
Krill Oil in scientific magazine
According to U.S. magazine, «Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition», fish oil, which is still considered very useful, yield to Neptune krill oil. Studies have shown that KO slows the production of fat in the liver much more effective than fish oil.
Currently, there are a lot of foods containing polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 class in web and other markets. But only omega-3 from the Antarctic krill in the phospholipid compounds form with potent natural antioxidant astaxanthin shows so pronounced and obvious scientifically proven results.
Videos about Krill Oil
Here is an interesting and informative video about the benefits of Krill oil, which clearly demonstrates why fish oil can be dangerous under current conditions, and why it is better to use krill oil supplements:
Beneficial properties are proven by many famous experts. One of them is Dr. Joseph Mercola, which tells about the preference of krill oil in the following video:
Why krill oil is better than fish oil
Krill is a tiny crustacean, found in the northern seas. Krill oil doesn’t have any serious side effects, it contains in its structure a unique combination of natural phospholipids, EPA, DHA (omega 3), powerful antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, astaxanthin and omega-9 (oleic acid) fatty acids. KO have a perfect ratio of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which is approximately 15/1. KO also contains flavonoids and carotenoids, and its antioxidant capacity is 500 times more than in vitamin E. And Phospholipids are the basis of the cell membranes of whole human body, they maintain stability and normal functioning.
You should know, that KO is 40% composed of phospholipids, while some kinds of fish do not contain phospholipids at all.
In addition, useful acids from fish oil are polyunsaturated, therefore they can easily be oxidized. Vitamin E, which is present in krill oil supplements, has antioxidant properties. It helps to prevent the prooxidant effect of valuable acids. Also vitamin E has many useful features by itself.
KO with high content of phospholipids and omega-3 fatty acids provides the brain cells unique combination of structural components, which can not be obtained from other marine life forms. Phospholipids consist of a glycerol molecule, two long-chain of fatty acids and phospholipid group (usually phosphatidylcholine). Krill phospholipids structure helps to protect omega-3 fatty acids in the complex process of digestion, because other phospholipids, coming with food, are usually destroyed without any benefit. Thus, krill phospholipids with omega-3 acids enter the bloodstream in an unmodified form. Than they are digested by the cells of the brain, including in the composition of their cell membranes, as well as taking part in the process of nerve impulses transmission and prostaglandin synthesis.
Is there any Risks and Dangers?
And what about the risks and dangers of using Krill Oil? Many professionals and pharmacists say that it is absolutely harmless. Their argument is that the KO – absolutely pure natural product, extracted from ecologically clean area. Indeed, krill dwell in the Antarctic region, which is isolated from other ocean by water stream. And Krill Oil, in fact, is the best of the presently known sources of omega 3 fatty acids. But do not forget about allergic reactions, compatibility with other drugs and overdose. It’s also very important to store this product properly – at room temperature, but not refrigerated. Otherwise, phospholipid compounds may lose their effectiveness.
Dosage Table of Krill Oil
| For whom | dosage | frequency |
| Kids (age: 1-5 years) | 500mg | Every day |
| Kids (5-10 y.o.) | 1000mg | Every day |
| Kids (10 and older) | 1000-1500mg | Every day |
| Cats and Dogs (huskies/malamutes) | 1000mg (1capsule per 20lbs) | Every day |
| Arthritis patients | 300mg | Every day (during 7-14 days) |
| High Cholesterol and Triglycerides patients | 1-3 grams (depends on body mass) | Every day |
| Menstrual Problems patients | 2 grams | Every day (for 1 month) |
Recent articles:
• Is Krill Oil really better that Fish Oil? – Or maybe all of its beneficial properties are only a fantasy of advertising campaign of krill oil producers? We’re trying to find out the truth
• What is Krill and why is it so useful – Medical characteristics of krill, as a medicinal product, have been known for many years in Eastern countries, Taiwan and Japan, and countries in Europe…
• Krill Oil for Kids – Experts at the University of Wyoming reported that consumption of just 1-1.5 grams of Omega 3 supplements per day markedly easier breathing and other symptoms in asthmatics…
• Krill Oil For Pregnant – Lack of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy can cause the development of many malformations (heart defects, nervous system, internal organs and limbs), and even abortion…
Useful links:
- Krill Oil on Wikipedia
Side Effects
Just like any other seafood supplement, krill oil may cause different allergic reactions. And people with predisposition to different types of allergies should be aware of it. according to different reports, the consumption of this supplement may cause skin rash, bloating, irritation, itching, vomiting, nausea, difficulty breathing and swallowing, abdominal pain and discomfort, lightheadedness, diarrhea, dizziness, face and body swelling etc.
Recent researches have shown one more possible adverse effect of this additive – its ability to eliminate the positive healing action of some medications (for example, thyroid and blood-thinning pills), which might eventually lead to toxicity. That’s why, if you consume any other medications, you must necessarily inform your doctor about that before taking this supplement.
Different krill oil based additives have various quality and ingredients, which may potentially affect the development of unpredictable side effects. And if this product is not pure enough, then it may lead to different health problems, such as indigestion, diarrhea, bad breath, loose motions etc. Anyway, in most of the cases, the intensity of these effects depends on the patient’s health conditions as well as the amount and quality of the product.
Best Krill Oil Supplements
| Brand | Description | Average price | Where to buy |
Mega Red Omega3 Krill Oil |
Powerful supplement for cardiovascular health. Made of 100% Pure Antartic Krill. Each pill contains daily dosage of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA). It has a phospholipid form. | $16-32/300mg | ShiffMarketplaceAmazon.com |
Now Foods Neptune Krill Oil |
One of the best and well-known krill oil food additives.
It doesn’t contain starch, sugar, salt, corn, yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, egg or any other preservatives.
|
$10-34/500mg (60 softgels) | NuvaLife.com (best price!)VitaminLife.comSwansonHealthAmazon.com |
Source Naturals NKO Neptune Krill Oil |
Beneficial supplement for both men and women. It supports relief of PMS symptoms. Source Naturals make this product with pure krill oil extracted from Antarctic krill. This additive contains healthy omega 3 unsaturated acids. Neptune Krill Oil has many cell membrane building blocks, they are unsaturated phospholipids co-functionalized with fatty acids – EPA and DHA. | $36-43/1000mg (60 softgels) | Better Health International (best price!)Natural Healthy Concept |
Dr. Mercola’s Krill Oil |
Product, promoted by one of the most popular in the internet nutritionist – Doctor Joseph Mercola. Dr. Mercola declares two simple factors for health improvement: increasing intake of antioxidants and increasing intake of omega-3 oils. And his krill oil is one of the best sources of them both. | $25-32 / 500mg (60 capliques) | Vitamin Shoppe (best price!)Swanson Health |
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