Krill Oil
By : Marshall Sontaq
Recently, there has been a great deal of speculation that krill oil is a better source of Omega 3 than fish oil. Supporters of this claim say that this is due to three additional benefits from krill oil that you cannot get from fish oil. But do these claims live up to the hype? Or is it pure marketing?
Krill oil is an omega 3 supplement that has been extracted from krill. Krill are small crustaceans, very shrimp-like in nature, present in most oceans around the world. They form an important part of the food chain, as they feed on zooplankton and other small organisms, and in turn are consumed by larger organisms. They are mostly consumed by seals, penguins and whales who take them in by the thousands. Also, krill is consumed by the Japanese and Russians as part of their diet.
The first claimed benefit of krill oil over fish oil is the fact that the omega 3 fatty acids are attached to phospholipids. The main benefit that phospholipids bring to the table is enhanced mental function. Having enough phospholipids lining your brain cells helps them communicate with each other better, leading to better memory and learning. However, there is not any scientific evidence available to show that having your omega 3s attached to phospholipids will be more beneficial to your health. Furthermore, you can get plenty of phospholipids in your diet by eating egg yolk, soybeans, grains, wheat germ, legumes, fish, yeast-containing products and peanuts, to name a few sources. Furthermore, you could always just take a separate supplement for your phospholipids needs.
Another reason the supporters of krill oil give to its superiority is a supposedly-powerful antioxidant found in krill called astaxanthin. No one is going to argue that antioxidants aren't good for health, but astaxanthin has not been proven to be any better than the other antioxidants out there. You can't say that krill oil is better than fish oil simply because of the presence of astaxanthin when the antioxidants we consume for a variety of other sources are just as potent or moreso. It seems like this is a very contrived marketing ploy; just because a product has something extra, does not mean it is any better.
The third claim is that krill are free from contamination. This is a very serious claim, because fish contamination is a very dangerous thing, and has been rampant due to all the pollution happening all over the planet. However, studies have proven that krill are just as likely to be contaminated as fish. Research has shown that Antarctic krill are commonly contaminated by organochlorine pesticides which are absorbed by the krill and passed on into the food chain. However, since the producers of krill oil do not believe this (or do not care), they avoid the added cost of checking their products for contaminants, making it an extremely risky choice for omega-3 supplementation. This claim is not only wrong, it is actually extremely irresponsible, as it puts people at a high risk to consume toxic pollutants.
After extensive researching, I was not able to find any concrete proof to support these three supposed "benefits" that krill oil has over fish oil. Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that while thousands of clinical research studies have been conducted on fish oil, only a small handful have been done with krill oil.
A search for "krill oil" in Google yields many results that smell an awful lot like false advertising by unscrupulous internet marketing pros who are making a ton of money on the stuff. I guess krill oil has become the new snake oil!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marshall_Sontag
Krill oil is an excellent source of omega-3.Krill oil is produced from krill,tiny creatures that live in the icy cold. In the recent years, the krill oil health benefits have been publicised and studies have also been carried out.
Krill Oil Verses Fish Oil As a Source of Omega 3 - Which is Better
Krill Oil
By : Mitch T
Which comes out on top when you put Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil in a battle to be your main source of Omega-3? It turns out that krill oil is the winner. Here is why: Before we get into why krill-oil is a better choice as your main source of omega-3 lets go over why omega-3 is so important for your health. Omega-3 has been shown to be beneficial in the following areas:
* Support for concentration, memory and learning
* Blood sugar health
* Healthy joints, with an increase in joint comfort
* Fighting signs of aging
* Protection for cell membranes
* Cholesterol and other blood lipid health
* Healthy liver function
* Relief of normal PMS symptoms
* Bolstering your immune system
* Healthy mood support
* Optimal skin health
Krill-oil is made from krill which are a small shrimp-like crustacean that lives in cold oceans around the world. They are eaten by baleen whales, manta rays, whale sharks, seals, and a few seabird species. Although they are small, krill make up the worlds largest biomass on the planet. They are low on the food chain and don't absorb the mercury, radiation, heavy metals, and other toxins like fish do.
In my opinion the most important advantage to using krill-oil over fish-oil as a source of omega-3 is that the krill oil does not contain mercury like many fish oils do. Krill oil is also more absorbable for us because the omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) are found in a double chain phospholipid structure in krill oil as opposed to the triglyceride form in fish oil. Fats in human cells are in the phospholipid form, so the krill oil is a better option as your source of omega-3 fatty acids. Krill-oil also contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D and canthaxanthin, which is a potent anti-oxidant. Krill-oil has been found to be about 48 times more potent than fish oil as an anti-oxidant.
Many people don't like taking fish oil because it causes a nasty fishy aftertaste and can cause reflux, krill oil does not leave the gross aftertaste and has never caused me to have reflux or heartburn after taking it. Another reason you should choose krill oil is because krill are a renewable source for omega-3. They are the largest biomass in the ocean and there is simply no risk of over-harvesting krill like there is with fish. The krill-oil also has a far longer shelf life than fish oil, lasting up to 2 years at room temperature before going rancid.
The battle is over, the score cards are in, and Krill-Oil is the winner by unanimous decision.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_T
By : Mitch T
Which comes out on top when you put Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil in a battle to be your main source of Omega-3? It turns out that krill oil is the winner. Here is why: Before we get into why krill-oil is a better choice as your main source of omega-3 lets go over why omega-3 is so important for your health. Omega-3 has been shown to be beneficial in the following areas:
* Support for concentration, memory and learning
* Blood sugar health
* Healthy joints, with an increase in joint comfort
* Fighting signs of aging
* Protection for cell membranes
* Cholesterol and other blood lipid health
* Healthy liver function
* Relief of normal PMS symptoms
* Bolstering your immune system
* Healthy mood support
* Optimal skin health
Krill-oil is made from krill which are a small shrimp-like crustacean that lives in cold oceans around the world. They are eaten by baleen whales, manta rays, whale sharks, seals, and a few seabird species. Although they are small, krill make up the worlds largest biomass on the planet. They are low on the food chain and don't absorb the mercury, radiation, heavy metals, and other toxins like fish do.
In my opinion the most important advantage to using krill-oil over fish-oil as a source of omega-3 is that the krill oil does not contain mercury like many fish oils do. Krill oil is also more absorbable for us because the omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) are found in a double chain phospholipid structure in krill oil as opposed to the triglyceride form in fish oil. Fats in human cells are in the phospholipid form, so the krill oil is a better option as your source of omega-3 fatty acids. Krill-oil also contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D and canthaxanthin, which is a potent anti-oxidant. Krill-oil has been found to be about 48 times more potent than fish oil as an anti-oxidant.
Many people don't like taking fish oil because it causes a nasty fishy aftertaste and can cause reflux, krill oil does not leave the gross aftertaste and has never caused me to have reflux or heartburn after taking it. Another reason you should choose krill oil is because krill are a renewable source for omega-3. They are the largest biomass in the ocean and there is simply no risk of over-harvesting krill like there is with fish. The krill-oil also has a far longer shelf life than fish oil, lasting up to 2 years at room temperature before going rancid.
The battle is over, the score cards are in, and Krill-Oil is the winner by unanimous decision.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mitch_T
Krill Oil - Antarctic Pure Krill Oil
Krill Oil
By : Steve Bruner
Antarctic Pure Krill Oil - The Ultimate Omega-3
One of the most common health food buzzwords these days is "omega-3 fatty acids." Eggs, fish oils, and flax seeds have all been seen as good omega-3 foods, but the ultimate omega-3 source is likely something you have not heard of: Antarctic Pure Krill Oil. With the highest concentration of omega-3 oils and the highest absorption rate in the world, krill oil is unlike anything else. If you are interested in staying healthy and making sure you have enough omega-3s.
What Are Omega-3s?
With all the hype about omega-3 fatty acids, it is likely that nobody ever explained what omega-3s really are or why they are so important. In general, most fatty acids are used by the body to store energy. These are known as triglycerides, and they are extremely useful. However, what most people do not know is that there is another type of fatty acid, known as phospholipids, and these serve a number of purposes. They include:
* Building the structures of cells and organelles like mitochondria
* Helping transport molecules through cell membranes
* Moving proteins where they need to go within the cell
In other words, the functioning of the cells in the body would not happen without phospholipids.
Omega-3s can be found in phospholipid and triglyceride forms. What is special about Omega-3 is that it is a polyunsaturated fat which can be easily converted into energy or other structural needs. In addition, Omega-3s cannot be synthesized by the human body - you need to include them in your diet.
Many studies have been done on the health benefits of omega-3s, notably on EPA and DHA, found in fish. The Inuit peoples, who live in the Arctic and whose diets contain a lot of omega-3-rich fish, almost never suffer from heart disease. This has led to the startling discovery that omega-3 fatty acids lower bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce heart arrhythmias, and improve blood flow. In addition, omega-3s have been shown to have a number of other benefits.
BENEFITS:
* Preventing age-related blindness due to macular degeneration
* Improving immune functions
* Reducing arthritic pain and maintaining healthy joints
* Potentially neutralizing neurotoxins that often lead to brain diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
* Increasing energy
* Balancing blood sugar levels
* Maintaining a healthy liver
* Relieving normal PMS symptoms
* Helping your skin stay healthy
A list like this may seem unbelievable, but keep in mind that omega-3s are a) necessary for our body's most foundational cellular processes and b) completely dependent on diet. If you do not eat healthily enough or take the right supplements, you suffer the consequences. It is important to note that most of these health benefits come from the phospholipid forms rather than the triglyceride forms of omega-3.
Why Antarctic Pure Krill Oil?
* Omega-3s such as DHA and EPA in krill oil are bound to phospholipids instead of triglycerides
* Krill is caught in the pristine, unpolluted Antarctic Circle
* Higher concentration of omega-3s than any other fish oil
* Contains potent quantities of the antioxidant Astaxanthin
Unlike many of the other omega-3 products on the market, Antarctic Pure Krill Oil contains omega-3 in its phospholipid form, rather than the triglyceride. This means that the omega-3s in krill oil are not only highly-concentrated, they are also highly effective! The body is also more able to absorb phospholipids than triglycerides. In comparison to most fish oils (which contain triglyceride omega-3s), for which only about 65% of the omega-3 fatty acids are absorbed by the body, Antarctic Purest Krill Oil has a 95% absorption rate.
The reason krill oil is such a concentrated source of omega-3s lies in its position at the bottom of the food chain. Omega-3s are originally found in plankton, tiny ocean-borne microorganisms. Krill eat the plankton, then small fish eat the krill, then larger fish eat the smaller fish. Because the krill is closest to the plankton in the food chain, it has the highest concentration of usable omega-3s. In addition, krill are harvested from the pristine waters of the Antarctic, ensuring their purity. Our Antarctic Purest Krill Oil maintains food-grade quality from harvesting to finished product, unlike many other fish oils.
In addition to being the best source for omega 3s in the world, krill also contains high levels of the antioxidant Astaxanthin. As a strong antioxidant, Astanxanthin fights cancer-causing free radicals in the body, as well as:
* Protects cell and organelle membranes from oxidative stress
* Enhances eye health
* Improves memory
* Helps keep blood sugar levels balanced
Clearly, Antarctic Purest Krill Oil is the next step up from standard fish oils. With so many omega-3 benefits, a lot of added pluses in the form of Astaxanthin, and very few recorded side effects, krill oil is the future of omega-3 supplements. Available in pill form, Antarctic Purest Krill Oil offers a well-balanced, efficient approach to heart health, and benefits many other systems in your body as well. Try it out today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Bruner
By : Steve Bruner
Antarctic Pure Krill Oil - The Ultimate Omega-3
One of the most common health food buzzwords these days is "omega-3 fatty acids." Eggs, fish oils, and flax seeds have all been seen as good omega-3 foods, but the ultimate omega-3 source is likely something you have not heard of: Antarctic Pure Krill Oil. With the highest concentration of omega-3 oils and the highest absorption rate in the world, krill oil is unlike anything else. If you are interested in staying healthy and making sure you have enough omega-3s.
What Are Omega-3s?
With all the hype about omega-3 fatty acids, it is likely that nobody ever explained what omega-3s really are or why they are so important. In general, most fatty acids are used by the body to store energy. These are known as triglycerides, and they are extremely useful. However, what most people do not know is that there is another type of fatty acid, known as phospholipids, and these serve a number of purposes. They include:
* Building the structures of cells and organelles like mitochondria
* Helping transport molecules through cell membranes
* Moving proteins where they need to go within the cell
In other words, the functioning of the cells in the body would not happen without phospholipids.
Omega-3s can be found in phospholipid and triglyceride forms. What is special about Omega-3 is that it is a polyunsaturated fat which can be easily converted into energy or other structural needs. In addition, Omega-3s cannot be synthesized by the human body - you need to include them in your diet.
Many studies have been done on the health benefits of omega-3s, notably on EPA and DHA, found in fish. The Inuit peoples, who live in the Arctic and whose diets contain a lot of omega-3-rich fish, almost never suffer from heart disease. This has led to the startling discovery that omega-3 fatty acids lower bad cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduce heart arrhythmias, and improve blood flow. In addition, omega-3s have been shown to have a number of other benefits.
BENEFITS:
* Preventing age-related blindness due to macular degeneration
* Improving immune functions
* Reducing arthritic pain and maintaining healthy joints
* Potentially neutralizing neurotoxins that often lead to brain diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
* Increasing energy
* Balancing blood sugar levels
* Maintaining a healthy liver
* Relieving normal PMS symptoms
* Helping your skin stay healthy
A list like this may seem unbelievable, but keep in mind that omega-3s are a) necessary for our body's most foundational cellular processes and b) completely dependent on diet. If you do not eat healthily enough or take the right supplements, you suffer the consequences. It is important to note that most of these health benefits come from the phospholipid forms rather than the triglyceride forms of omega-3.
Why Antarctic Pure Krill Oil?
* Omega-3s such as DHA and EPA in krill oil are bound to phospholipids instead of triglycerides
* Krill is caught in the pristine, unpolluted Antarctic Circle
* Higher concentration of omega-3s than any other fish oil
* Contains potent quantities of the antioxidant Astaxanthin
Unlike many of the other omega-3 products on the market, Antarctic Pure Krill Oil contains omega-3 in its phospholipid form, rather than the triglyceride. This means that the omega-3s in krill oil are not only highly-concentrated, they are also highly effective! The body is also more able to absorb phospholipids than triglycerides. In comparison to most fish oils (which contain triglyceride omega-3s), for which only about 65% of the omega-3 fatty acids are absorbed by the body, Antarctic Purest Krill Oil has a 95% absorption rate.
The reason krill oil is such a concentrated source of omega-3s lies in its position at the bottom of the food chain. Omega-3s are originally found in plankton, tiny ocean-borne microorganisms. Krill eat the plankton, then small fish eat the krill, then larger fish eat the smaller fish. Because the krill is closest to the plankton in the food chain, it has the highest concentration of usable omega-3s. In addition, krill are harvested from the pristine waters of the Antarctic, ensuring their purity. Our Antarctic Purest Krill Oil maintains food-grade quality from harvesting to finished product, unlike many other fish oils.
In addition to being the best source for omega 3s in the world, krill also contains high levels of the antioxidant Astaxanthin. As a strong antioxidant, Astanxanthin fights cancer-causing free radicals in the body, as well as:
* Protects cell and organelle membranes from oxidative stress
* Enhances eye health
* Improves memory
* Helps keep blood sugar levels balanced
Clearly, Antarctic Purest Krill Oil is the next step up from standard fish oils. With so many omega-3 benefits, a lot of added pluses in the form of Astaxanthin, and very few recorded side effects, krill oil is the future of omega-3 supplements. Available in pill form, Antarctic Purest Krill Oil offers a well-balanced, efficient approach to heart health, and benefits many other systems in your body as well. Try it out today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Bruner
Krill Oil Vs Fish Oil - Which is Better?
K R I L L O I L
By : Marco H. Frederick
Fish oil and krill oil are great sources of omega-3. That is where the similarities end.
Krill oil is produced from krill, tiny creatures that live in the icy cold and very uncorrupted ocean depths in the Antarctic ocean. Oil made from krill is even more wholesome than fish oil. A survey that was shown in August 2009 supported older results that krill oil gives substantially more decrease of fat in the heart and the liver than omega-3 from fish oil. While fish oil diminished the fat in the heart with 2%, oil made from krill led to a decrease of 42%.
A important quantity of the omega-3 content of oil of krill is in the variant of phospholipids. Fish oil primarily contains omega-3 fatty acid in the triglyceride form, and basically no phospholipids.
Phospholipids are indispensable for the perfect functioning of the cellular procedures and the structure and integrity of the cell tissue layers, and are therefore decisive for the structure and serving of the brain. Fatty acids in the shape of triglycerides are in the main stored in the adipose tissue, where they function as a reservoir of energy. Studies indicate that omega-3 phospholipids give stronger bioavailability and effectivity than omega-3 triglycerides. Phospholipids are absorbed more easily in the bowel, and are available to the cells in greater amounts.
Krill oil stays fresh longer than fish oil, which cuts the risk of the oil going rancid. Because the oil from krill holds omega-3 in the shape of phospholipids, and the strong antioxidant astaxanthin, krill oil takes a lot more time than fish oil to oxidise (go foul). Oil from krill is a steady maritime oil, signifying that it stays on in its stable form for long periods of time.
Moreover, krill oil is one of a couple of biological supplements that hold the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin. This antioxidant is one of the most important antioxidants in nature, and is not naturally occurring in fish oil. Astaxanthin helps the immune system protect the cells against disintegration and aging, and is one of the very few antioxidants that can get through the blood/brain-barrier. That implies that it can protect the cells in the head from decomposition. It is priceless for its good effects to the nervous system.
Krill oil pills are also more pleasurable to swallow. They do not make fishy burps with an unpleasant taste in the way fish oil capsules can.
And lastly, oil from krill may be more unpolluted. Krill populate in the South Atlantic ocean, close to Antarctica, which are among the soundest waters on the Earth. The out of reach localisation of their habitat entails that they are not uncovered to environmental poisons. The oil pulled out from krill is super unadulterated and free of harmful polluting compounds.
As more and more analyses are done on oil extracted from krill, a growing body of evidence establishes that the health benefits from krill oil are greater and more versatile than those of fish oil. Both are good for you - krill oil is greatest.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marco_H._Frederick
By : Marco H. Frederick
Fish oil and krill oil are great sources of omega-3. That is where the similarities end.
Krill oil is produced from krill, tiny creatures that live in the icy cold and very uncorrupted ocean depths in the Antarctic ocean. Oil made from krill is even more wholesome than fish oil. A survey that was shown in August 2009 supported older results that krill oil gives substantially more decrease of fat in the heart and the liver than omega-3 from fish oil. While fish oil diminished the fat in the heart with 2%, oil made from krill led to a decrease of 42%.
A important quantity of the omega-3 content of oil of krill is in the variant of phospholipids. Fish oil primarily contains omega-3 fatty acid in the triglyceride form, and basically no phospholipids.
Phospholipids are indispensable for the perfect functioning of the cellular procedures and the structure and integrity of the cell tissue layers, and are therefore decisive for the structure and serving of the brain. Fatty acids in the shape of triglycerides are in the main stored in the adipose tissue, where they function as a reservoir of energy. Studies indicate that omega-3 phospholipids give stronger bioavailability and effectivity than omega-3 triglycerides. Phospholipids are absorbed more easily in the bowel, and are available to the cells in greater amounts.
Krill oil stays fresh longer than fish oil, which cuts the risk of the oil going rancid. Because the oil from krill holds omega-3 in the shape of phospholipids, and the strong antioxidant astaxanthin, krill oil takes a lot more time than fish oil to oxidise (go foul). Oil from krill is a steady maritime oil, signifying that it stays on in its stable form for long periods of time.
Moreover, krill oil is one of a couple of biological supplements that hold the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin. This antioxidant is one of the most important antioxidants in nature, and is not naturally occurring in fish oil. Astaxanthin helps the immune system protect the cells against disintegration and aging, and is one of the very few antioxidants that can get through the blood/brain-barrier. That implies that it can protect the cells in the head from decomposition. It is priceless for its good effects to the nervous system.
Krill oil pills are also more pleasurable to swallow. They do not make fishy burps with an unpleasant taste in the way fish oil capsules can.
And lastly, oil from krill may be more unpolluted. Krill populate in the South Atlantic ocean, close to Antarctica, which are among the soundest waters on the Earth. The out of reach localisation of their habitat entails that they are not uncovered to environmental poisons. The oil pulled out from krill is super unadulterated and free of harmful polluting compounds.
As more and more analyses are done on oil extracted from krill, a growing body of evidence establishes that the health benefits from krill oil are greater and more versatile than those of fish oil. Both are good for you - krill oil is greatest.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marco_H._Frederick
What You Need To Know About Krill Oil
Krill Oil
By : Cathy Wong
What is Krill Oil
Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that are approximately 1 to 6 centimeters long. They live is the ocean, where they feed mainly on phytoplankton. They're near the bottom of the food chain and are eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish.
Commercial fishing of krill occurs primarily in the Southern Ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Canada and Japan. Krill that are caught are used for aquaculture and aquarium feeds, sport fishing bait or they are eaten as food. In Japan, krill that's caught for food is called okiami.
Krill oil, the oil that's found naturally in krill, is extracted and sold as a nutritional supplement. It's sold in some health food stores and online in capsule form.
Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is the main reason it's becoming popular as a nutritional supplement.
Another reason krill oil is becoming popular is because it contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. The algae that krill eat produces the bright red pigment astaxanthin that gives krill and other crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp their reddish-pink color.
Antioxidants protect our body cells from damage from free radicals, unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it could theoretically protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.
Why Do People Use Krill Oil
People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn't cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil. Also, krill oil contains higher amounts of astaxanthin than fish oil. Here are some specific conditions for which it's used.
# Cholesterol
Krill oil is being studied as a natural remedy for high cholesterol. In one study, 120 people were given krill oil, fish oil or a placebo. Krill oil reduced LDL (commonly referred to as "bad") cholesterol by 34% and increased HDL ("good") cholesterol by 43.5% compared to the placebo. In comparison, fish oil reduced LDL cholesterol by 4.6% and increased HDL cholesterol by 4.2%. Krill also lowered triglycerides.
# Premenstrual syndrome
Preliminary research suggests krill oil may help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), however, more research is needed.
# Arthritis
A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition examined krill oil (300 mg daily) compared to a placebo and found that krill oil was effective at reducing arthritis symptoms and inflammation.
Side Effects
People with allergies to seafood shouldn't use krill oil. People with bleeding disorders shouldn't use krill oil unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
Side effects of krill oil may include loose stools, diarrhea or indigestion.
Possible Drug Interactions
People taking blood thinners (anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication), such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) should only use krill oil under a physician's supervision.
Krill oil should also be used with caution by people taking herbs and supplements that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic.
Sources:
Bunea R, El Farrah K, Deutsch L.Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Altern Med Rev. (2004) 9.4: 420-428.
Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms. J Am Coll Nutr. (2007) 26.1: 39-48.
Related Articles
* Essential Oil Safety - Sensitizing Essential Oils - Essential Oils that Can...
* Omega 3 in Bipolar Disorder - personal experiences and opinions
* Fish Oil Supplements - Lowering Cholesterol With Fish Oil Supplements
* Tempura Fried Halibut Recipe: Tempura Halibut with Garlic Aioli
* Bargain Oil Changes - A Rebuttal II
By : Cathy Wong
What is Krill Oil
Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that are approximately 1 to 6 centimeters long. They live is the ocean, where they feed mainly on phytoplankton. They're near the bottom of the food chain and are eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish.
Commercial fishing of krill occurs primarily in the Southern Ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Canada and Japan. Krill that are caught are used for aquaculture and aquarium feeds, sport fishing bait or they are eaten as food. In Japan, krill that's caught for food is called okiami.
Krill oil, the oil that's found naturally in krill, is extracted and sold as a nutritional supplement. It's sold in some health food stores and online in capsule form.
Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is the main reason it's becoming popular as a nutritional supplement.
Another reason krill oil is becoming popular is because it contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. The algae that krill eat produces the bright red pigment astaxanthin that gives krill and other crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp their reddish-pink color.
Antioxidants protect our body cells from damage from free radicals, unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it could theoretically protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.
Why Do People Use Krill Oil
People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn't cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil. Also, krill oil contains higher amounts of astaxanthin than fish oil. Here are some specific conditions for which it's used.
# Cholesterol
Krill oil is being studied as a natural remedy for high cholesterol. In one study, 120 people were given krill oil, fish oil or a placebo. Krill oil reduced LDL (commonly referred to as "bad") cholesterol by 34% and increased HDL ("good") cholesterol by 43.5% compared to the placebo. In comparison, fish oil reduced LDL cholesterol by 4.6% and increased HDL cholesterol by 4.2%. Krill also lowered triglycerides.
# Premenstrual syndrome
Preliminary research suggests krill oil may help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), however, more research is needed.
# Arthritis
A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition examined krill oil (300 mg daily) compared to a placebo and found that krill oil was effective at reducing arthritis symptoms and inflammation.
Side Effects
People with allergies to seafood shouldn't use krill oil. People with bleeding disorders shouldn't use krill oil unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
Side effects of krill oil may include loose stools, diarrhea or indigestion.
Possible Drug Interactions
People taking blood thinners (anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication), such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) should only use krill oil under a physician's supervision.
Krill oil should also be used with caution by people taking herbs and supplements that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding, such as ginkgo biloba and garlic.
Sources:
Bunea R, El Farrah K, Deutsch L.Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Altern Med Rev. (2004) 9.4: 420-428.
Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms. J Am Coll Nutr. (2007) 26.1: 39-48.
Related Articles
* Essential Oil Safety - Sensitizing Essential Oils - Essential Oils that Can...
* Omega 3 in Bipolar Disorder - personal experiences and opinions
* Fish Oil Supplements - Lowering Cholesterol With Fish Oil Supplements
* Tempura Fried Halibut Recipe: Tempura Halibut with Garlic Aioli
* Bargain Oil Changes - A Rebuttal II
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