Essential oils from marine sources are now the most widely used dietary supplement with an extensive range of claimed benefits.

At the bottom of the ocean’s food chain, the tiny krill play an essential role that nourishes the marine environment – and offer significant health benefits for us, without the risks related to consuming larger marine sources.

Like other marine oils, Krill oil contains fatty acids, which are are found to decrease swelling, lower cholesterol, and reducing clotting of blood platelets.

The Advantages of Krill Oil

Similar to Fish oil, Krill oil is rich in the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids helps deal with some cardiac disorders, it also benefit heart health by maintaining healthy LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol. Although further research shows that Krill Oil omega-3 fatty acid is composed of phospoliphid  that is easier for the human body to absorb.

However, new studies on Krill Oil are showing some great results with lipid lowering and arthritic pain reduction, although it still needs further evaluation. The red pigment found in Krill contains astaxanthin, which is a strong antioxidant compound that counters aging and contains other essential nutrients. Kril Oil also has the furthest point of being likely contaminated by any sort of man-made pollution.

Health Benefits of Krill Oil

krillThe health benefits of krill oil include…

  • Assists in lowering blood sugar level
  • Improves memory and mental focus
  • Improves skin tone and skin elasticity which reduces appearance of wrinkles
  • Has vitamin D3 and E which covers healthy bone support, joint health, cholesterol maintenance, brain, eye care as well as repairing hair damages.
  • Increased energy
  • Reduces symptoms in premenstrual syndrome

On the other hand, Fish oil is considered great for treating just about any skin conditions, inflammation, cognitive health and development, joint lubrication, heart health, hormone regulation, and the list goes on. The known and proven benefits of Fish Oil are dutifully earned due to the longer years of scientific research.

“There’s a place in the market for all quality sources of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids,” says Kevin Krail, executive director of Omega-3 Centre.

Sustainability

Sustainable krill harvesting practices and standards are being implemented in a mission of the conservation of the marine habitat. (Learn more.)

Krill harvesting is closely monitored and carefully regulated to make sure that it uphold its environmental sustainability. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), is an international environmental organization comprised of 25 countries. CCMALR’s mission is to preserve marine life and the environmental integrity within and surrounding Antarctica.

Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil

Let’s look into this infograph comparing facts of Fish Oil and Krill Oil, from www.mercola.com.

krill-oil-vs-fish-oil

Good things to know about Krill Oil

As a precaution people with seafood allergies should not use krill oil, the same with people with bleeding disorders. Ingesting a high concentrated amount of Krill Oil may include side effects such as loose stools, diarrhea or indigestion.

People with allergies to seafood shouldn’t use krill oil. People with bleeding disorders shouldn’t use krill oil unless under the strict supervision of a qualified health professional.

Given that supplementation is a personal choice, whatever you may choose to take – be it a good quality fish oil or a good quality krill oil – the inclusion of much needed omega-3s into your diet is a definite step in the right direction.

Disclaimer: Despite the references provided, the information on this site is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to cover all possible precautions, drug interactions, circumstances or adverse effects. Please refer for advise and treatment by a licensed physician.


References

http://depts.washington.edu/nutr/student_projects/dietetic/Supplements/2012/Krill%20vs%20Fish%20Oil_2012.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17353582