Is a Krill Oil Supplement Effective?
The effectiveness of krill oil supplementation is not yet proven, primarily due to the relatively small number of studies and considerable heterogeneity in study design. Initial evidence indicates that krill oils may outperform fish oil when there is an increase in blood levels of EPA or DHA. Although increased blood levels could lead to better cardiovascular outcomes, further research is needed to determine if krill oil offers similar benefits.
EPA
A recent study shows that a krill oil supplement can lower cholesterol levels by about six percent. Krill oil supplementation can reduce cholesterol levels by about six percent. The study was published by Nutrients. However, the study’s results are preliminary, and further studies are needed to determine the exact doses for which the supplements are effective.
While fish oil supplements are most well-known and commonly consumed forms of omega-3 fats, there are some disadvantages to using krill oil. Although fish oil is more widely consumed, its large capsules and poor tolerability make it less desirable for many consumers. Krill oil supplementation is the solution. We’ll be discussing the advantages of krill oil supplementation as an alternative to fish oil, and the possible risks and benefits.
Krill oil, which is high-quality and extracted from the Antarctic Ocean’s pristine waters, contains extremely absorbable omega-3 fat acids. It is known to have antioxidants called astaxanthin, which can help improve brain health and cardiovascular health. Unlike fish oil, krill oil is more easily absorbed. That’s one reason why so many people prefer it. It’s easier to absorb than fish oil, which can make the supplements more effective for a longer period of time.
One of the best krill oil supplements is Megared Omega-3. Megared Omega-3 is three times more pure than regular krill oil. Megared Omega 3 Krill Oil is packaged in the USA, so they are easier to locate than other supplements. Each capsule has approximately 166mg of EPA or DHA. EPA supplements are the most affordable source of omega-3 fatty acids, so it’s worth comparing a few different products before making a final decision.
Other studies, such as those conducted on humans, have shown that EPA is an important nutrient for the cardiovascular system. Studies comparing EPA and DHA supplements have shown that they significantly increased levels of EPA and DHA in the blood after an overnight fast. There was however no difference in the levels of DHA or PPA between the groups. These are the most popular types of omega-3 fatty acid.
DHA
Krill oil is a popular natural source for omega-3 fatty acid. Krill oil is said to be able to perform all the functions of fish oils, plus more. Krill oil is obtained from tiny shrimp-like crustaceans, which feed whales. The word krill means “whale food.” These tiny crustaceans are found in the waters around Antarctica. Krill oil is often found in blends with fish oil.
Many people use krill oil in supplement form to boost their DHA levels, but there are many other benefits of krill oil beyond its omega-3 content. The unique ability of this nutrient to regulate skin hydration, elasticity and other aspects is remarkable. Krill oil’s high levels of phospholipids allow for it to be more easily absorbed into the blood cells membranes. This ensures that the nutrient reaches the heart and brain.
Although studies are lacking, preliminary results suggest that krill oil can reduce triglycerides and improve cardiovascular health. A recent study on overweight and obese people found that krill oil consumption of 3g per day was associated with a reduction of cholesterol levels and 5-10% drop in total cholesterol. The results weren’t statistically significant. Additional research is needed to confirm this effect.
Norway has the highest levels of DHA/EPA in krill oils. Scientists took a sample from a Norwegian product, and then compared it with the same amount of krill. The sample had 600mg of fish oil and 288mg of EPA + DHA. It also contained 330mg of omega-3 PUFAs. Krill oil had 63% less fish oil than the sample, which makes it an ideal supplement for a healthy diet.
A recent study has shown that a combination of krill oil and fish oil may be better for treating certain conditions. A study of 70 women found that krill oil with a greater amount of omega-3 fatty acids reduced dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome and other conditions. In another study of 54 women, krill oil reduced painkiller use and significantly decreased emotional irritability. These results suggested that krill oils are better than other treatments for inflammatory conditions.
Choline
Choline from krill oil has been studied to improve muscle function, especially for endurance athletes. These results revealed that the supplement had a significant effect on plasma levels of choline. Researchers measured the levels of trimethylamine N, betaine and dimethylglycine in subjects. However, it is not yet clear whether this supplement improves circulating levels of choline. It may prove beneficial to athletes who don’t consume sufficient dietary Choline for endurance sports.
This form of omega-3 fatty acids has numerous benefits, including an increased HS-Omega-3 index. The index determines the amount of EPA or DHA found in red blood cells membranes. This supplement can be used to reduce oxidative stress following intense training like CrossFit. Research suggests that 82% of CrossFit athletes had an Omega-3 index lower than recommended. Because of this, krill oil has several other benefits as well.
The phospholipids in krill oil are an excellent source of choline. High-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESM) analysis was used to identify choline-containing phospholipid classes. This suggests that krill oils may provide a great source of choline to supplement human nutrition. It isn’t clear if krill oils are suitable for human consumption.
Although the levels of choline in the body may increase by consuming krill oil, it is not known whether it will improve athletic performance. There is a need to study how much krill oil improves endurance and cognitive function in athletes. These results will allow for further research to be conducted on the effects of krill oil on endurance sports. All raw data will become available for free. So, if you are looking for a supplement, it is best to take the krill oil capsules.
Krill oil is a rich source of omega-3s and also has choline. Choline in the form of PC is naturally found in krill oil and regulates many vital functions in the body. They regulate the brain, heart, joint, skin and other vital functions such as cognitive function, memory, bone health, and joints. Additionally, krill oil is beneficial for liver health, eye dryness, and overall well-being. So, it is definitely worth checking out if krill oil is right for you.
Friend-of-the-Sea-certified sustainable krill oil
You’ve found the best place to find a certified krill oil supplement by the Friends of the Sea. The organization has certified dailyNutra krill oil, and you can find the Friends of the Sea eco-label on all of its products. The krill oils supplements have been tested by clinical scientists and come from reputable firms. DailyNutra’s Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) is a one-a-day tablet containing pure Antarctic krill oil. This supplement is a great source of omega-3s.
MSC-certified products for krill oils are made with sustainability in mind. The MSC monitors and regulates the fishing industry, including fisheries and the supplements they make. To promote sustainable seafood, the organization collaborates closely with consumers, fisheries suppliers and retailers. This certification is especially important for fish oil supplements as many products do not meet the standards.
Kirkland Signature Krill Oil Supplements are an excellent way to obtain the highest levels of omega-3 Fatty Acids and other nutrients from this krill. Kirkland Signature uses krill that is sustainably harvested from the Antarctic and is manufactured under strict GMP standards. The company also sources krill from a Friends-of-the-Sea-certified supplier.
Another krill oil supplement is Enzymotec’s K*REAL, a premium omega-3 product that is derived from sustainably harvested Antarctic krill. To preserve the natural composition and omega-3 fatty acid in the krill oil, the company uses the Multi-Stage Oil Extraction process (MSO). This method ensures the freshness of the product and the natural Omega-3 fatty acids in the product.
Look for the Friends-of-the-Sea seal when looking for krill oil supplements. It should be clear on the label whether sustainable harvesting methods are used by the company. It should state whether the product has been subject to third-party testing for heavy and other contaminants. If the product contains these factors, then it’s probably worth the extra cost.