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. However, preliminary evidence suggests that krill oil may be superior to fish oil in increasing levels of EPA and DHA in the blood. Increases in blood levels may translate to improved cardiovascular outcomes, although further studies are needed to investigate whether krill oil has similar benefits.
EPA
Recent research has shown that taking krill oil supplements can reduce cholesterol by approximately six percent. In addition to reducing cholesterol, krill oil supplementation may reduce other lipid levels, such as phosphatidylserine and LDL cholesterol. This study was published in the journal Nutrients. The results of the study are preliminary and more studies will be needed to establish the precise doses at which these supplements work.
Although fish oil supplements are the most popular and widely consumed form of omega-3 fatty acids, there are also several disadvantages to krill oil. Although fish oil is more widely consumed, its large capsules and poor tolerability make it less desirable for many consumers. That’s where krill oil supplementation comes in. We’ll be discussing the advantages of krill oil supplementation as an alternative to fish oil, and the possible risks and benefits.
High-quality krill oil is extracted from pristine waters in the Antarctic Ocean and contains highly absorbable omega-3 fatty 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. The supplement is easier to absorb than oil of fish, making it more efficient for longer periods.
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.
Studies on people have also shown that EPA can be a vital nutrient in the cardiovascular system. After an overnight fast, studies comparing DHA and EPA supplements showed that DHA and EPA significantly increased blood levels. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups when it comes to DHA and PPA, which are two of the more popular forms of omega-3 fatty acids.
DHA
As a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, krill oil has gained a great deal of popularity recently. It is claimed to do everything fish oil can, and more. Krill oil is obtained from tiny shrimp-like crustaceans, which feed whales. Krill is a term that 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. Additionally, krill oil is rich in phospholipids, which allow it to integrate more easily into blood cell 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. In a recent study of overweight and obese individuals, a 3 g daily dose of krill oil was associated with a 6% reduction in triglyceride levels, and a 5 to 10% drop in total cholesterol. The results weren’t statistically significant. This effect requires further research.
The highest concentration of DHA and EPA in krill oil is found in Norway, where scientists took a sample of a Norwegian product and then compared it to the equivalent amount of krill oil. The sample had 600mg of fish oil and 288mg of EPA + DHA. It also contained 330mg of omega-3 PUFAs. Krill oil contained only 63% of the amount of fish oil, making it a more natural supplement to supplement diet.
A recent study has shown that a combination of krill oil and fish oil may be better for treating certain conditions. In a study of 70 women, a higher dose of krill oil reduced the risk of dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome. Another study that involved 54 women found that krill oil significantly reduced the use of painkillers and emotional irritability. These results suggested that krill oils are better than other treatments for inflammatory conditions.
Choline
The effects of krill oil’s choline on muscle function have been shown to be beneficial, particularly for endurance-sports athletes. The results showed that this supplement significantly increased the amount of choline in plasma. In this study, researchers measured levels of betaine, dimethylglycine, and trimethylamine N-oxide in the subjects. However, it is not yet clear whether this supplement improves circulating levels of choline. However, it may be beneficial for athletes who do not consume enough dietary choline during endurance activities.
This form of omega-3 fatty acids has numerous benefits, including an increased HS-Omega-3 index. This index measures the amounts of EPA and DHA in the red blood cell 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. These results suggest that krill oil may be an excellent source of choline for human nutritional supplements. However, it is not clear whether krill oil is suitable for consumption by humans.
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. Further research will be possible on the impact of krill oils 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.
Apart from being a great source of omega-3s, krill oil also contains choline. Choline in the form of PC is naturally found in krill oil and regulates many vital functions in the body. These include the heart, joints, skin, and cognitive functions. Additionally, krill oil is beneficial for liver health, eye dryness, and overall well-being. It is worth looking into krill oil to see if it might be right for you.
Friend-of-the-Sea-certified sustainable krill oil
If you’re looking for a krill oil supplement that’s certified by the Friends of the Sea, you’ve come to the right place. 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 krill oil products are produced with a commitment to sustainability. 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 only uses sustainably harvested krill from Antarctica and it is made according to strict GMP guidelines. 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 ensures that the product is fresh and retains its natural Omega-3 fatty acid content.
When shopping for a krill oil supplement, look for one with the Friends-of-the-Sea seal. The label should state whether the company uses sustainable methods of harvesting. The label should also state whether it has undergone third-party testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. These factors are worth paying extra for.