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. In addition to reducing cholesterol, krill oil supplementation may reduce other lipid levels, such as phosphatidylserine and LDL cholesterol. The study was published by 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. 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.
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. Krill oil absorbs more quickly than fish oil. 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. Unlike other fish oil supplements, megared omega 3 krill oil is bottled and packed in the United States, making them easier to find. A typical capsule contains approximately 166 mg of EPA and 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. 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
Krill oil is a popular natural source for omega-3 fatty acid. It is claimed to do everything fish oil can, and more. Krill oil is obtained from tiny shrimp-like crustaceans, which feed whales. The word krill means “whale food.” These small crustaceans can be found around Antarctica. Krill oil is often found in blends with fish oil.
Krill oil is often used as a supplement to increase their DHA level. However, there are other advantages that krill oils have beyond the omega-3 content. This unique nutrient has the ability to modulate hydration and elasticity of the skin. 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. 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. That sample contained 600 mg of fish oil, 288 mg of EPA + DHA, and 330 mg 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. 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. The results also suggested that krill oil is better for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
Choline
Choline from krill oil has been studied to improve muscle function, especially for endurance athletes. The results showed that this supplement significantly increased the amount of choline in plasma. 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. However, it may be beneficial for athletes who do not consume enough dietary choline during endurance activities.
This type of omega-3 fatty acid has many benefits. It also increases the 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. Krill oil also has many other health benefits.
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. 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. 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.
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. These krill oil supplements are produced by reputable companies, and are backed by human clinical science. DailyNutra’s Neptune Krill Oil is a tablet that contains pure Antarctic Krill Oil. These supplements contain a rich 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. The organization works closely with fisheries, suppliers, retailers, and consumers to promote sustainable seafood. This certification is especially important for fish oil supplements as many products do not meet the standards.
Kirkland Signature krill oil supplements are a good way to get the optimum amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients from 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 ensures that the product is fresh and retains its natural Omega-3 fatty acid content.
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. These factors are worth paying extra for.