Is a Krill Oil Supplement Effective?
Krill oil supplementation’s effectiveness is still not proven. This is due in part to the small number of studies conducted and heterogeneity of study designs. 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
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. 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. That’s where krill oil supplementation comes in. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of krill oil as a fish oil alternative, and explore the potential risks and benefits of this new supplement.
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. It’s easier to absorb than fish oil, which can make the supplements more effective for a longer period of time.
Megared Omega-3 is one of the most effective krill oil supplement. 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 among the best sources of omega-3 fatty acid. It’s worthwhile to compare a variety of products before you make a 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. 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. 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 small crustaceans can be found around Antarctica. Krill oil can be found mixed 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. 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 contained only 63% of the amount of fish oil, making it a more natural supplement to supplement diet.
Recent research has revealed that combination of fish oil and krill oil can be more effective in treating some 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. In this study, researchers measured levels of betaine, dimethylglycine, and trimethylamine N-oxide in the subjects. It isn’t yet known if this supplement increases choline levels in the blood. It may prove beneficial to athletes who don’t consume sufficient dietary Choline for endurance sports.
This type of omega-3 fatty acid has many benefits. It also increases the 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. 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. It is important to determine if krill oil can improve endurance and cognitive function of 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. 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. These krill oil supplements are produced by reputable companies, and are backed by human clinical science. 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. The certification is particularly important when it comes to fish oil supplements, since many of these products don’t meet this standard.
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. The company also uses their proprietary Multi-Stage Oil Extraction (MSO) process to preserve the natural composition of the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil. 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. 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.