Krill Oil

Author: Heather Pratt

The Fuel Of The Sea May Be Just The Fuel You Need

Krill oil has recently burst onto the scene as one of the best new supplements, but what has catapulted this oil made from miniscule crustaceans into the limelight? A single krill is hardly the size of a paperclip, but together they make up one of the largest living biomasses on the planet and supply a critical fuel for most of the Earth's marine ecosystems; in fact, without krill most life in the Antarctic would disappear. Until recently, krill have mostly been harvested for use as feed at commercial fish farms and as bait for fishing – only about 12 percent of the harvest actually goes to human consumption. But that may change as research continues to highlight the unique health benefits of krill oil.

Krill is a natural source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, the same omega-3s we take fish oil for, but unlike most fish oils the EPA and DHA found in krill is molecularly bonded to phospholipids, similar to those which make up our cell membranes. This structure makes the omega-3s in krill oil more absorbable and more biologically active at the cellular level. As an added bonus, phospholipids are also a natural source of phosphatidylcholine, which enhances cell to cell communication, especially in the brain.

Krill oil is also a good source of the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin, which not only protects the oil from oxidation but also protects cell membranes. Astaxanthin helps protect the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light and holds great promise as an anti-inflammatory. The astaxanthin found in krill oil is bound to the same phospholipids as the EPA and DHA, which allows for easier access into the cell. Krill oil also contains small amounts of the fat-soluble vitamins A, E, and D.

While this all sounds impressive, the research on krill is what makes it a stand-out supplement. In double-blind clinical trials krill oil improved all ten markers of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in just two menstrual cycles, whereas fish oil only improved two. The research on krill oil and heart health also shines. Krill oil appears to reduce LDL and total cholesterol, while increasing HDL levels, and also helps to lower C-reactive protein levels, a marker of inflammation and a major risk factor for heart disease. Because of its effects on C-reactive protein, krill oil is also being researched for use with a number of different inflammatory conditions, from arthritis to autoimmune conditions.

With all the benefits of krill you might wonder what the catch is, but really the news just gets better. Since krill is low on the food chain and subsists mainly on phytoplankton it is unlikely to be contaminated with heavy metals and toxins. Because it is easily absorbed, most studies on krill have found health benefits achieved with doses as low as 300-1,000 mg a day. An added bonus: krill oil won't cause a fishy repeat later in the day. Good things really do come in small packages!