Krill oil is a fairly new entrant into the world of omega-3 fatty acid supplements, first being marketed by Neptune Technologies in 2003. Krill oil comes from krill, small Antarctic crustaceans whose oil contains eicosapentanoic acid, or EPA, and docosahexanoic acid, or DHA, the two omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease, among other benefits. Neptune Technologies is the only current source of krill oil. While krill oil may turn out to be a valuable addition for fighting heart disease, some problems currently exist with its use.
Lack of Studies
Very few studies have been done to test krill oil's ability to fight heart disease, boost the immune system or reduce inflammation and pain in arthritis, all current claims. While krill oil may indeed provide all these benefits, the clinical evidence hasn't yet been accumulated in great enough numbers, the University of Massachusetts Medical School website states. A study conducted by McGill University in Ontario, Canada and reported by lead author Dr. Ruxandra Bunea in the December 2004 edition of "Alternative Medicine Review" found that krill oil reduced lipid and glucose levels better than fish oil at the same doses. Other studies have found benefits to using krill oil for premenstrual symptoms and arthritis, the University of Massachusetts website reports. However, many more studies have been done of the effectiveness and safety of fish oil than krill oil. Further testing may prove its long-term value.
Modest Amounts of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Krill oil supplies modest amounts of omega-3 fatty acids compared to fish oil, the University of Massachusetts Medical Center states. One krill oil capsule contains 150 mg of omega-3 fatty acids compared to the 300 mg or more available in fish oil capsules. Michael Eades, M.D., a proponent of krill oil, states that the EPA and DHA in krill oil is more easily absorbed than fish oil due to their phospholipid structure, which allows them to enter cells more easily.
Bleeding Risks
Like other omega-3 fatty acids, krill oil may increase bleeding tendencies in people who have bleeding disorders or who take anticoagulants, such as Coumadin and Plavix, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. People who take these medications or who have medical disorders associated with increased bleeding should not take krill oil without their doctor's approval.
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