Consumption of seafood has been associated with improvements in cardiovascular disease risk factors, including cholesterol blood levels, inflammation and blood pressure. Krill oil and salmon oil both contain omega- 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are credited for the health benefits of marine life. While there are similar benefits, the two oils do have differences, as well.
Sources
Krill oil is processed from small shrimp-like crustaceans, the dominant member of the marine life biota of the Antarctic Ocean. Of course, salmon oil comes from the flesh of the fatty salmon fish. Not all fish oil found in supplements is from salmon. Other fatty fish, including tuna, mackerel and cod, may be used to produce fish oil as well.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Both Salmon and krill oils contain the long- chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA, and docosahexaenoic acid, DHA. The American Heart Association acknowledges the benefits of these omega-3s for reducing coronary heart disease and suggests consuming fatty fish at least twice weekly. Krill oil and salmon oil contain similar amounts of DHA, while EPA is higher in krill oil.
Fat Storage
One of the major differences between krill and salmon oil is how the fatty acids are stored in the body. In fish, the omega-3 fatty acids are principally stored as triglycerides. In krill, 30 to 65 percent of the fatty acids are in phospholipids, primarily phosphtidylcholine. According to a review published in "Alternative Medicine Review" in 2010, omega-3 fatty acids are more readily absorbed and delivered to the brain than those in triglycerides.
Side Effects
Both krill and fish oil can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including diarrhea, gas and bloating. There are greater complaints of regurgitation and reflux in individuals taking fish oil compared to those taking krill oil. Consult your physician before beginning any dietary supplementation.
References
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Krill Oil. Monograph; No author listed; April 2010
- "Lipids"; Metabolic effects of krill oil are essentially similar to those of fish oil, but at lower doses of EPA and DHA, in healthy volunteers; Stine M. Ulven, et. al.; January 2011
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood; clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids; Parris M. Kidd; September 2007
- American Heart Association: Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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