The health benefits of consuming omega-3 fish oil are well documented and include benefits such as lowered blood pressure, triglycerides and reduced risk of heart disease. Even as more health benefits are being discovered for omega-3 fatty acids, recent research is showing that krill oil is even more effective than fish oil.
Krill
Krill is a tiny marine crustacean that looks similar to shrimp. It is the main food source for whales and other marine life. Krill oil is harvested from this abundant crustacean and has recently become a competitor to fish oil supplements. While not a traditional part of the human diet, krill is highly nutritious; containing a quality source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and is low in fat.
Sources
Omega-3 fish oil is harvested from cod, tuna, sardines, anchovies, salmon and other fish from all over the world. The quality of the source of the fish used for oil does affect the toxicity risks and environmental sustainability of the supplement. Krill oil is harvested from krill, which breed in the fresh waters of the Antarctic. Since krill are very low on the food chain and they breed in uncontaminated waters, they have less chance of being contaminated.
Fatty Acid Absorption
Fish oil and krill oil both contain omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). They differ because the fatty acids in fish oil are in triglyceride form, whereas krill oil contains them in a phospholipid form. The phospholipid form is quicker and easier for the body to absorb and utilize than triglycerides. Krill oil also contains higher levels of DHA and EPA. Lastly, this quick absorption eliminates a common side effect of taking fish oil supplements, fishy-tasting burps.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect cells from unstable molecule damage or free radicals. Krill has higher antioxidant levels than fish and more oxidative benefits. Krill oil supplements outperformed fish oil for normalizing blood lipids and anti-inflammatory activity, according to a study published in the September 2007 issue of the "Alternative Medicine Review." Additionally, krill oil contains the powerful antioxidants astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and vitamins A, D and E, which fish oil lacks.
References
- "Nutrition Reviews"; Krill for human consumption: nutritional value and potential health benefits; Tou JC, Jaczynski J, Chen YC; February 2007
- "Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapuetic"; Omega-3 DHA and EPA for cognition, behavior, and mood: clinical findings and structural-functional synergies with cell membrane phospholipids; Kidd PM; September 2007
- Mayo Clinic; Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, Alpha-linolenic Acid
- Nepturne Krill Oil; Your Guide to Krill Oil Supplements and the Best Places to Buy Them
- Krill Oil; Information and Reviews
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