What is Krill Oil - Definition?

Krill Oil

What is Krill Oil – Definition

Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that live in the oceans. They are consumed by fish, penguins, whales and seals. Krill oil is a very good source of omega-3 containing phospholipids and the antioxidant, astaxanthin.

Description

The omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are important nutrients involved in brain development and are required to sustain good health. Evidence suggests that nutritional supplements containing omega 3 fatty acids help to:

·      Lower triglycerides

·      Slow the progression of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

·      Lower blood pressure slightly and

·      Reduce the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, and strokes in people with known heart disease.

KRILL OIL vs FISH OIL

Both fish and krill oil are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids. Krill oil also reportedly contains choline and the antioxidant astaxanthin. Manufacturers of krill oil assert that krill oil has a higher absorption rate than fish oil so fewer capsules are required to achieve the same result.

Krill oil is more expensive than fish oil due to the large number of krill that need to be caught and guidelines that ensure that krill is harvested in an environmentally sustainable manner. There is a large body of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of fish oil and similar studies are underway for fish oil. Both krill and fish oil deliver good levels of omega-3 fatty acids.