Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans eaten by blue whale. Natural krill oil extracted from these crustaceans contains important omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, fatty acids found in fish oils. Krill oil also has a high amount of a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin along with small amounts of vitamin A and vitamin E, and perhaps small amounts of other undetermined beneficial compounds.
Krill oil is extracted from Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba, a zooplankton crustacean rich in phospholipids carrying long chain omega-3 PUFAs, mainly EPA and DHA. Krill oil also contains various potent antioxidants, including a novel flavonoid similar to 6,8-di-c-glucosylluteolin, but with two or more glucose molecules and one aglycone.
A 12-week, double-blind, randomized trial was conducted comparing krill oil to high EPA and DHA (3:2 ratio) fish oil and placebo. Eligible patients were 18-85 years and had at least a six-month diagnosis of mildly high to very high blood cholesterol (193.9-347.9 mg/dL) and triglyceride levels (203.8-354.4 mg/dL). Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, severely high cholesterol (>349 mg/dL), pregnancy, known or suspected allergy to fish or seafood, known alcohol or drug abuse within the previous year, known coagulopathy or receiving anticoagulant therapy, or co-morbidity that would interfere with study results were excluded from the study.
Krill are tiny creatures that inhabit southern Pacific waters. Primarily the food of whales, seals, penguins and other fish, krill are at the bottom of the food chain and feed upon phytoplankton. Krill are thought to be highly nutritious, and contain high concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids, especially their proportion to Omega-6 fatty acids, can enhance heart health, memory, and more.
In addition to containing high concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids, krill are rich in an antioxidant called astaxanthin. Krill feed upon phytoplankton and algae, and these minute creatures contain high amounts of a reddish pink antioxidant, astaxanthin. Of all the antioxidants, astaxanthin is one of the few that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Scientists theorize that this antioxidant is effective at staving off memory loss and potential memory related diseases.
Krill oil is a great alternative to fish oil currently marketed to contain omega-3 fatty acids. Krill oil comes in softgel or bulk liquid forms at your local or internet vitamin store. Look for name brands like Source Naturals, Twinlabs, Natures Way, and Kal to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.
*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Krill oil and its constituents are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.
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