The Benefits of Krill Oil (Evidence-Based)

Krill oil is very beneficial for the body and is a suitable alternative to fish oil. This article breaks down the top 6 evidence-based benefits of krill oil, krill oil vs fish oil, and the best krill oil supplements.

What is Krill Oil?

Krill oil comes from a tiny crustacean found in Antarctica, Canada, and Japan known as krill. The oil is extracted from the crustacean and stored in capsule form.

Commercially, krill is used in salmon farming, krill oil capsule production, and food in home aquariums.

Krill is also used as a food source in Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.

Krill oil is used to treat various ailments such as PMS, painful periods, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc.

Krill is the main food source for many ocean-based species such as whales and sharks

Krill oil is also commonly known as huile de krill, huile de krill antarctique, huile d’Oméga 3, DHA, Antarctic krill oil, and aceite de krill among other names.

What Are the Benefits of Krill Oil?

1. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA & DHA)

Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids; an essential fatty acid required by multiple systems in the human body.

A lot of research over the years has shown that omega-3 fatty acids are among the best for the body.

This study suggests the omega-3 found in krill oil may be easier to absorb into the body.

2. Krill Oil is Free From Contaminants

The oil in krill oil supplements is harvested from crustaceans raised in pristine waters. They are free from any contaminants and toxins meaning its extremely pure.

3. Phospholipid-derived Fatty Acids Content

Krill oil also contains phospholipid-derived fatty acids (PLFA), another acid that facilitates healthier brain functioning.

This acid makes the delivery process of omega-3s to the cells much more efficient.

4. Krill Oil May Help Regulate Hormones

Increased omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the body may help regulate hormones and control inflammation and pain during periods.

It can also help alleviate the symptoms of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome).

This study goes into great detail about the effects of krill oil on the management of PMS and dysmenorrhea.

5. Antioxidant Astaxanthin

Krill oil contains astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, more powerful than vitamins A and E.

This antioxidant helps promote optimal health and the functioning of the immune system.

It also naturally preserves the omega-3 fatty acids and keeps them stable.

6. Easier to Consume

If you’re like me, you hate big fat tablets and capsules and will do anything to avoid them.

Fortunately, krill oil capsules are a compact size because phospholipids make krill oil’s nutrients more bio-efficient and stable.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

Ther are a few subtle differences between krill oil and fish oil which you may want to consider before choosing one of them:-

1. Taste

Krill oil doesn’t have the same fishy after taste as fish oil does nor do your burps come out fishy after ingesting krill oil.

2. Effects on Stomach

The water-soluble phospholipids contained in krill oil make it easier on the stomach, unlike fish oil which may cause loose stools and other issues.

3. Krill Oil May Be More Effective

Studies suggest krill oil is 9 times stronger than fish oil meaning you get more benefits with a lower dosage.

4. Source

Krill oil comes from small crustaceans while fish oil comes from fatty fish.

5. Antioxidant Content

Krill oil contains more antioxidants than fish oil especially astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and heart-healthy.

6. Cost

Fish oil is cheaper and easier to find than krill oil. The harvesting and processing method for krill oil makes the oil much more expensive than fish oil.

At the end of the day, which version you choose depends on what part of your health you’re trying to address and your physician’s recommendations.

Does Krill Oil Have Any Side Effects?

Krill oil is known to be generally safe for consumption in adults when consumed as directed. However, there are several things to note:

If you’re allergic to any kind of seafood, you may likely be allergic to krill oil. It’s best to avoid it altogether.
If you are planning to have any kind of surgery, you should stop taking krill oil at least a few weeks before surgery as krill oil may slow down blood clotting.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your physician before you include krill oil in your diet.