Krill oil is the most potent source of omega-3 currently available, even compared to fish oil. Unlike fish oil, the omega-3s in krill oil are carried in the form of phospholipids which allows greater bioavailability and absorption. It also has 47 times more antioxidant protection than most fish oils.

But before I go too far, it’s probably best that I start from the beginning in introducing you to the benefits of krill oil as a source of omega-3.

What on earth is krill?

Krill (Euphausia superba) are small, shrimp-like crustaceans from the Antarctic ocean and despite being up to only five centimetres in length they make up the largest animal biomass on the planet. Of the estimated 500 million tonnes of krill currently roaming the waters only 110,000 tonnes are harvested annually.

What can krill oil do for me?

Studies have shown krill oil has many benefits for users in arthritis, cholesterol management,and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) – not to mention the feeling of general wellbeing it can provide with regular use, as reported by many of my patients. People with high cholesterol should be reassured to hear that treatment is significantly more effective with krill oil than fish oil. Krill oil is better than fish oil in reducing levels of LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and in raising HDL (“good cholesterol”)1.

There’s good news for arthritis sufferers too. A study2 shows krill oil can reduce inflammation and decrease the pain of arthritis within a short treatment period, often as soon as 7 to 14 days. The far reaching benefits of krill oil also extend to the management of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). A double-blind, randomized clinical trial3 showed that krill oil can significantly reduce the pain and emotional symptoms of PMS. It was also shown to be significantly more effective than omega-3 fish oil for the complete management of premenstrual symptoms, while krill oil users also reported significant reduction in analgesic use and an increase of alertness, energy and well-being.

So, as clinical evidence demonstrates, regular use of krill oil has significant long and short term health benefits. I hope that this brief introduction to krill oil has been helpful in casting some light on the tiny crustacean that provides omega-3 users with a unique upgrade to their usual fish oil supplement. For more information speak to your healthcare professional.

References

1. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia.
   Alternative Medicine Review. Vol 9 (4) 420-428. 2004

2. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic
   symptoms. J Am College of Nutrition, Vol 26, No 1 39-48. 2007

3. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the Management of Premenstrual Syndrome and Dysmenorrhea.
   Alternative Medicine Review. Vol 8 (2) 171-179. 2003