Is Krill Oil Better Than Fish Oil?
If you are concerned with your health, you may have tried taking fish oil for the many benefits that it can give your body. In fact, you may be looking for a more effective alternative to fish oil, and have considered trying krill oil. There are many benefits to taking krill oil supplements, some of which outweigh those ingredients that help your body contained in fish oil. We will explain basic differences between krill oil versus fish oil.
For many years fish oil has been the primary option to get essential Omega 3 Fatty Acids which our bodies cannot produce on its own. Recently with the introduction of Krill Oil, many consumers turned from Fish to Krill supplements. This shift is simply due to the superior benefits of Krill Oil vs Fish Oil which has been proven in several different clinical studies.
Krill are tiny crustaceans that are similar to shrimp, and live in the areas of the world where the ocean is coldest. Scientists estimate that approximately five hundred million tons of krill fill the oceans, and about one hundred ten thousand tons are harvested each year. The legs of the krill contain a molecule called astaxanthin, which is a very potent anti-oxidant. The structure contains DHA and EPA that allow for easier absorption into the human body, where it is taken into the mitochondria and nucleus of the cells. Other important substances in the oil are vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin A, and canthataxin, another potent anti-oxidant. Krill oil has been found to increase the body’s Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC, to be 48 times more effective than fish oil.
Studies have also shown that krill oil provides effective protection against UV-induced skin damage and ultraviolet light. The oil reduces LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol by up to 44% while lowering blood sugar. It is also effective in treating inflammation and discomfort caused by rheumatoid joint problems. Another important study indicated that krill oil can reduce discomfort during menstrual cycle. In addition, Krill Oil has shown to effectively improve cognitive performance. Each quoted study involved testing the krill oil against fish oil.Clinical studies have demonstrated that Kill oil is better in managing high density liposome and triglyceride to cholesterol levels in much lower doses than fish oil. Optimal cholesterol levels were actually maintained with much lower doses of Krill EPA and DHA than fish oil. This indicates that Krill oil is much more potent than fish oil.
Researchers believe that the Krill oil is more potent due to its difference in overall structure. Krill oil carries its omega-3 fatty acids in phospholipid form and in particular phosphatidylcholine which is the most abundant phospholipid in the outer lipid layer of the bilipid membrane of all your cells. This carrier of omega-3s is fat soluble and easily self assembles itself into the plasma membrane. Fish oils lack this phospholipid complex and in fact the fatty acids are actually in triglyceride form which is a glycerol molecule with 3 fatty acids attached in parallel. Triglycerides are not absorbed by the small intestine however they can be broken down to mono and diglycerides and then absorbed. Krill oil phospholipids are immediately bioavailable because they are lipid soluble in their natural form and essentially have 100 percent absorption rate. This also means that these phospholipids are immediately available to all your tissues including the brain. Much of the fish oil DHA and EPA ingested is not absorbed by the intestine. However what is absorbed has to go to the liver and be attached chemically to phosphatidylcholine. Then it can be released into the bloodstream and travel to other tissues where it is needed. This takes considerable time so there is a delay in the benefits of fish oil. Krill oil benefits are seen rapidly. Beyond the omega-3s being in a highly bioavailable form in krill, krill oil contains astaxanthin. This is a powerful antioxidant this is also lipid soluble and can self assemble into the plasma membrane of cells and when it does it spans the bilipid layer were it is an excellent scavenger of free radicals. This protects the double bonds of your omega-3 fatty acids in the plasma membrane from lipid oxidation. This antioxidant also protects the double bonds in the omega-3 fatty acids during harvesting, processing and extracting of the oil from the crustacean itself. Fish oil doesn’t contain this antioxidant and tends to oxidize quickly and become rancid and fowl smelling. This also generates the burping and aftertaste associated with fish oils.
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that acts as a preservative that is all natural and has many health benefits by keeping your cell membranes functioning properly. Interestingly, astaxanthin has also been demonstrated to protect your skin from sunburn as well as repair sun damaged skin. Majority of users who take fish oil have found they have a fishy aftertaste and burping, but this is nonexistent with krill oil due to its rapid absorption and large amounts of anti-oxidants content. Although products containing krill oil are a bit more expensive than those with fish oil, users have found that the benefits outweigh the slightly higher cost. Krill oil should be taken for a minimum of two weeks before the full affect and benefits are achieved. Many users have taken these supplements along with fish oil to improve its benefits, and then tapered off the fish oil use to depend wholly on the krill oil.
If you have been using fish oil but are looking for a product that can give more effective results as a premium Omega 3 supplement, krill oil may be what you’re looking for. Studies have shown that the substances contained in the krill oil have been successful improving overall health. |
