Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that inhabit the cold ocean areas of the world, primarily the Antarctic and North Pacific Oceans. Like fish oil, Krill oil contains both of the important omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA).
High bio-availability
EPA and DHA in krill oil chained together in a double chain phospholipid form which is founded in human body fat cells. The phospholipid structure of the EPA and DHA in krill oil makes them much more bio-available than fish oil. It means the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are better absorbed than fish oil.
Because of this high bio-availability, smaller amounts of krill oil needed for daily dosage. The suggested dosage of krill oil vs fish oil is about half in comparison for the same level of Omega3 absorption. Also, krill oil is highly digestible; there is no ‘fish burps’.
High ORAC Value
In addition to EPA and DHA, krill oil contains astaxanthin, which is a powerful antioxidant. The astaxanthin found in krill oil provides excellent protection against ultraviolet light and UV-induced skin damage. The anti-oxidant potency of krill oil is such that when compared to fish oil in terms of ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorptance Capacity) values, it was found to be 48 times more potent than fish oil.
Concerns about heavy metal and environmental effects
Since Krill are at the bottom of the food chain and collected far from pollution in the pristine seas surrounding Antarctica. It is safer from accumulations of mercury, PCBs, heavy metals or other toxins than other marine sourced oils. Also, the oil of krill is sustainably harvested. Krill make up the largest animal biomass on the planet. There are approximately 500 million tons (roughly twice that of humans) of krill roaming around in these northern seas, over half is eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish each year, and 110,000 tons of which are harvested annually.
World Wildlife Federation (WWF) and other NGOs make sure that only a small percentage of the krill in the world’s oceans are harvested every year.
Research proven Krill oil benefits
A number of studies have shown that krill oil is tremendously effective in reducing LDL-cholesterol, raising HDL-cholesterol (up to 44% in some cases), and lowering blood sugar. It has been shown to be effective in treating the pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis and aches and pains in general.
