SUPPLEMENT CHECK!

KRILL OIL

There are all kinds of supplements out there, but what are we actually putting in our bodies? Is there even a point? These supplement fact checks will break down well-known supplements, what they are, where they come from, why they are used and how to use them. If only things can be broken down this way more often!

 

This week we cover- KRILL OIL! 

Krill oil benefits

What is KRILL OIL?

Derived from ‘Krill’ which resembles miniature prawns. They are small oceanic crustaceans that are mostly transparent except for the slight red coloring on their shells. The word ‘krill’ means small fish in Norwegian. Krill can be found in oceans around the world but most often is Antarctic krill. So are there benefits of krill oil? Lets find out.

WHAT IS IT MADE OUT OF 

  • Contains two of the same Omega- 3 fatty acids that fish oil contains eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
  • In the form of a phospholipid with a phosphate group on the end.
  • This results in higher bioavailability (rate of absorption) of krill oil – with the same effects of fish oil at a lower dose.
Krill oil benefits

PURPORTED USES:

  • Same use and benefit as Omega-3 in fish oil but a lower dose is needed.
  • Effective in reducing total cholesterol & triglycerides to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). 
  • Reduces inflammation.
  • Proven to reduce arthritis pain. Research shows that people with arthritis pains who took 3g of krill oil for 30 days experienced an improvement in pain and stiffness. Some felt relief after day seven. 
  • Fights free radicals- contains antioxidant referred to as astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that gives fish like krill and salmon their pinkish pigment. This carotenoid has been shown to help fight off the negative effects of free radicals on our brain and nervous system. 
Krill oil benefits

HOW TO TAKE KRILL OIL

Supplementation tends to be in the range of 1-3g daily

KRILL OIL BENEFITS ON CONCEPTION & PREGNANCY

  • A vital function of omega-3 is to regulate hormones.
  • When hormones are regulated, conception is more likely to occur.
  • According to the American pregnancy association, pregnant women who consumed sufficient amounts of omega-3s during gestation, gave birth to babies with better cognitive function.
Krill oil benefits

FOOD FIRST APPROACH

While supplements may seem like the healthiest and best approach when it comes to nutrition, most supplements are not approved by The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).   It is important to take caution when using supplements. Because of this, we suggest that you increase seafood intake before considering a supplement. You can get omega-3 from cold-water fatty fish like salmon, trout, herring, mackeral and sardines. If you do not eat seafood you can also get omega-3s from flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts. Unless you have a health condition, the most absorbable form of astaxanthin is through diet. 

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