Healthy oils. Good fat. A few years ago, they were contradictory. Now we know that some oils and fat natural compounds, such as omega-3 fatty acids and monosaturated fats, have some health benefits. You may hear about Krill oil or claim it is better than fish oil. This is what you need to know.
What is Krill Oil?
Like fish oils derived from fish, krill oil is extracted from the crustaceans such as shrimp. Krill is the source of omega-3 because it eats the diet of marine plants containing omega-3 fatty acids such as algae.
“Omega-3 fatty acids can take a variety of forms, but in general we are most familiar with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).” “Studies show that omega-3 is the most familiar with. Krill oil is slightly higher in fatty acids (compared to fish oil).”
How many Omega 3s do I need per day?
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that the appropriate daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids is 1.6 g per day for men and 1.1 g per day for women.
Which is better: Krill Oil or Fish Oil?
Omega-3 content
Research shows that supplementing diet with omega-3s can promote cardiovascular health, joint health and skin health. However, it’s too early to say clearly whether krill oil is better than fish oil when it comes to serving omega-3s.
Several studies have found that Krill oil can increase omega-3 levels in the blood than fish oil. Other studies found that in that respect there was no difference between Krill’s petroleum and fish oil.
So, what is the main difference between the two?
EPA and DHA in Krill oil are found in phospholipids. Phospholipids are structurally different from omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils that take the form of triglycerides or ethyl esters. (All three are fat-like substances.) Several studies suggest that phospholipids are excellent at providing EPA and DHA. However, data is far from being definitive, researchers say.
Antioxidants
Krill oil contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant-like compound that is not usually found in fish oil. This carotenoid (a type of plant-based product) gives salmon a red colour. Therefore, the krill oil capsules are deep red, while the fish oil capsules are more golden in colour.
Nutritionists recommend eating lots of fruits and vegetables to get the benefits of carotenoids (including eye health). However, there is no research showing that Krill Oil directly offers these benefits.
Fee
Krill oil is more expensive than fish oil. This is part of the manufacturing method. “Krill Oil is more environmentally sustainable than most fish oil,” says Hutchinson. “This is an important consideration for our current day and age as sea water temperatures rise, oceans are over-harvested and polluted.”
What are the potential side effects of taking Krill Oil supplements?
Like fish oil, you may be able to burp like fish while taking Krill oil. Certain formulations claim to eliminate that. Some people may experience gastrointestinal agitation, such as acid reflux or diarrhea, when they consume fish oil due to their high fat content. Krill oil can cause a reaction in people who are allergic to shellfish and seafood.
As always, talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement.
