Calamari oil (loligo spp.)
Synopsis
Calamari oil is a marine-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplement extracted from the liver of squid, specifically the species Loligo pealei or similar types. It is prized for its exceptionally high concentration of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), making it a powerful nutritional source for brain, eye, cardiovascular, and prenatal health. Compared to other marine oils like fish oil or krill oil, calamari oil typically contains a higher DHA-to-EPA ratio, offering targeted support for neurological and cognitive function.
Nutritional features of calamari oil include:
- Rich DHA content (often 50–60%) – supports brain development, cognitive performance, and retinal health
- Moderate EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) – contributes to anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular support
- Naturally low in contaminants due to squid's short lifespan and lower position in the marine food chain
- Often molecularly distilled or cold-processed to preserve purity and potency
Health benefits of calamari oil include:
- Enhancing brain development in infants and children, and maintaining cognitive health in aging adults
- Supporting mood balance, possibly helping in depression and anxiety management
- Protecting eye health, especially in conditions like macular degeneration
- Promoting cardiovascular health by reducing triglycerides and supporting vascular elasticity
- Supporting prenatal and postnatal nutrition, due to DHA’s role in fetal brain and eye development
It is typically consumed as softgel capsules or liquid oil, and may be preferred by those who require higher DHA dosing, such as pregnant women, aging adults, or those with neurological concerns.
Historical Use:
While squid and cephalopods have long been part of traditional diets in Asian, Mediterranean, and coastal cultures, the concentrated oil extracted from calamari liver is a modern nutritional development. The rise of calamari oil as a refined supplement began in response to increasing demand for cleaner, more sustainable omega-3 sources.
Traditional diets that included squid were believed to nourish the blood, boost vitality, and improve stamina, though the therapeutic concentration of DHA seen in modern calamari oil supplements was not present in whole food form.
Today, calamari oil is recognized for offering a clean, sustainable, and highly bioavailable source of DHA, ideal for those seeking targeted support for cognitive health, visual acuity, and early neurological development, with fewer environmental and taste concerns compared to traditional fish oil.
Body Systems
Sympathetic Nervous System (Science)
Brain (Science)
Circulatory System (Science)
Eyes (Science)
Parasympathetic Nervous System (Science)