Krill oil (Euphausia superba)

Table of Contents

Other names

Antarctic Krill Oil
Phospholipid-Bound Omega-3s
Astaxanthin-Enhanced Krill Oil

Synopsis

Krill oil is an oil derived from krill, tiny crustaceans found in the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Krill are a primary food source for larger marine animals, such as whales, seals, and fish. Krill oil is especially prized for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for heart health, brain function, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition to omega-3s, krill oil contains phospholipids, which aid in the absorption of omega-3s, and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that gives krill oil its red color and helps protect it from oxidation.

Krill oil offers numerous health benefits, including:

  • Cardiovascular support: Helps reduce triglyceride levels, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol ratios (increasing HDL, reducing LDL)
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Reduces inflammation, benefiting conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and autoimmune disorders
  • Brain health: Supports cognitive function, improves memory, and helps protect against neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s
  • Eye health: Supports visual acuity and reduces the risk of conditions like age-related macular degeneration
  • Skin health: Helps with skin hydration, reducing wrinkles and fine lines, and protecting against UV-induced skin damage

Due to the phospholipids in krill oil, the omega-3s in krill oil are absorbed more efficiently compared to fish oil, offering potentially greater bioavailability and a higher degree of absorption.

Historical Use
Krill oil is a more recent addition to the supplement market, gaining popularity in the early 21st century after studies highlighted its potential health benefits. While krill have been consumed by marine animals for millions of years, the use of krill oil in human health was not explored until the 1990s when research began to focus on the nutritional value of krill and the oil extracted from them.

In contrast, fish oil, derived from the tissues of fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, has been used for centuries, particularly in traditional diets for its beneficial effects on heart health and inflammation. Fish oil supplements became widely popular in the late 20th century, but krill oil, with its added phospholipids and antioxidant content, has since been considered a superior alternative by some due to its increased bioavailability.

Today, krill oil is used as a premium alternative to fish oil in a variety of health supplements and functional foods. It is often marketed as a more sustainable and effective source of omega-3s, particularly for people seeking to support cognitive health, joint function, and heart health. It has also gained recognition in the field of anti-aging and skin care for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Uses: Health Conditions

None

Body Systems

Brain (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Joints (Traditional)
Mitochondria (Traditional)