What Is Neptune Krill Oil?

Neptune krill oil (NKO) is a dietary supplement that comes from krill, miniature crustaceans that resemble shrimp. According to Dr. Michael Eades, there are about 500 million tons of krill in the Antarctic and North Pacific oceans, with 110,000 tons harvested each year to make NKO.

Claims

• NKO is touted as a way to combat everything from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) to cancer and premature births. As with other dietary supplements, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved such claims.

Features

• NKO contains high levels of the essential fatty acids DHA and EPA, along with an antioxidant called astaxanthin.

PMS

• Researchers from the Department of Experimental Surgery at the University of Montreal in Canada concluded in a study published in 2003 that NKO was more effective than fish oil in treating PMS in 70 women.

Inflammation

• Dr. Tina Sampalis led a study that investigated NKO's action on C-Reactive Protein (CRP), a major contributor to inflammation in joints and the heart. People who received NKO instead of a placebo in the study had a 31 percent drop in CRP levels.

Considerations

• Dr. Joseph Mercola recommends taking vitamin E with NKO to reduce the oxidation effect that can degrade krill oil. When oils degrade during absorption, they can cause cell damage and increase free radicals that are responsible for aging. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin E, and let your physician know the supplements you take.