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Krill Oil Information & Benefits

Krill oil is a nutritional supplement derived from small sea creatures resembling shrimp. It is an alternative to fish oil reputed to provide additional health benefits. Both are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in the prevention of many health conditions, including heart disease and high cholesterol. While some studies indicate krill oil is more effective than fish oil, further research is necessary to establish whether they differ significantly enough to recommend one over the other.

  1. Source of Fatty Acids

    • Krill oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease, cancer and arthritis. Omega-3s are essential to proper growth and brain development, and deficiencies may lead to behavioral problems and fatigue. Krill oil also contains omega-6 fatty acids. Doses typically vary from 1 to 3 grams per day.

    Source of Antioxidants

    • Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant. Prograde, one manufacturer of krill oil, claims that its product contains more than 47 times the antioxidant profile of fish oil. It is unclear, however, what benefit this antioxidant provides. Dr. Ira Ockene of the University of Massachusetts Medical School points to the lack of evidence supporting the benefits of antioxidant supplementation in general.

    Lowering Cholesterol

    • A study in the Alternative Medicine Review in 2005 titled "Evaluation of the Effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the Clinical Course of Hyperlipidemia" demonstrated that krill oil is more effective at lowering cholesterol than fish oil. Additionally, the study showed that krill oil reduced blood sugar levels. The sample size was small, however, and the results should be viewed skeptically until they can be confirmed by additional research.

    Easing Pre-Menstrual Syndrome

    • Research from the University of Montreal demonstrates that krill oil is more effective than fish oil at easing mood swings caused by premenstrual syndrome as well as menstrual cramps. The Langone Medical Center at NYU, however, criticized the study for poor design, calling these results into question.

    Easing Arthritis Symptoms

    • A study conducted by Luisa Deutsch titled "Evaluation of the Effect of Neptune Krill Oil on Chronic Inflammation and Arthritic Symptoms" indicates that krill oil is beneficial to those suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The Langone Center also criticized this study for poor design.

    Other Considerations

    • The American Heart Association recommends that individuals consume two servings of fish a week in order to reap the benefits of omega-3s, introducing supplements only under the care of a doctor. The AHA also cautions against doses over 3 grams per day. Ockene points to the small body of research on krill oil and urges consumers to be wary of claims touting the advantages of the supplement over the more established benefits of fish oil.

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