Krill Oil - The Benefits And Harm

Krill oil is produced from small shrimp that live in Antarctic waters. This product is one of the best sources of omega-3 with multiple health benefits. But recently scientists have discovered unwanted effects. What is it exactly? Is it a great dietary supplement or a product to be avoided? In this article, find all the information you need, as well as interesting facts, tips and buying advice.

What is krill oil?

The krill of the species Euphausia superba is a small shrimp varying in size from 0.6 cm to 10 cm. Thanks to its transparent body which is rich in phosphorus, the organs of krill are luminescent. They are, therefore, visible at night and it is a truly wonderful sight - like a cloud of fireflies in the ocean. Krill inhabit one of the clearest waters in the world - that of Antarctica. In Norway, "krill" means "whale food" because krill is part of the zooplankton which is the main food source of the deep-sea giant.

Although shrimp have been eaten as food for hundreds of years, the oil produced by these crustaceans has only attracted the attention of researchers since 2000. It is rich in essential fatty acids, phospholipids, antioxidants, enzymes. and proteins. The main antioxidant in krill oil is astaxanthin, which is a super carotenoid. It is able to protect the organism against free radicals, ensuring many functions within the human body. Krill oil also contains vitamins E, A, and D, as well as copper, iron, and zinc.

The benefits and virtues of krill oil

Krill oil is rich in antioxidants and for this reason, it fights against premature aging of cells. It is also recommended for people with cardiovascular problems. Thanks to the level of Omega 3, krill oil helps the body to regulate blood cholesterol and lower blood triglycerides. The latter are lipids, the excess of which can have harmful consequences on health. The recommended dosage of krill oil in this case is 2 - 3 grams per day with meals.

Krill - your best friend during the menstrual cycle

The richness of phospholipids in this product relieves premenstrual syndrome. It regulates the menstrual cycle, reduces pain and tenderness of the breasts. Krill oil also has a positive effect on stress and irritability by providing emotional balance. Just take 2 grams of oil per day.

Relieve joint pain

This food supplement also has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis properties. If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, specialists advise taking 3 grams per day. Keep in mind that krill oil is not a medicine, but a food supplement of natural origin. So, you have to take it for a month, to feel its effect. The good thing is, it's a natural way to fight inflammation.

Regulate your weight with krill oil

These are not all of the benefits of krill oil. This supplement reduces endocannabinoids which, in large amounts, are responsible for obesity. In addition, it increases the metabolism. Researchers also studied the positive effects of supplementation with this oil on blood glucose levels. It turns out that krill oil helps lower blood sugar with around 6%.

Krill oil - as good for your dog as it is for your cat

Krill oil isn't just for people. It is beneficial for dogs and cats of all ages and sizes. The supplement has the same effect on animals. It helps fight diseases related to aging, improves cognitive functions and also promotes healthy skin and coat.

Krill oil or fish oil? Which one to choose ?

The main fatty acids of the omega-3 group are alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The amount of these acids in krill oil is lower compared to other fatty fish oils. In addition, shellfish oil contains more antioxidants and phospholipids that increase the effectiveness of omega-3s. Zooplankton are found at the start of the food chain and inhabit a less polluted environment. So, it is better to eat shellfish than fish. This is another main reason to prefer krill oil. Scientists recently found an increase in hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in the Antarctic Ocean where krill is mostly fished. The noted level of HCB is not worrying for the health, but it is still questionable. HCB is a chemical compound that is used as a fungicide. It has a carcinogenic effect and it is for this reason that its use has been banned in the European Community since 1981.

The disadvantages and contraindications of crustacean oil

This dietary supplement is not recommended for people with a seafood allergy, as it can cause an allergic reaction. This oil is also not suitable for vegans. People who develop bruising and those taking blood thinning medications should avoid high doses of EPA and DHA. Sometimes an overdose of omega-3s can cause nausea or softening of the stool. So, always read the labels, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Each company produces a dietary supplement with a different composition. Respectively, the amount of krill oil in the capsules is different. So, take into consideration the recommended daily dose and never exceed it. What is also important to know,is that krill oil is not recommended for children.

How to take krill oil and what to combine it with?

The oil occurs in 300 mg or 500 mg capsules. Choose the weight according to the desired effect and pay attention to the recommended dosage. Taking more of it doesn't mean you're going to have a faster effect. It is a dietary supplement that you can take without a prescription, but if you are taking medication you should consult your doctor. You will find krill oil in pharmacies, health food stores, health food departments or on several websites. You just have to watch out for fraudulent products.

Krill oil can be combined in the same way as fish oil. You can take it with other supplements, depending on what you are using it for. For example, if your goal is to improve resistance to lipid peroxidation, combine krill oil with vitamin E and silymarin. To improve carbohydrate metabolism and to regulate the insulin spike, also take fenugreek. Shellfish oil combines perfectly with green tea because it improves the bio-activity of catechins. These are flavonoids that play an essential role in detoxifying the body. Another great combination is krill oil and vitamins A and D because the latter are fat soluble. This means that the oil helps to absorb them better.

What are the ecological consequences of consuming krill oil?

The consumption of krill is estimated to be around 100,000 tonnes per year. However, it is not an endangered species. So, for the moment, we are talking about an abundant resource. In fact, crustaceans are more affected by pollution of the oceans with chemicals like HCB which we have already discussed. The Commission for the Protection of Antarctic Fauna and Flora closely monitors the fishery for krill and other zooplankton. It is also important to avoid threatening the animal species that feed on them. The impact of global warming on krill colonies is not yet studied.