June 26, 2014

To Krill or Not to Krill? That is the Question!

There is definitely a debate concerning whether or not Krill oil is better than Omega-3 fish oil.

Fish-Oil-vs-Krill-Oil

Fish oil and krill oil (shrimp-like crustaceans) have some similarities including both containing omega-3 fats such as eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and decosahexanoic acid (DNA). However, omega-3 fats are found in triglyceride form while krill oil are found in a double-chain phospholipid structure. The importance of this is the cell walls of humans are in the phospholipid form meaning the krill oil is absorbed more readily from the krill oil.

Another important factor is krill oil contains a powerful antioxidant called astaxanthin.  Antioxidants are important for the human body because they neutralize free radicals that cause disease.

There are literally thousands of double blind published research studies on Omega-3 fish oil. The FDA does not dispute the importance of Omega-3 fatty acids from the purest of fish oils. The dispute comes from the quality of fish oil. Researchers have said it takes a 1000 lbs. of fish oil to produce 100 lbs. of pure pharmaceutical grade (no mercury, aluminum, etc., contaminants) fish oil. The other 900 lbs. are not washed down the drain but are graded as to their quality and sold to the consumer. Check with your doctor as to whether or not his supplements are “pure”.

Krill oil has less published studies and the major sponsor of the primary study on cardiovascular disease was from a krill oil manufacturer. The University of Massachusetts Medical School  research studies  suggests that there is not enough research behind krill oil to back up its claims.

Fish oil in the form of Omega-3 and Krill oil have many benefits including reduction of inflammation which would help almost any health condition involved with an inflammatory reaction and brain stimulant for concentration, clearer thinking ( great for fibromyalgia patients with “fibro fog”) and memory.

To obtain the proper benefits of Omega-3  fish oil the individual must consume a minimum of 3000 mg EPA and 2000 mg DHA per day. There is presently no specific stated amount as a standard of consumption on a daily basis for Krill oil.

Bottom line: Krill oil appears to have some wonderful benefits including faster absorption into the cells for a quicker response in the human body along with a powerful antioxidant. However, more independent research needs to be completed on Krill Oil including a needed standard dosage. For the proper positive benefits of Omega-3  fish oil  you need to take the stated minimum amount per day. “One a Day” will not do it nor will eating fish 3 times a day 7 days a week. You’re not going to get the benefits you need from EPA and DHA to do its work for you and your body unless you ingest the proper amount.

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Diet, Fibromyalgia, Pain Management
One Comment
  1. I totally agree with your assessment and this is what I tell my clients.

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