From the Guidelines
Antarctic krill oil is a recommended source of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, for reducing cardiac mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), with a typical dosage ranging from 500-2000mg daily. The evidence from recent studies, such as the meta-analysis by Bernasconi et al. 1, suggests that supplementation with EPA/DHA is associated with a 13% decrease in myocardial infarction (MI), a 10% decrease in coronary heart disease (CHD) events, and a 9% decrease in CHD mortality. The omega-3s in krill oil, which are attached to phospholipids, may be more bioavailable than those in fish oil, making them a potentially more effective option for supporting heart health 1.
Some key benefits of Antarctic krill oil include:
- Reducing inflammation and improving cholesterol levels, which can help support heart health 1
- Providing antioxidant benefits due to the presence of astaxanthin, which can help prevent oxidation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases 1
- Potentially benefiting brain function and joint health, although more research is needed to confirm these effects 1
When considering krill oil supplementation, it is essential to:
- Choose a product that is sustainably harvested and third-party tested for purity to ensure quality and minimize potential side effects 1
- Follow the recommended dosage and take the supplement with food to minimize digestive discomfort 1
- Consult with a healthcare provider before taking krill oil, especially if you are on blood thinners or planning surgery, as it may increase bleeding risk 1
From the Research
Chemical Composition of Antarctic Krill Oil
- Antarctic krill oil is a unique lipid consisting of diverse lipid classes, with a high concentration of phospholipids (PLs) associated with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 2
- It also contains considerable amounts of bioactive minor components such as astaxanthin, sterols, tocopherols, vitamin A, flavonoids, and minerals 2
Health Benefits of Antarctic Krill Oil
- Krill oil has been documented to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, women's health, neuroprotection, and anticancer activities 2
- Omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil play an important role in cardiovascular health, and krill oil has emerged as a potential alternative for omega-3 supplementation 3
Bioavailability of Antarctic Krill Oil
- The bioavailability of krill oil has been suggested to be higher than fish oil, as much of the EPA and DHA in krill oil are bound to phospholipids (PL) 4
- Krill oil with higher PL levels could lead to enhanced bioavailability of n-3 PUFA compared to krill oil with lower PL levels 4
- A comparative bioavailability study of fish oil vs. krill oil found that krill oil had the highest incorporation of EPA+DHA into plasma PL, followed by fish oil rTAG and EE 5
Comparison with Fish Oil
- Fish oil is used to lower triglycerides and for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease 6
- A study found that high-dose fish oil is safe in combination with aspirin and clopidogrel and does not increase the risk of bleeding compared with that seen with aspirin and clopidogrel alone 6
- Krill oil has been suggested as a potential alternative for omega-3 supplementation, with a more favorable fatty acid profile and higher bioavailability than fish oil 3, 5