The benefits of Antarctic krill include enhanced immunity, organ support, relief from arthritis, reduced cholesterol, better skin, and a broad range of cognitive enhancements.
This tiny shrimp represents a substantial staple food source for global populations. Oil derived from krill has become a widely used dietary supplement due to its high omega 3 fatty acid content.
Krill populations favor cold water oceans, but is there a difference between products from different regions? The following is a summary of how Antarctic Ocean krill oil is harvested, how it works in the body, and how much is healthy to eat every day. We’ll also look at the different kinds of krill oil on the market.



- Source of EPA and DHA Omega-3's
- Contains astaxanthin - a potent anti-oxidant
- Supports brain & cardiovascular health
Antarctic Krill Oil
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There are enormous concerns today over the depletion of natural resources and threats to native species.
While these worries are justified for populations of many fish and seafood products including fish oil, the krill fishing industry represent a wholly sustainable, renewable source of food.
This is because of the sheer amount of krill in the planet’s biomass. It is estimated that as much as 500 million tons of krill live in the world’s oceans at any given time. Even though krill is a widely used staple food, especially in Asia, only about 110,000 tons of it are harvested annually.
Even at the current high rate of consumption, human fishing does not significant affect krill’s total population. The small, shrimp-like creatures are only 1 – 5 cm long, and provide a simple, healthy food source high in protein and the vital omega 3 fatty acids which human bodies need for proper function.
Reported Effects of Krill Oil Consumption
When Antarctic red krill oil is consumed, the omega 3 fatty acids within it is carried at the cellular level throughout the body and into the tissues of the brain. Omega 3 acids, both DHA and EFA, enter cells and work to increase the permeability of cell membranes.
These essential fatty acids are components of every single cell wall in your body, but often we do not have enough Omega 3’s in our diet to satisfy the extensive needs for these fats.
By using 1000mg of Krill a day, you can effectively change the composition of cell membranes to prevent unhealthy rigidity. This allows wastes and nutrients to travel more freely, making cell function more efficient. This translates into healthier tissue and stronger organs.
A Powerful Source of Phosphatidylcholine
Krill oil also contains phosphatidyl choline, a phospholipid which has the dual effect of anti-oxidant protection from free radicals and boosting choline levels in the brain. Phospholipids strengthen cells and make them less susceptible to damage from oxidized particles, the chief cause of age-related decay.
Meanwhile, choline becomes a building block for acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter which spurs neurogenesis and synaptogenesis in brain tissue.
This combination of effects can improve the neuroplasticity of the brain by increasing the ability of your synaptic network to grow and change. It ensures that brain cells are resistant to damage, improving total brain communication efficiency via acetylcholine signaling pathways. For this reason Antarctic krill oil is considered a potent brain enhancement food.
Do You Need Antarctic Krill Oil?
Hundreds of studies have been conducted showing that using a Fish or Krill Oil supplement can boost health across a broad range of metrics. Ample amounts of Antarctic krill oil in the diet results in stronger organ function and increased immunity.
All major organs benefit from this action, especially the heart. Krill oil works to lower LDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels and improve joint mobility.
It is responsible for maintaining healthy skin, and can prevent and reduce the visible signs of aging. In the brain, krill oil’s cell strengthening and choline content boost memory function, makes concentration deeper and easier, and improves reasoning abilities.
The oil also possesses crucial neuro-protective properties, which guard the brain against degenerative age-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.
Krill oil supplements are frequently included in diets for these patients to slow the onset of cognitive decline. In healthy minds, krill oil can reduce the impact of stressful thoughts by improving overall brain functionality. Good mood is easier to maintain, and the symptoms of general anxiety and depression are lessened.
Studies have even demonstrated that a Krill supplement can alleviate the feelings of pain and irritability associated with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in women.
How Much Krill Should You Consume?
A good standard dose of Antarctic krill oil is between 1000 mg and 2000 mg per day. There are a few different varieties of krill on the market. Aside from general brand preference, there is little difference among them as pertains to dosage and efficacy.
Most krill is harvested from the Antarctic Ocean or Pacific Ocean, as it prefers a cold water climate. Products which specify either Antarctic krill or Pacific krill have identical benefits.
All krill has a red color, but some products are specifically marketed as “red krill” to indicate a higher algae diet and therefore a higher anti-oxidant rating. It is unclear if color is a factor in product quality.
Any krill oil product with a listed phospholipid content above 200-300 mg is considered excellent.
Experiences with Antarctic Krill Supplements
Just like any product which comes from the ocean, Antarctic krill is subject to man-made pollution which may exist in the water. Many fish are compromised by heavy metal content or other toxins. Luckily, as krill sits on the bottom of the food chain it is not exposed to high levels of these toxins. This makes krill an extremely “clean” food from an environmental perspective.
It has a long shelf life and does not carry the fishy odor issues of other fish oils. Krill oil represents an excellent way to get omega 3 acids in the diet, paving the way for many physical and cognitive boosts.
While any natural supplement may have side effects which could limit use, krill oil is generally considered harmless to humans. Better immunity, clearer skin, stronger organ function, protection against age-related decay, and heightened memory and concentration are among the oil’s many benefits.
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Article last updated on: April 29th, 2018 by Nootriment