The best krill oil products can deliver a powerful dose of omega 3 fatty acids, alongside strong anti-oxidant protection.
With relatively few side effects, krill oil supplements can boost overall immunity and strengthen organ function throughout the body.
This natural supplement also has excellent benefits for mood and cognitive enhancement.
Here’s a brief guide to how krill works, and how to determine the best products to buy. We’ll also cover basic dosage guidelines, and discuss the validity of environmental pollution concerns.



- Source of EPA and DHA Omega-3's
- Contains astaxanthin - a potent anti-oxidant
- Supports brain & cardiovascular health
Krill Oil: The Best Source of Omega 3’s
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Omega 3 fatty acids have been a hot topic in nutrition and healthcare for the past few decades.
These “good fats” act as a kind of lubricant for cells, improving the functionality of cell membranes..
Humans have always relied upon dietary sources of omega 3s, but one growing problem is that the Western diet tends to include too many Omega 6’s and not enough Omega 3’s.
This throws off the balance of essential fats in the body and can cause issues relating to proper composition of cell membranes. For this reason, dietary supplements are often required to increase Omega 3 consumption.
There is no more effective delivery device for these fats than krill oil. Krill are tiny (1 – 5 cm long) shrimp-like creatures which live abundantly in cold water oceans such as the Pacific and the Antarctic. These creatures comprise up to 500 million tons of the Earth’s biomass.
Krill are widely harvested for food in Asia, and contain an oil which is very rich in the omega 3 acids DHA and EFA. The best krill oil supplements deliver pure, bioavailable fatty acids which can be used directly by the brain.
Pharmacokinetics of Krill Oil
Once consumed, the best krill oil supplements distribute DHA and EFA throughout all the tissues of the body. The compound enters cells and makes cell membranes more permeable. This allows the cells to process waste and accept nutrients more efficiently, resulting in better function for all of the organs they comprise.
These findings have been backed up by countless studies which show improvements in cholesterol levels, blood triglycerides, and C-Reactive protein which is a cause of rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, Krill oil use resulted in increased functionality in elderly and injured participants following a reduction of secondary symptoms related to arthritis.
Krill oil also contains phospholipids, substances which further reinforce the health of cell membranes, and also serve as strong anti-oxidants. In this regard, phospholipids protect cells from damage by roving free radicals.
This protection is crucial for preventing age-related degenerative diseases. In a direct comparison to Fish Oil, Krill was found to exhibit a greater neuroprotective effect at a smaller dosage.
Using Krill Oil for Brain Health
The omega 3 acids in krill oil are able to cross the blood brain barrier. In the brain, the fats perform the same cellular nurturing and protection, resulting in improved neural tissue health and improved cognitive function.
Krill oil’s phospholipids also contain a form of choline, which transforms in the brain into acetylcholine, an important neurotransmitter relating to memory, reasoning, and synaptic communication.
Krill oil’s benefits include higher immunity and protection against common tissue decay, such as accompanies heart disease and lung disease. It lowers LDL cholesterol. Krill oil improves joint function and nourishes skin. It can reduce the external signs of aging, such as skin wrinkles. In the brain, krill oil can generate strong mood effects.
By improving overall cognitive function, it lifts mood and makes stress easier to manage. Studies have found that irritability, anxiety, PMS symptoms and stress are all improved following administration of this supplement.
Over time, krill oil boosts memory function, and makes it easier to concentrate. It can delay or prevent symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and other age-related disorders. In multiple studies, participants given a daily Krill supplement saw cognitive improvements at levels above 1.25% of the diet for six weeks.
Krill Oil vs Regular Fish Oil
Many people are turned off of trying regular fish oils due to a small, yet significant side effect: odor. Fish oil is known to create fishy breath and a fishy smell on the skin. The best krill oil products do not generate this effect and produce a greater proportional benefit compared to the same dose of Fish Oil.
And while fish oil is known to be highly perishable and dangerous after degradation, krill has an extremely long shelf life, up to two years. Krill oil also has a much higher anti-oxidant capability than regular fish oil. This may be due to the specific algae (astaxanthin) that krill feeds upon. This same algae give krill its famous red color.
Best Krill Oil Supplements
The best krill oil supplements tend to come in dosages of 500 mg per pill. The optimum daily dosage of the supplement is 1000 mg – 2000 mg.
Pills can be taken with meals, and freely combined with most other health supplements. It has almost no natural contraindications, and complements other supplements containing choline very well.
When looking at different krill oil products on the market, the designation of “red krill” may indicate a higher amount of astaxanthin and therefore a higher anti-oxidant value.
The amount of phospholipids on packaging may also be indicated – the higher the better. Phospholipid counts above 200 – 400 mg are considered good.
Finally, check packaging for rating of sources and/or harvesting techniques. While this information is not always available, it can give some clues as to product quality.
Addressing Concerns Regarding Contamination
Regarding environmental contamination and krill oil, some people have expressed fears about heavy metal poisoning, a common problem for all seafood products. As krill sits at the bottom of the oceans’ food chains, other fish serve as natural filters for metals and industrial waste.
The best krill oil products may indicate this on the information label, but even if they don’t, rest assured that these supplements are safe in regards to pollution.
Overall, a daily supplement is an excellent way to increase omega 3 levels and improve cognitive function.
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Article last updated on: April 29th, 2018 by Nootriment