Are Krill Oil Supplements a Good Source of Astaxanthin?

Krill oil is a source of astaxanthin, which has been recognized as one of the strongest known natural antioxidants. However, there are relatively low levels of astaxanthin found naturally in krill supplements.

For this reason, most people opt to use a pure astaxanthin supplement to experience the free-radical fighting benefits of this compound. Some krill oil supplements may also be enhanced with additional sources of astaxanthin.

Krill oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids that are linked to improved general wellness and cardiovascular health. Some of the possible benefits associated with krill oil include strengthened immunity, prolonged endurance, improved mental health and reduced systemic inflammation.

Astaxanthin is also used for many similar health goals. Some users report improvements with achy joints, high cholesterol, skin wrinkles, poor digestion, lacking energy and/or hypertension (high blood pressure).

Astaxanthin

Anti-Oxidant

Anti- Oxidant

Heart Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Antioxidant and immune booster
• Supports cardiovascular health
• Shown to improve cholesterol levels

Dosage:

Between 4 - 40 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Krill Oil and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Krill oil is one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and is considered more stable and less likely to contain impurities compared to fish oil.

Omega-3 fats are essential polyunsaturated fats. Being essential means that the human body cannot produce them.

The three primary omega-3 fats are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and ALA (alpha-linolenic acid).

DHA and EPA are sourced mainly from fish. ALA is found largely in nuts, green leafy vegetables, flax seeds and the fat of grass-fed terrestrial animals.

In humans, ALA is used mainly for energy synthesis. Although possible, very little of it is converted to DHA and/or EPA.

Omega-3s found in krill oil supplements are important constituents of cell membranes in all areas of the body. They are used to:

• Synthesize hormones that regulate vasodilation, inflammation and blood clotting;
• Possibly help to control rheumatoid arthritis (RA) lupus and eczema;
• Modulate genetic functioning in cell membrane receptors;
• Improve the function of blood vessels;
• Help prevent stroke and heart disease;
• Possibly protect against cancer;
• Decrease triglycerides;
• Lower blood pressure;
• Reduce inflammation;
• Decrease heart rate;

To date, the majority of health benefits associated with omega-3 fats concern cardiac functioning. Research continues exploring various other therapeutic potentials.

Krill Oil Supplements Review

Krill oil supplements contain omega-3 fats extracted from small crustaceans, called krill. They are considered to be one of the most abundant animal species on Earth, with an estimated biomass of 500 million tonnes in the Southern Ocean.

Krill look like tiny shrimp and inhabit all world oceans. They feed on microscopic, single-celled organisms called phytoplankton.

In turn, krill are consumed by numerous marine and terrestrial creatures; including baleen whales, various species of fish and various birds.

Krill oil supplements are considered to be of higher quality than typical fish oil supplements, and the content of natural astaxanthin may play a role in this.

High mercury levels and other marine pollutants can affect the quality of omega-3 supplements. Many fish oil-based omega-3 products are also adversely affected by oxidation.

These fats are highly susceptible to reaction with oxygen. This can occur at any point of harvesting, processing, manufacturing, handling and shipping of fish oil supplements.

When omega-3s contact oxygen, they quickly become rancid. Some health professionals estimate that as many as 50% of omega-3 supplements available are rancid or are becoming rancid at the time of purchase.

This oxidation-induced rancidness causes the supplements to lack efficacy for their intended purposes. If heavily oxidized, they may actually be damaging to human health.

A recent study concluded that adding astaxanthin to fish oil supplements decreases their susceptibility to oxygen damage. It also strengthens the immunomodulatory effects of these supplements.

Astaxanthin Supplement Review

Astaxanthin is a natural pigment called a keto-carentinoid. It is an oxygenated compound that contains both ketone and hydroxyl functional groups.

Astaxanthin is lipid-soluble and red in color. It is produced largely by Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, and is subsequently consumed by various marine organisms.

Astaxanthin is what gives certain creatures their pink/red colors; like salmon, shrimp, lobster – and krill.

However, the typical dosage found in krill oil supplements is too low to result in health benefits if used on its own. For this reason, many prefer taking a single-ingredient astaxanthin supplement or a krill or fish oil product enriched with additional sources of this compound.

Astaxanthin has been called the strongest known natural antioxidant. It is far stronger as an antioxidant than well-known antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

More specifically, astaxanthin is:

• 65, 54 and 14 times as strong at free radical scavenging than vitamin C, beta-carotene and vitamin E respectively;
• 550 and 11 times as strong at singlet oxygen quenching than vitamin E and beta-carotene respectively;

There are more than 700 known carotenoids. Natural astaxanthin has demonstrated more antioxidant potential than all others which have been tested.

Currently, natural astaxanthin is used for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, hypercholesterolemia, cancer, stroke and age-related macular degeneration. It is also used topically for sunburn.

Side Effects of Krill Oil and Astaxanthin

Krill oil and astaxanthin supplements are not likely to cause side effects. No adverse effects are associated with astaxanthin, and very few are with krill oil.

Rare side effects of krill oil and astaxanthin may include nausea, loose stool, heartburn and/or upset stomach.

In some cases, these supplements could cause a drop in blood pressure or could affect blood sugar levels.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are currently using any medications, check with a doctor to determine appropriateness for you.

Conclusions

Krill oil supplements are considered to be a superior option to fish oil supplementation.

Because astaxanthin is already present in krill oil, this supplement is resistant to the degrading effects of contact with oxygen. This helps to protect the omega-3s from oxidation throughout harvesting, processing, etc.

However, the levels of astaxanthin found naturally in krill oil are often too low to experience health benefits. Look for krill oil and other omega-3 fatty acid supplements that have additional astaxanthin added, or consider using a standalone supplement.

In one test performed by Dr. Rudi Moerck, krill oil with natural astaxanthin remained unchanged with exposure of flowing oxygen for 190 hours.

In comparison, fish oil with no astaxanthin became rancid within an hour. Also, at least two studies have shown krill oil to be between 10 and 15 times as absorbable in humans than fish oil.

Always look for krill oil astaxanthin supplements with naturally sourced ingredients. Synthetic astaxanthin is available and used widely. However, it is many times less effective than naturally sourced astaxanthin.

Only consider supplements which have at least 0.2 mg natural astaxanthin per one gram of krill oil. This is the smallest amount recommended for protecting the omega-3 fats in the krill oil.

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