Compared to regular fish oil, krill oil benefits deliver a greater concentration per dose of essential omega 3 fatty acids. These fats, found in varying quantities in all seafood, help regulate organ function, immunity, heart health, and cholesterol levels.
Omega 3s also serve as brain boosters, promoting the maintenance of brain cell membranes to produce gains in memory and reasoning. The strong anti-oxidant content found in krill makes it a powerful neuro-protective component of any diet.
Here is a summary of how the benefits of krill oil work, how much you should be taking, and why this dietary supplement beats standard fish oil.



- Source of EPA and DHA Omega-3's
- Contains astaxanthin - a potent anti-oxidant
- Supports brain & cardiovascular health
Benefits of Krill Oil
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The essential fats like linolenic acid are compounds which the body needs to regulate cellular health, but which it cannot produce on its own.
These acids form into more sophisticated substances called omega 3 acids, which contain the highly unsaturated fat components EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Our bodies use these acids to maintain the integrity of cell walls throughout the body. They have been linked to immune function, skin health, circulatory health, and brain function.
While omega 3’s can be found in nuts and some vegetables, the best source can be found in fresh fish and sea life.
Among all ocean creatures, the small, shrimplike crustacean known as krill contains the most potent variety of omega 3 acids. Krill are a wildly abundant species which is thought to represent the largest biomass on planet Earth.
There may be as much as 500 million tons of krill in the world’s oceans. They are a common food source for humans, with more than 100,000 tons being harvested for food and oil every year.
The vast numbers of krill make it invulnerable to over-fishing. Therefore krill is considered a highly renewable energy source, unlike many other fish species.
Less than 5cm long, these tiny creatures live mainly in cold oceans like the Pacific and Antarctic. They are a traditional food throughout Asia, and recently have become popular as a cognitive enhancement supplement.
The oil contained within krill is extracted and sold worldwide as a dietary wellness supplement. Krill oil benefits are hailed as a therapy for a broad range of physical and mental wellness issues, as discussed below.
What Does Krill Oil Do?
The omega 3 fatty acids within krill are transported throughout the body following ingestion. Much of the EPA and DHA content crosses the blood-brain barrier where it is available to be incorporated into neuronal wells. There, they improve the vitality of cells by making membranes more permeable. This is important in aiding the transport of nutrients and removal of waste.
Overall, omega 3 improve communication efficiency in the brain. Neural receptors are made more responsive and brain synapses become more plastic and able to adapt to changing needs. Krill oil contains both DHA and EPA, the two major omega 3 fats.
Phospholipids in krill oil also build healthy cells and have natural anti-oxidant properties. This protects cells from free radical damage which can cause oxidation and deterioration of cellular functions. The prime component of krill’s phospholipids is phosphatidylcholine – a critical nutrient required for optimum brain health.
Comparing Krill Oil Benefits to Fish Oil
For many years, the only available supplements for Omega 3’s consisted of Fish Oil capsules that were sourced from a variety of cold-water species of fish.
However, these supplements have largely been surpassed in demand by Krill which has been shown to possess benefits above and beyond standard fill oil products in two important ways.
First, it has a far higher anti-oxidant content. This means it provides superior protection against age-related decay, especially in the brain. Next, krill oil is not as perishable as fish oil.
As fish oil breaks down over time, it transforms into dangerous free radicals, defeating the protective purpose of its supplementation. Krill is a more versatile and lasting supplement, which is also loaded with the vitamins E, A, and D.
Additional Health Benefits
Krill oil famously boosts the function of various key physical systems in the body, including immunity, circulation, liver, and skin. It also makes joints more flexible, alleviates symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and lowers LDL cholesterol.
It has strong anti-aging properties, and can protect cells from age-related decay while diminishing the visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles.
It is frequently suggested as an adjunct treatment for overall wellbeing in cancer patients. One of the most exciting functions of krill oil is as a mood enhancer, natural ADHD treatment and cognitive booster.
The improvements and protections krill oil benefits provide to neural tissue result in better functioning memory, a longer attention span, and heightened concentration. It lifts mood by increasing the brain’s ability to communicate and manage stress, making it a viable anti-depressant and anti-anxiety treatment.
How to Use Krill Oil Safely
Most of the side effects associated with fish oils are largely superficial and do not pose a significant threat to health. They consist of a fishy taste in the mouth, fishy breath, and in some cases, a fishy odor present in sweat. Notably, these symptoms are specific to regular fish oil, and are usually not reported for krill oil.
Other light side effects may include digestive issues and heartburn. It is unclear if a shellfish allergy will create a hazard for people consuming krill oil.
While most studies indicate that krill oil benefits will not antagonize this allergy, it might be best to err on the side of caution if you are sensitive to shellfish.
How Much Krill Oil to Take
The optimum health benefits can be achieved with a daily dosage between 1000 – 2000 mg per day. These amounts are about half of the amount of regular fish oil you would need to achieve similar effects. Until you know if you possess any stomach sensitivity to the oil, it is best to start with lower doses and gradually increase the amount.
To augment supplementation of healthy fats like those found in krill oil, Phosphatidylserine is an aminophospholipid which also contributes to excellent mood through cellular health. Krill oil can be safely mixed with this or any other cognitive enhancement supplement without decreasing efficacy or generating new side effects.
This safe, effective way to improve overall mental and physical wellbeing represents a harmonious balance between human health and the resources of the planet.
Krill Oil benefits can take several weeks to manifest which is why it is recommended to use the supplement consistently for at least 4-6 weeks for evaluation.
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- Köhler A, Sarkkinen E, Tapola N, Niskanen T, Bruheim I. Bioavailability of fatty acids from krill oil, krill meal and fish oil in healthy subjects--a randomized, single-dose, cross-over trial. Lipids Health Dis. 2015
Article last updated on: April 29th, 2018 by Nootriment
1 Comment
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