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Buy Now on Amazon *Nature Made Krill Oil is a dietary supplement that helps to increase omega 3 fatty acid content in the diet.
This supplement is used to support a healthy heart. According to the manufacturer, supportive research suggests that increasing consumption of the fatty acids EPA and DHA may reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease.
For many years, fish oil was used as the primary omega 3 source in dietary supplements. However, this product is often not sustainable fished and may pose a higher risk of adverse effects.
Only recently, krill oil has become popular as a method for adding omega 3 fatty acids into the diet. Sourced from krill (shrimp), this product is thought to have a lower risk of mercury contamination compared to fish oil derived from salmon.
These essential “good fats” found in krill supplements are important for cellular health, organ function, and overall neurological health. The body cannot produce them on its own and humans have traditionally taken these fats from dietary sources.
Krill oil is also a source of astaxanthin, a powerful natural antioxidant which has been well-researched for brain function, eye health, cardiovascular health and more.
According to Nature Made, their 300mg krill oil softgels has “superior Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) absorption compared to an equal amount of regular triglyceride fish oil.” This product is also advertised as not having a fishy odor or aftertaste, no color added and containing no yeast or starch.
Heart Health
Brain Health
Anti- Oxidant- Source of EPA and DHA Omega-3's
- Contains astaxanthin - a potent anti-oxidant
- Supports brain & cardiovascular health
What Is Krill Oil?
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Krill Oil is one of the products of a massive annual harvest of the tiny sea creature known as krill.
This small red shrimp, measuring just 5 cm or less, is in no danger of over-fishing. At more than 500 million tons, the collective amount of krill in the world’s coldest oceans could never be depleted by mankind.
It is a renewable food source which is widely consumed in Asia, and many brands sell it as a holistic health supplement and an ideal source of Omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. The oil is prized as an essential “good fat” which also has a high anti-oxidant value.
In addition, the presence of choline in this supplement helps to support memory and intelligence.
Safety Issues With Krill Oil
There are some frequently cited health concerns surrounding Nature Made Krill Oil, most of which are unfounded. Pollution in the oceans means that all food and supplements harvested from them are at risk of contamination. Specifically, some fish oils have been tainted with heavy metal toxicity due to human industry.
Luckily, krill oil is not subject to this contamination. It is at the bottom of the food chain in the ocean, which means that most toxins are filtered by other species long before they reach krill.
Another major concern with sea-based omega 3 oils is degradation and perishability. Fish oils are considered highly perishable and can turn rancid quickly. When this happens, the oil transforms into free radical-dense matter. These particles are very harmful, and are indeed the very issue most people take fish oil in defense of.
Again, krill oils do not have this issue, as they are thought to last at full efficacy for a much longer period, up to a few years. The shelf life of the particular Nature Made Krill Oil capsules is unknown. There is also not a wealth of info on product packaging to indicate if responsible harvesting techniques were used in its manufacture.
How High Quality Krill Oil Works
Unadulterated krill oil distributes DHA and EFA omega 3 fatty acids to the body’s issues and cells. It makes cell membranes more permeable and improves overall cellular health and function. This results in organ support. Phospholipids within krill oil deliver added anti-oxidant value, preventing oxygen-damaged free radical molecules form causing decay.
Products like Nature Made Krill Oil are most frequently taken for these general wellness effects. Omega 3s are also able to cross the blood brain barrier, meaning that the same benefits will take place in neural tissue.
In the brain, omega 3 fats and the choline content of phospholipids contribute to substantially improved cognitive function. Cells are healthier and better able to send and receive chemical signals. Disease and decay may be prevented by krill oil’s neuro-protective anti-oxidant action.
Does Nature Made Krill Oil Meet Quality Standards?
There have been some concerns raised about the quality of Nature Made krill oil. Testing by Consumer Lab, the noted “supplements watchdog,” has included Nature Made in a list of commercial krill oils which have a very low omega 3 content, are more prone to go rancid, and are sold to the public in that state. The amount of Omega 3s found in random testing was unreliable at best, making the product’s value questionable.
Review of Benefits
All people need to take some form of omega 3 supplement. For most, this will consist of good fats obtained unintentionally through basic food sources like fishy.
But for the benefits of omega 3 supplementation, red krill oil is considered the best source to boost these fats in the diet.
Benefits for the body include better immunity and resistance to common illnesses. Krill oil can improve organ function, especially eye, heart, and the largest organ of all – skin. Skin looks and feels better with regular omega 3 supplementation, and the visible signs of aging are reduced.
Benefits for mind are even more pronounced. With regular usage, concentration is improved and thoughts become clearer. As with many natural nootropics, memory functions can increase. Mood lifts, and stress triggers become easier to manage. Plus, the neuro-protective qualities of omega 3 supplements may serve as a defense against degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
When looking for a krill oil product, make sure that packaging indicates purity and amount of the oil and its omega 3 content. Labeling should also indicate phospholipid count, and let you know if there is astaxanthin in the product. This is the natural algae which krill feeds upon, which gives the oil its anti-oxidant power.
Nature Made Krill Oil tablets may not live up to these standards. Spend the extra time and research omega 3 products which meet the highest standards for efficacy and safety. This is the only way to guarantee the best mind and body benefits with this supplement.
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Article last updated on: April 28th, 2018 by Nootriment