Omega-3s from krill prevent heart attack consequences on the heart
Krill oil: good for better recovery after a heart attack
Omega 3 from krill may improve heart function by preventing heart muscle damage caused by a heart attack. That is the conclusion of a study conducted by researchers at the University Hospital in Oslo, Norway, on rats suffering a heart attack, published in the journal BMC Lipids in Health and Disease. Their results showed that the benefits of krill oil are evident when this supplement is taken before any heart attack. Only in this case does the heart attack result in neitherenlarged heart muscle norincreased heart weight, manifestations typically seen in an infarct sufferer.
Krill: what it is and what health benefits it provides
Krill are small shrimp-like animals that live in Antarctic seas. Rich in phospholipids and Omega-3s, these animals are harvested to produce supplements based on these valuable fatty acids. Various research and clinical studies have revealed thatkrill oil consumption offers significant health benefits. In fact, this dietary supplement is able to increase levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in heart tissue.
Krill to prevent heart attack damage
The study by Norwegian researchers showed for the first time thatkrill oil can prevent heart attack damage caused to heart tissue. The finding stems from experiments conducted on 53 male rats, which were initially divided into 2 groups. One of these 2 was given krill oil in the 14 days before the induction of a myocardial infarction. Seven days after induction of the latter, the hearts of all animals were analyzed by echocardiogram. Then, the rats that had not taken krill oil were further divided into two groups, one of which was given the supplement for the next 7 days. At this point the echocardiogram was repeated. The researchers observed a reduction in dilation of the left ventricle of the heart only in the rats that had taken krill oil before the induction of infarction. Heart and lung weight, expression of some genes involved in left ventricle-associated stress, and inflammation were also lower in the animals given the supplement.
Omega-3, the secret ingredient in krill
According to the authors, the observed effect could be associated with the replacement of saturated fatty acids in cardiac tissue with Omega-3 contained in krill oil. Alternatively, increased levels of EPA and DHA in heart muscle could promote the production of anti-inflammatory compounds. Another piece of scientific research demonstrating the benefits of Omega-3s for heart health.
Source
1. Fosshaug LE, Berge RK, Beitnes JO, Berge K, Vik H, Aukrust P, Gullestad L, Vinge LE, Oie E. "Krill oil attenuates left ventricular dilatation after myocardial infarction in rats," Lipids Health Dis. 2011 Dec 29;10(1):245
