A new ally for your health: krill oil, all the benefits and properties
A new ally for your health: krill oil, all the benefits and properties
In the purest and coldest waters of our Planet lives a small crustacean, similar to a shrimp, which has proven to be a valuable nutraceutical.
Meet krill, from which an Omega-3-rich oil sought after for its many benefits to the cardiovascular system (and beyond) is made. Let's get to know it better, then.
Krill oil
The hidden treasure from Antarctica that revolutionized the world of supplements. That's what krill oil is, in a nutshell. It is a dietary supplement rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
But upon closer inspection, krill oil has something more than other supplements: it contains Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of phospholipids, a structure that is much more easily absorbed by our bodies. This means that, even at small dosages, its action is ultra-effective.
In addition, it is a natural source of astaxanthin, an antioxidant that preserves the quality of the oil, and choline, a nutrient responsible for the transmission of nerve impulses and also protects the liver from fat accumulation.
In short: this is not just another supplement.
But let's go through its history through the accolades it has won:
- In 2008, krill oil was cleared as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- In 2009 it was approved to be placed on the market as a novel food ingredient in the European Community, and since 2014 also in China.
- Recently, the European Community decided to extend the authorized uses of krill oil to include pregnant and lactating women.
Today, in Europe, krill oil is classified as a "Novel food": an uncommonly used new food ingredient. Completely safe.
What is krill?
It is a small crustacean, belonging to the order Euphasiaceae, which lives in large quantities in the cold waters of the Antarctic-the biomass of Antarctic krill is about 379 million tons, with annual production ranging from 342 to 536 million tons.
Small in size, gigantic in role in the food chain: in fact, krill is the food for a great many marine organisms, such as whales, seals and penguins.
Precisely because of this important role, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has set a catch limit of 620,000 tons of krill per year in 2018-at the end of each year, the entire fishery has 250,000 tons of krill, so we are well below the allowed limit.
Krill oil extraction techniques.
Fishing and processing krill biomass is expensive and far from simple. The reasons?
- The fishing area is limited and hostile.
- The crustacean should be processed within 2 to 3 hours of capture.
- The yield is much lower than that of fish oil: large amounts of krill are needed to obtain the oil.
The processing of krill begins on board the vessel, immediately after capture. Outside its natural habitat, in fact, krill enzymes (active proteolytic enzymes) tend to degrade the organism in a short time. Trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), an organic compound found in the krill's muscle tissues, turns into trimethylamine (TMA), a volatile substance responsible for the unpleasant odor that fish emit once dead. This is why it is good to anticipate the processing as much as possible.
Nutritional composition
What's inside a drop of krill oil? Nutritionally, it contains several essential nutrients, such as n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), phospholipids (PL), astaxanthin and choline.
Unlike common edible oils, krill oil exhibits a lipid profile (ranging from 0.5 percent to 3.6 percent) that includes not only essential fatty acids and phospholipids, but also diacylglycerols (DAGs), monoacylglycerols (MAGs), free fatty acids (FFAs) and other lipids.
Seasonal variation, environmental changes, fishing stations, sexual maturity of the crustacean, storage conditions, transportation process, and pretreatment of the raw material are all factors that influence the lipid content of krill oil.
The fatty acids in krill oil.
Myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, vaccenic acid and oleic acid. These are the fatty acids that abound in krill oil, as reported by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, the body responsible for all matters concerning the implementation of the Joint FAO-WHO Food Standards Program.
The two most important fatty acids in the oil, however, remain the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), more specifically EPA and DHA.
Choline
Among the phospholipids contained in krill oil, phosphatidylcholine deserves special mention (present in 44.58 percent to 99.80 percent of total phospholipids). Indeed, it is an important source of choline, a nutrient that our bodies are unable to synthesize in sufficient quantities to meet their needs.
But what is choline used for?
- It is like a building block for your cells: it enters cell tissues and helps nerve impulse transmission, improving memory.
- It is rich in phosphorus in a form that your body can easily assimilate.
- It transports DHA into the cells of the nervous system and modulates the activity of neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin), improving memory and mental acuity and reducing the processes of neurocerebral degeneration.
- Keeps your heart healthy: choline helps control a substance called homocysteine, which in excess can be harmful to your heart.[1]
- Good for the liver: promotes its proper functioning, keeping it healthy.
- It helps your body better manage fat, promoting a healthy metabolism.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed all these benefits, specifying that 82.5 mg of choline (found in 2 capsules of Omegor Krill) is enough to achieve these positive health effects.
Astaxanthin
A separate paragraph deserves astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that makes krill oil a true elixir. It is part of the xanthophylls family and is the main carotenoid found in some marine animals and algae. Its concentration in krill oil can range from 40 to 5,000 mg/kg, depending on the type of krill and the extraction method used. And it is astaxanthin that gives the oil that characteristic dark red color.
But how powerful is astaxanthin? Here are just a few numbers to give you an idea:
- is 10 times stronger than other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene;
- Is 100 times more potent than vitamin E.
But the most startling numbers come when we talk about antioxidant potential. On the ORAC scale (used to assess a food's antioxidant potential), krill oil reaches an impressive value of 378. This means that it has about 300 times[2] more antioxidant potential than individual vitamins A and E, and is almost 50 times more potent than other fish oils in terms of antioxidant capacity. It is truly unbeatable!
Krill oil and fish oils: a comparison
What happens to your body after taking krill oil? What happens, on the other hand, after supplementing with fish oil? What are the differences? Why yes, there are differences.
Studies show that after only 4 weeks of intake, krill oil can remodel the blood lipid profile much more significantly than fish oil. But let's look at the numbers: more than 38 percent of lipid types increased following krill oil supplementation, compared with 12 percent with fish oil.
The secret? It's in the chemistry
In fact, krill oil has a unique composition: while fish oil carries its Omega-3s mainly in the form of triglycerides, krill oil is rich in phospholipid-bound Omega-3 fatty acids instead. This difference makes all the difference in terms of absorption: the Omega-3s in krill oil are incorporated into cell membranes much more easily.
Phospholipids are in fact composed of a hydrophilic (water-like) part and a lipophilic (fat-like) part. This makes them more dispersible in gastric fluids than fish oil. The result? Better tolerability, easier digestion and goodbye to pesky regurgitation.
And for those worried about side effects: good news, toxicity studies confirm that krill oil is safe and very well tolerated by our bodies.
All the benefits of krill oil: what is it used for?
What makes krill oil so special? The answer lies in its key components: the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Real molecular superheroes ready to protect you from cardiovascular, neurological and inflammatory diseases and promote gut health.
Heart health: reducing blood lipids
It's no secret: fish oil is good for the heart. And credit for its portentous action goes to polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) that contribute to the reduction of blood lipid levels (cholesterol and triglycerides), the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends taking at least 1,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily for this. It's like giving your heart a daily hug!
Looking more specifically at the action exerted by krill oil, preclinical and clinical studies speak for themselves:
- An animal study shows that supplementation with krill oil (1.25%, 2.5% or 5%)[3] reduces blood lipid levels.
- A study of people with borderline or elevated triglycerides (TGs) (150-499 mg/dL) showed that daily doses of krill oil (0.5, 1, 2, or 4 g) reduced TGs.
- In another study, a 10.2% reduction in TG levels was observed with the same supplement doses.
Heart Health: reducing blood sugar
A silent enemy of your heart health is type 2 diabetes, characterized by high blood glucose levels and insulin resistance. But here's the good news: krill oil is making inroads as a potential aid for glycemic control.
An animal study showed that consumption of krill oil-in the dose of 600 mg of polyunsaturated fatty acids per day for 60 days-reduced fasting blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance. A significant reduction in fasting blood glucose was also observed in healthy subjects after consumption of krill oil (4 g daily) for 8 weeks. This therefore suggests a potential antidiabetic effect
The secret to this action lies in the activation of a specific enzyme that plays a key role in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism. It's as if krill oil turns on this enzyme in your body, thus helping it better manage sugars and fats.
Anti-inflammatory effects
An army of tiny peacemakers ready to calm inflammatory storms. Krill oil does exactly that. How does it do it? It reduces the release of substances that ignite and fuel inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-8 (IL-8).
One study was revealing: a group of scientists decided to examine the action of krill oil on a sample of 90 patients with cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment included 300 mg of krill oil daily for 30 days. The results?
- After only 7 days: 20% reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.
- After 30 days: 30% reduction in PCR.
Patients also experienced significant improvements in symptoms:
- Pain reduced by 29%.
- Stiffness reduced by 20%.
- Functional impairment reduced by 23%.
The study suggests that a daily dose of 300 mg of krill oil could be an excellent ally to counter arthritic symptoms and reduce the period of inflammation.
But that's not all. Krill oil, especially when combined with probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus reuteri, has been shown to be a friend to gut health:
- Turns off intestinal inflammation and modulates the gut microbiota.
- It helps against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as shown by the results of an in vitro study in which krill oil was found to significantly reduce levels of inflammation markers (IL1β and TNFα).
- It accelerates the healing process from inflammation.
- It improves the immune system's ability to fight harmful bacteria.
- Reduces damage to the intestinal mucosa caused by parasites.
Antioxidant effects
The anti-inflammatory properties of krill oil are complemented by antioxidant properties. And the credit is due to astaxanthin.
Slow and insidious, oxidative stress is at the root of many pathological conditions, as it triggers inflammatory processes that can lead to:
- neurodegenerative diseases;
- Cardiovascular problems triggered by endothelial dysfunction (blood vessel problems).
Astaxanthin is here to help. In fact, studies have shown that this substance can reduce oxidative stress in nerve cells, increase their vitality, and reduce substances that cause inflammation.
But oxidative stress can also be a cause of blood sugar and insulin resistance problems. Well, astaxanthin has been shown to be effective on this front as well, as it improves insulin secretion and glucose uptake by our cells, thus helping to reduce blood sugar.
Brain Well-Being.
Choline + astaxanthin + polyunsaturated fatty acids = powerful neuroprotective effects, beneficial on cognitive function and learning and memory processes. The secret lies, therefore, in the composition of krill oil.
You should know that most neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are characterized by chronic inflammation. In these cases, the use of krill oil can:
- Protect your neurons from oxidative stress, thanks to the action of astaxanthin.
- Protect you from cognitive impairment caused by improper (high-fat) diets by the presence of n-3 PUFA fatty acids.
- Boost learning and memory processes. A study in mice fed high-fat diets with ongoing cognitive impairment showed that krill oil improved spatial memory abilities in just 4 weeks.
Skin wellness
Imagine having a natural sunscreen that works from within, protecting your skin not only from UV rays, but also repairing DNA and fighting inflammation. The astaxanthin found in krill oil does exactly that.
Clinical evidence confirms this. A systematic review examined numerous studies. The results? They are surprising:
- Improvement of skin texture.
- Visible reduction of wrinkles.
- Increased skin hydration.
Not only that, clinical studies have shown that astaxanthin (in doses of 3 to 6 mg daily) leads to significant improvement in UV-induced skin photoaging.
This means that with krill oil it protects your skin from the inside out.
An ally for women
Imagine being able to ease the emotional and physical roller coaster of the menstrual cycle, or navigate more peacefully through the symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency in menopause. Krill oil could be a valuable aid in achieving this.
Premenstrual syndrome
75%. This is the percentage of women who have to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), an emotional roller coaster that occurs punctually every month, bringing with it a baggage of emotional, behavioral, physical, and psychological symptoms.
But here's the good news: the polyunsaturated fatty acids in krill oil have been recognized as potential allies in combating the physical and emotional symptoms of PMS.
What do the studies say?
- Less pain, more well-being. Women who took krill oil during their cycle reported less pain medication use and lower scores on PMS self-assessment questionnaires based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists diagnostic criteria.
- Krill oil has been shown to be much more effective than fish oil in managing both PMS and dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain).
But why is this oil so special? Scientists believe the secret lies in its unique biomolecular profile and the enhanced bioavailability of its n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. It's as if krill oil speaks a language that your body understands better!
Postmenopausal period
Menopause is not just about hot flashes and mood swings. As estrogen declines, many women also face cerebrovascular dysfunction (i.e., disturbances of blood circulation in the brain) and bone problems.
Krill may be the key to alleviating symptoms and coping with the challenges of menopause.
Studies in ovariectomized (surgically deprived of the ovaries) rats show this: with a dose of 182 mg EPA + 118 mg DHA daily for 2 weeks, improvements in cerebral blood flow were shown.
The same studies also show that krill oil supplementation significantly improved cartilage structure and inhibited polysaccharide loss of articular cartilage.
The results obtained are significantly higher than those found with the administration of flaxseed oil (a plant source of Omega-3).
Frequently asked questions
1) Is krill oil suitable for everyone?
Krill oil is a safe product. And it is especially suitable for those who face periods of stress, have memory problems or mental and physical fatigue. If your day is filled with intense professional challenges or if you practice sports and want to optimize your performance, krill oil could be a valuable ally.
But that's not all: this oil also contributes to normal heart function and helps you maintain a balanced lipid profile.
2) In what formulation is it commercially available?
Usually in "softgel" form. In simpler words: soft capsules.
3) What amount of EPA+DHA can krill oil have?
It is the European Commission that sets the guidelines regarding the maximum amount of EPA+DHA in krill oil. While in 2009 the maximum intake was 200 mg of EPA+DHA, it was increased to 250 mg in late 2012, and then increased again in 2017 to levels of:
- 3,000 mg daily;
- 450 mg daily for pregnant and lactating women.
This is because the more we discover it, the more we realize that it is a prodigious product for well-being and, above all, safe.
4) Is krill oil IFOS certified?
Krill oil follows a different certification path than other fish oils. This is why it does not have an IFOS certification: this product is a "Novel food," which is why it is regulated by European legislation that sets strict requirements to be met in terms of purity, freshness, EPA and DHA concentration.
Omegor Krill
From the ice of the Antarctic to a capsule: the journey of OMEGOR® Krill is truly epic. It's not just a supplement: it's the result of an adventure that begins in the frostiest waters on Earth and ends in a tiny capsule that holds the best that marine nature has to offer you.
Antarctic krill Euphausia superba is caught in the vast surface beds of Area 48, a remote area that makes fishing and processing a real challenge. It is processed within 2-3 hours of capture, preserving all of its valuable nutrients and thus guaranteeing us a premium quality raw material. From there to the finished product, we adhere to a controlled and standardized process involving a double purification and concentration process: thus eliminating unpleasant odors and enhancing beneficial components.
The result? An oil super concentrated in phospholipids, choline, EPA, DHA and astaxanthin.
OMEGOR® Krill: benefits and features
Concentrated, purified, with no return of taste. Small, easy-to-swallow capsules with a mild vanilla aroma. Ideal for athletes and those who live busy lives. These are the main features of the Omegor Krill dietary supplement.
The numbers speak for themselves. Two capsules provide well:
- 1,180 mg of krill oil;
- 56% total phospholipids;
- 82.6 mg choline;
- 260 mg EPA+DHA;
- 100 µg astaxanthin.
The recommended dose can range from 2 to 6 capsules per day (3 in pregnancy or lactation), taken before the main meal and in the first part of the day (breakfast or lunch).
The benefits? They are recognized by EFSA (the European Food Safety Authority):
- EPA and DHA fatty acids support heart function (2 capsules per day of Omegor Krill).
- DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and visual capacity (6 capsules per day of Omegor Krill).
- Choline helps lipid metabolism, regulates the functioning of homocysteine metabolism, and supports liver function (2 capsules per day of Omegor Krill).
If you want to give your immune system extra help, you can try OMEGOR® Krill with D3, the krill oil dietary supplement to which we have also added valuable vitamin D.
Omegor Krill's certifications, quality guarantees, sustainability
Quality. For us, it's not just a word-it's a mission that starts in the ocean and goes all the way to the finished product.
That is why OMEGOR® Krill is a premium quality product:
- It is Friend of the Sea certified, which guarantees the quality of seafood products and promotes sustainable and responsible fishing activities.
- Packaging is eco-friendly. We use only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified paper, meaning it comes from forests managed according to strict environmental, social and economic standards.
- The packaging is in blister packs. Each individual capsule is protected from air and moisture, so the product stays fresh and the possibility of fatty acid oxidation is minimized.
