CAM in the Spotlight- Fish Oil versus Krill Oil
by Corrie Trottier, MS, RD
It is becoming apparent that inflammation over an extended period of time is the cause of serious illnesses such as heart disease, various cancers, and even Alzheimer’s disease. An anti-inflammatory diet, rich in omega-3 fatty acids plays a role in reduction of inflammation and can help your body to achieve optimum health.
Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant pigments. Both krill oil and fish oil contain omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA). However, fish oil contains fatty acids in triglyceride form, whereas krill oil contains them in phospholipid form. Due to krill oil’s chemical structure it is better absorbed into the body than fish oil. In addition, krill oil contains higher levels of DHA and EPA, and does not have a fishy after taste.
A study out of Canada titled “Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the Clinical Course of Hyperlipidemia,” assessed the effects of krill oil on total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In totality, the study lasted for 6 months and consisted of 120 people. The results showed that 1-3g per day of Krill oil was effective in the reduction of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL when compared to both fish oil and the placebo. In addition, krill oil was shown to be effective in reducing glucose.
Although krill oil is a notable supplement, the downside is that these sea creatures are declining in population. Remember, you can always get your omega-3s from eating fish such as sardines, Alaskan sockeye salmon, or herring.
References:
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02012/anti-inflammatory-diet
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400239/Consider-Krill-Oil.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/501879-mega-red-krill-oil-vs-omega-3-fish-oil/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15656713
