The Benefits of Kril Oil

Krill oil (KO), derived from tiny crustaceans, has gained attention as a nutritional supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Unlike its counterpart fish oil, KO also boasts astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, further amplifying its potential health benefits.

Cardiovascular Health

KO has shown promise in improving cardiovascular health, with studies demonstrating its ability to positively impact cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol [2]. Daily KO supplementation is being considered as a potential strategy for lipid management [7].

Joint Health

KO has demonstrated benefits for joint health, particularly when combined with oral hyaluronic acid. This combination effectively reduces joint pain and inflammation within a 12-week treatment course [3, 4]. Additionally, KO can enhance the HS-Omega-3 Index, a marker of long-term omega-3 status, and replenish choline levels while combating oxidative stress after intense exercise [5].

Gut Health

KO has shown promising effects on gut health as well. Multiple studies, both in vitro and in animal models, have highlighted its ability to reduce intestinal inflammation through various mechanisms, including mitigating inflammatory responses, reducing oxidative stress, strengthening the intestinal barrier, and modulating gut microbiota [1].

Neuroprotective Effects

The presence of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, in KO offers potential neuroprotective effects [6]. Astaxanthin can mitigate excessive oxidative stress and inflammation within the brain, making KO a potential candidate for preventing or slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s [6].

Liver Health

In comparison to fish oil, where omega-3s are primarily in triglyceride form, KO’s omega-3s are predominantly in phospholipid form. Preclinical evidence suggests that this phospholipid form exhibits strong antisteatotic effects, effectively reversing fatty liver [8].

References

1. Liu Y, Robinson AM, Su XQ, Nurgali K. Krill Oil and Its Bioactive Components as a Potential Therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Insights from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies. Biomolecules. 2024 Apr 6;14(4):447. doi: 10.3390/biom14040447. PMID: 38672464; PMCID: PMC11048140.
2. Huang H, Liao D, He B, Zhou G, Cui Y. Clinical effectiveness of krill oil supplementation on cardiovascular health in humans: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2023 Dec;17(12):102909. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102909. Epub 2023 Nov 23. PMID: 38039646.
3. Hill WS, Dohnalek MH, Ha Y, Kim SJ, Jung JC, Kang SB. A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Krill Oil, Astaxanthin, and Oral Hyaluronic Acid Complex on Joint Health in People with Mild Osteoarthritis. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 29;15(17):3769. doi: 10.3390/nu15173769. PMID: 37686801; PMCID: PMC10490060.
4. Stonehouse W, Benassi-Evans B, Bednarz J, Vincent AD, Hall S, Hill CL. Krill oil improved osteoarthritic knee pain in adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Sep 2;116(3):672-685. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqac125. Erratum in: Am J Clin Nutr. 2022 Nov;116(5):1454. PMID: 35880828; PMCID: PMC9437987.
5. Drobnic F, Storsve AB, Burri L, Ding Y, Banquells M, Riera J, Björk P, Ferrer-Roca V, Domingo JC. Krill-Oil-Dependent Increases in HS-Omega-3 Index, Plasma Choline and Antioxidant Capacity in Well-Conditioned Power Training Athletes. Nutrients. 2021 Nov 25;13(12):4237. doi: 10.3390/nu13124237. PMID: 34959789; PMCID: PMC8708578.
6. Andraka JM, Sharma N, Marchalant Y. Can krill oil be of use for counteracting neuroinflammatory processes induced by high fat diet and aging? Neurosci Res. 2020 Aug;157:1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.neures.2019.08.001. Epub 2019 Aug 22. PMID: 31445058.
7. Huang H, Liao D, He B, Zhou G, Cui Y. Clinical effectiveness of krill oil supplementation on cardiovascular health in humans: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2023 Dec;17(12):102909. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102909. Epub 2023 Nov 23. PMID: 38039646.
8. Mitrovic M, Sistilli G, Horakova O, Rossmeisl M. Omega-3 phospholipids and obesity-associated NAFLD: Potential mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives. Eur J Clin Invest. 2022 Mar;52(3):e13650. doi: 10.1111/eci.13650. Epub 2021 Aug 2. PMID: 34291454.