Krill Oil Fish Oil Evaluation

Why should fish oil consumers take a second look at krill oil?

Well, the relatively newer krill oil, found in microscopic and small shrimps [1-5 cm in length], is also a rich source of omega 3 fatty acids just like the fish oils.


Nutrition and supplementation with fish oil and krill oil are very vital for our health because omega 3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties. And it has been borne out of studies and researches that chronic inflammation is the common denominator in major diseases like cardiovascular ailments, diabetes, cancer, alzheimers, dementia, and even obesity.

Krill oil is taken for the same purpose that fish oil is used, as in aforementioned health issues. They both have the omega 3 fats EPA [eicosapentanoic acid] and DHA [docosahexanoic acid] but they differ in the way these fatty acids are hooked together. Fish oils come in triglyceride form, while krill oils, in phospolipid structure, which gives it an advantage in terms of faster absorption. [Search Amazon.com for Krill Oil ]

Fish oil and krill oil both contain astaxanthin, a potent anti-oxidant which fights free radicals in our bodies. However, krill oil's anti-oxidant potency was found to be 48 times more than fish oil in terms of ORAC [oxygen radical absorptance capacity] standard measures.

Krill oil also contains another potent anti-oxidant, canthaxanthin [probably contributed to its higher ORAC ratings], as well as Vitamins A, D, and E. Because it is more rapidly absorbed, there is no fishy aftertaste sometimes experienced with fish oils.

The downside of krill oil is that it is more expensive than fish oil. This is probably due to the fact that the supply of krill oils is virtually monopolized by Neptune Technologies of Canada which supplies the oil to supplement manufacturers. I think we have to bear with this for the meantime until such time that other krill oil suppliers come into play in the market to bring the price down. This can be mitigated, however, by the lower dosage of krill oil due to is more rapid absorption.

Also, those who are allergic to seafoods are advised not to take krill oil, for obvious reason. Those on blood thinners, whether drugs or herbs with the same effect, and those with bleeding disorders are cautioned to take krill oil only with guidance from physicians or qualified health professionals.

I'm a regular consumer of fish oil, in the form of fresh fish, canned fish, and supplements. Maybe it's time to try the more potent krill oil. We have fresh krills in the wet market to start with, and maybe look into the supplements when my supply of fish oil softgels runs out. [Search Amazon.com for Krill Oil ]