What is krill oil and what does it do?

This is an automatically translated article.

1. What is krill oil?

Krill oil is a healthy supplement that is being used and is rapidly gaining popularity as the perfect replacement for fish oil. As the name suggests, krill oil is extracted from krill or small crustaceans that is a natural food for whales, penguins and other marine life
Like fish oil, krill oil is a source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two types of omega-3 fats found only in saltwater organisms. DHA and EPA are important for a number of bodily functions and have been linked with various health benefits.
Therefore, experts recommend adding DHA and EPA to your body in case you can't eat the recommended amount of seafood weekly due to preferences or other medical conditions that require abstaining from seafood. .
Krill oil is thought to be superior to fish oil because it is better absorbed in the body, however more research is needed to test the accuracy of this. But no matter what, krill oil is a good food, with many health benefits.

2. The effect of krill oil

As mentioned in the above section, krill oil offers many great health benefits. 6 basic uses of krill oil include:

2.1. Krill oil is a great source of healthy fats

Both krill oil and fish oil contain 2 types of fats in the omega-3 group, DHA and EPA. However, a lot of scientific evidence has shown that the fats in krill oil can be more easily absorbed and used by the body than the fats contained in fish oil because most of the omega-3 fats are in the omega-3 group. Fish oil is present in the form of triglycerides.
On the other hand, a large part of the omega-3 fats found in krill oil are in the form of phospholipid molecules, a form that is more easily absorbed into the bloodstream than triglycerides. Several studies have shown krill oil to be more effective than fish oil in providing omega-3 fats because of their different fat forms.
Another study comparing the DHA and EPA content in krill oil and fish oil showed that there was no big difference in the amount of DHA and EPA in these two oils, but krill oil was more effective in increased levels of omega-3 fats in the blood. However, more research is still needed to determine exactly if krill oil is indeed a more biologically effective source of omega-3 fats than fish oil.

2.2. Anti-inflammatory effect

The types of omega-3 fatty acids found in krill or cassava oil have been shown to have important anti-inflammatory properties in the body. In fact, because the omega-3 fats in krill oil are more easily absorbed, many experts claim krill oil is more effective at fighting inflammation than other sources of omega-3. from sea creatures. Furthermore, krill oil contains a pink-orange pigment called astaxanthin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
A few studies have begun to explore the specific effects of krill oil on certain types of inflammation in the body. Krill oil has the ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory foci when harmful bacteria enter the body. A study of 25 people with mildly elevated blood lipids found that taking a daily supplement of 1,000 mg of krill oil improved inflammation even more effectively than a direct supplement of 2,000 mg of pure omega-3. . In addition, a study of 90 people with chronic inflammation found that taking 300mg of krill oil daily reduced inflammation by up to 30% after just one month.

2.3. Helps reduce inflammation and pain in joints

Due to its good anti-inflammatory properties, krill oil can also ease the symptoms of inflammation and joint pain. In fact, one study found that krill oil significantly reduced inflammation, stiffness, functional impairment, and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis pain. . Another study in 50 adults with mild knee pain found that taking krill oil continuously for 30 days significantly reduced symptoms of joint pain when sleeping or standing for too long.
Scientists also conducted a study on the effects of krill oil in mice with arthritis. The mice that were given krill oil supplements had improved arthritis scores, less swelling, and fewer inflammatory cells in the joints than the mice that didn't take the krill oil supplement.

2.4. Improves blood lipid levels and promotes heart health

Omega-3 fats and especially DHA and EPA are considered good for the health of the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown that fish oil and krill oil both have the ability to regulate blood lipid levels. In addition, they also have the ability to reduce the content of triglycerides as well as other types of fat in the blood.
One study compared the effects of krill oil and pure omega-3s on cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The results showed that only krill oil increased levels of good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol). It was also more effective at reducing symptoms of inflammation, albeit at a lower dose. However, pure omega-3s are more effective in reducing triglyceride levels.
A recent study has concluded that krill oil is effective in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride levels. In addition, krill oil also has the ability to significantly improve insulin resistance scores as well as the function of the linings in blood vessels thereby supporting the prevention of diabetes.

2.5. Helps relieve symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Some studies have found that omega-3 supplements or fish oil or especially krill oil can help reduce PMS symptoms, even in some cases, even No need for pain relievers.
Another study comparing the effects of krill oil with fish oil in women diagnosed with PMS found that while both krill oil and fish oil significantly reduced symptoms, the women The women taking krill oil required significantly less pain medication than women taking fish oil. This study found krill oil to be even more effective than other sources of omega-3 in reducing PMS symptoms.

2.6. A simple way to supplement DHA and EPA

Taking krill oil is a simple way to increase the amount of EPA and DHA in the body. They are relatively readily available at pharmacies. Krill oil comes in a smaller capsule than fish oil, which is less likely to cause belching and has a fishy taste like fish oil.
Using krill oil can also be considered as an environmental protection method when the number of types of krill is extremely large and they can reproduce quickly. Unlike fish oil, krill oil does not contain astaxanthin, so their cost is also considered to be relatively expensive.
Experts recommend no more than 5,000 mg of DHA and EPA per day from all sources, and in some cases, patients using krill oil need to follow their doctor's instructions like those using them. anticoagulants, people preparing for surgery or women who are pregnant and breastfeeding. This is because omega-3s can have an anticoagulant side effect if used in high doses.
Krill oil is proving itself more and more and is the perfect substitute for fish oil. Krill oil offers great health benefits such as providing antioxidants, being a sustainable source as well as causing fewer side effects. Although the quality is superior to fish oil, the use of krill oil needs to be reasonable and experts should be consulted about dosage and how to use it to avoid unwanted side effects. want.
Vinmec International General Hospital with a system of modern facilities, medical equipment and a team of experts and doctors with many years of experience in medical examination and treatment, patients can rest assured to visit. examination and treatment at the Hospital.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference sources: webmd.com, verywellhealth.com, healthline.com
SEE MORE
12 Omega 3 rich foods Proper use of Omega 3 What are Omega-3 fatty acids?