Krill oil and fish oil are among the most sought-after supplements for health available on the market today, offering benefits that range from better skin to healthier hearts.
With all the scientific and marketing terminology it is sometimes difficult to determine which supplement is the best one to choose and what the difference is between them.
Why Take Fish Oil or Krill Oil?
Essential fats (EFAs) aren’t produced by our bodies and therefore must be obtained by eating. There are two kinds of EFAs which are omega 3’s as well as omega 6’s, both that are required for the production of hormones, healthy skin and hair development, brain development and blood clotting among many other purposes. These polyunsaturated fatty acids (sometimes known as “PUFAs”) have also been proven to reduce chronic inflammation and aid in the treatment of a variety of body-related ailments.
The impact of essential acid fatty acids (such like EPA as well as DHA) upon inflammation are proven to affect everything from vision health to cardiovascular health. There is no wonder then that a lot of us are using a variety of supplements to help maintain the levels of fatty acids in our body.
Studies also show the omega-3 and omega-6 oils are best consumed in a proportion between 2:1 and 4:1. However the majority of people believe to consume from 10 to 30, which is between 30 and 40:1. This means that a lot of us are not getting enough omega-3 oils, and this imbalance is linked to a variety of ailments like asthma, arthritis and depression. Omega 3 supplements can therefore help increase the levels of omega 3 and, consequently improving our overall health.
Fish Oil
Like the name implies, fish oil is derived from a variety from marine species. Particularly high levels of it are found in fish like mackerel and herring, as well as tuna – the known as “oily fish”.
The advantages of fatty acids derived from oily fish have been widely known, and a lot of money has been put into research throughout the years. Fish oils are now established in the medical community as numerous authorities promote the advantages from fish oil.
It is recommended to ensure that all people get sufficient omega 3 intake by eating at least two servings of oily fish every week, or adding omega 3 supplements for fish oil. Research studies comparing both have revealed no differences in the positive effects of consuming fish oils from the diet or supplements.
It’s no wonder the fact that fish oil is among of the most popular supplements that are available today that offer an efficient and affordable solution.
Krill Oil
Krill refers to the term that is given to a variety of small ocean-going crustaceans. They can be thought of as a microscopically related species to shrimps or shrimps.
Krill are among the most abundant creatures that live on our planet. They form an one of the most important components in the ecosystem of marine life. They form the basis in the chain of food for a variety of famous animals, including gigantic whales.
While they can be found in any location but the most concentrated concentrations are typically found in the clear, pure waters of the oceans of the polar regions. This is why the majority of Krill oil is derived from Antarctic Krill ( Euphausia superba). The deep sea krill is caught by specialist fishing fleets and the essential oils they have are taken for the industry of supplements.
Krill oil typically has deep red in colour due to the presence of a potent antioxidant known as astaxanthin. Certain experts claim that these antioxidants can offer additional health benefits other than the ones that are associated with omega-3 oils.
While fish oil is known in the health world but krill oil is more recent and has lesser research that is promoting it. The only thing that is without question is the fact that it has the same fatty acids that are beneficial The question is what is the reason to take krill oil as in contrast to the well-known fish oils?
Fish Oil Vs Krill Oil: What’s Awesome?
The most interesting distinction in the krill and fish oil debate lies in the term nutritionists refer to as “bio-availability”. In layman’s terms, it is the body’s capability to draw essential fatty acids in fish oil and krill.
Participants in one research study were given 3 grams of Krill oil 1.8 grams of the oil fish a day. The levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol were also assessed. Researchers observed that both groups had significant statistically significant growth in both EPA and DHA fatty acids, as well as that cholesterol also increased. Researchers found no differences between the effects of the two supplements.
It is not surprising that the experts determined that the levels of beneficial PUFAs varied between these two sources. The 3 grams of krill oil contained 543 milligrams of EPA as well as DHA. Contrary to this, 1.8 grams of fish oil accounted for 864 mg of fatty acids.
What’s going on?
First of all, it appears from this study that krill oil is abundant in omega 3 oils, does contain less on a weight for weight basis. In the same way the positive effects have been found to be the same which means that the body can benefit from the smaller amount.
Based on the small amount of research done to date it appears that there are two components that are at work. The first is that the two oils appear in slightly different forms. While the omega 3 oils found in Krill are found in a form referred to as phosphatidylcholine Fish oils are more likely to appear as triglycerides.
The other factor that follows to this is that there’s some evidence suggesting that Krill oil could be more easily absorbed by our bodies which could be beneficial.
One study that examined the bioavailability of krill oils against fish oil revealed that “EPA and DHA in krill oil had a higher 72-hour availability than in… fish oil”. While research into krill oil is still new however, it is possible that krill oil might provide the same benefits as fish oils but in a much more accessible form. It is possible that it could be possible to reap similar benefits from a less frequent consumption of krill oil contrasted with fish oil.
Many also believe the krill oil to be more secure and healthier because it’s harvested in an environmentally sustainable way, derived from less polluted waters.
The biggest distinction between krill oils and fish oils is that they are subject of decomposition. Krill oil begins to decompose within two to four hours of harvest, while fish oils are fresh for between 48 and 72 hours. This means that manufacturers need to keep fresh krill or freeze until they’re in a position to extract the oil. So, supplementation with krill oil tends to have higher costs of production in comparison to traditional fish oils.
Conclusion
Both the fish oil and krill oils have their own uses and are excellent intakes of omega-3. It has a lengthy line of research and scientific studies behind it and has shown the numerous advantages daily supplements can bring. Krill oil is a promising source of research opportunities for the future However, at present it does not have as much evidence on its potential benefits.
The intricate manufacturing process and the issues with decomposition result in Krill oil supplements can be more expensive than traditional fish oil supplements. This could be a problem for certain consumers. There’s a wealth of studies that document the health benefits of eating Omega 3 oil.
If you’re doing this by using fish oil or krill oil, you’re definitely taking an important step in the right direction regardless of the type of item you pick.
