Krill Oil, Fish Oil, and Your Health

People who stay abreast of nutritional news and who like to keep their health in order seem to have really taken to the possibilities offered by krill oil. This nutritional supplement is derived from a shrimp-like crustacean that’s fundamental to the entire planet’s food chain. Living things of all sizes like whales, seals, and small fish all consume krill — it’s a staple of their diet; even humans consume krill. In Japanese cuisine, krill goes by the name of okiami, which you’ve perhaps had occasion to sample at home or at a restaurant. Though krill oil is often compared to fish oil for its similar benefits — both reduce inflammation — the two are different substances.

For one thing, fish oil comes from oily fish tissue. Examples of oily fish include sardines, anchovies, trout, herring, and salmon. The oil in these fishes is found throughout their bodies and in their belly cavity. The oil is missing in white fish, like cod. Many studies over the years have suggested that fish oil may have big health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which fish oil is rich in, can ameliorate inflammatory conditions like arthritis in humans.

In contrast, krill oil comes from one specific species of krill called Euphausia superba, which is found in the ocean around Antarctica. This supplement comes loaded in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and the same with attached phospholipids. It also contains an antioxidant, astaxanthin. The results of krill oil studies highlight a capacity to improve inflammation, improve nutrient flow, and better PSM effects in women.