The popularity and market value of krill oil has surged in recent years and is projected to rise further. You might ask what is so special about krill oil. The answer – plenty! There are many health benefits associated with this oil, including improving brain health.
What is Krill Oil?
Krill oil is extracted from the bodies of Antarctic krill, which are tiny crustaceans or shrimp-like shellfish. They are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. You might be thinking that you definitely don’t want anything associated with fat in your diet, particularly with the obesity crisis facing the United States today; however, not all fats are bad. In fact, omega-3s can aid in weight loss by reducing the production of fat cells.
The main components of omega-3s are EPA and DHA. If you have ever been pregnant, you may recognize these substances, as they are present in many prenatal vitamins. EPA and DHA are necessary for proper fetal development, particularly for nerve and immune function.
How Does Krill Oil Promote Brain Health?
Krill oil has been shown in animal studies and clinical trials to enhance multiple brain processes including improved memory, heightened learning capabilities, increased overall cognitive function, and improved mood. [1]
The oil obtained from krill contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin, which gives krill its reddish color. By preventing oxidative stress, astaxanthin helps prevent nerve cell death in the brain.
Krill oil is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. Inflammation is associated with numerous diseases and decreased cognitive abilities. By reducing inflammation in the brain, cognitive processes, such as learning, concentration, and memory are enhanced.
DHA and EPA, the primary components of krill oil, are essential for the growth of nerve cells in the brain, which is limited in its ability to generate these substances. This makes the ingestion of DHA and EPA critical for proper brain health. They also impact brain cell signaling, which affects the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Because it improves the communication of these neurotransmitters, krill oil has also been associated with better mood and a reduced risk for depression.
What the Data Says
One study conducted on rats found that krill oil did, indeed, enhance cognition and also provided anti-depressant effects. [1] Scientists concluded this by using two models: the conditioned light extinction test and forced swimming test.[1]
Another study was performed on human volunteers. Elderly males were administered krill oil over a 12-week period and had to complete working memory tasks. It concluded that krill oil activated cognitive function in its elderly patients. [2]
Other Health Benefits of Krill Oil
There are a variety of reasons, other than brain health, to incorporate krill oil into your diet. One of the most important functions of omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil is that they help to prevent cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, the American Heart Association promotes omega-3s for this purpose.
Because it is a strong anti-inflammatory, krill oil may reduce symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain. It can also help control pain and bloating from premenstrual syndrome.
Why Use Krill Oil Over Fish Oil?
Regular fish oil is derived from fatty fish like mackerel, tuna, trout, salmon, and sardines. It is cheaper to produce as opposed to krill oil, however krill oil is superior. One reason is that krill oil is better absorbed compared to fish oil. Fish oils are primarily bound to fats known as triglycerides, whereas the EPA and DHA in krill oil mainly travel as phospholipids, which makes it far easier for them to enter the brain.
Another interesting advantage of krill oil is that it contains the amazing antioxidant astaxanthin, while fish oil does not. The potency of astaxanthin as an antioxidant is stronger than that of Vitamin E and Vitamin A, demonstrating its obvious advantage. Astaxanthin also helps protect EPA and DHA in the body and brain.
Precautions and Side Effects
Krill oil is generally safe; however, it is known to have blood-thinning effects. If you are taking any types of medications that thin the blood, including medicines like ibuprofen, speak with your doctor before starting krill oil. Also, krill oil should be discontinued several days before surgery.
Side effects include a fishy taste, diarrhea, headache, heartburn, or upset stomach. These effects tend to be mild. Another issue is allergies. If you are allergic to any type of seafood, you should avoid krill oil.
Why Supplement With Krill Oil
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends at least 2 servings of omega-3-rich fish a week. This would include fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines, tuna, and anchovies. Some people may not be able to incorporate this amount of fish into their diet, while others may not relish the thought of eating these types of fish at all. If this is the case, supplementation is a great option.
Our Top 3 Supplements For Krill Oil
- Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil – This supplement contains 1,000 mg of krill oil per serving, and the company has been around for over sixty years. The quality of the ingredients are tested for dangerous metals and the manufacturer is a registered CGMP facility, meaning they adhere to regulations set forth by the FDA.
- MegaRed Superior Omega-3 Krill Oil – This is the number 1 doctor-recommended krill oil for cardiovascular health. The manufacturer boasts that they source the active ingredients only from the Antarctic waters, and this supplement has a large number of positive reviews.
- KrillMD by 1MD Nutrition – This product contains all-natural ingredients, and the pills are easy to swallow. It is also endorsed by board-certified doctors.
Our Recommendation
We highly recommend Krill oil for brain health. Along with its evidence-based effect on cognition, it also helps lower cholesterol and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Its health benefits are broad and established; however, if you are allergic to fish, you should avoid any supplements with krill oil.
These supplements should never replace treatment for any conditions; therefore, it is important to speak with your doctor before initiating any supplement. Also, if you are taking any type of medications that thin the blood, consult with your doctor before beginning supplementation with krill oil.
