Click here to read our article about getting your daily Omega-3 fatty acids with Krill Oil Rx!!
What is Krill Oil Rx?
Krill oil are shrimp-like crustaceans that are approximately 1 to 6 centimeters long. They live is the ocean, where they feed mainly on phytoplankton. Krill live near the bottom of the food chain and are eaten by whales, seals, penguins, squid and fish. Krill primarily live in the Southern Ocean and the northern Pacific Ocean along the coasts of Canada and Japan. Krill used for aquaculture and aquarium feeds, sport fishing bait or they are eaten as a source of healthy fatty acids.
Krill oil contains rich omega-3 fatty acids, which is the main reason it’s becoming popular as a nutritional supplement.
Another reason krill oil is becoming popular is because it contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. The algae that krill eat produces the bright red pigment astaxanthin that gives krill and other crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp their reddish-pink color.
Advantages of ASTAXANTHIN may help with:
Protection against cardiovascular diseases. Astaxanthin is capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier, therefore stretching its antioxidant action to the brain. Stimulates the immune system
Other referenced effects:
- photoproctive - maintains the good health of the eyes
- skin and cell health - detoxification and hepatic functions
- inflammation - muscles, joint & back pain
- lower cholesterol level - osteoarthritis
- asthma - menstrual cramps
- rhumatoid arthritis - postsurgical inflammation
- fibromyalgia - stomach ulcer
- gastritis - prostatitis
Antioxidants protect our body cells from damage from free radicals, unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood brain barrier, where it could possibly protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.
Why Do People Use Krill Oil? - Cholesterol
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Arthritis
- Eczema
People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn’t cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil. Also, krill oil contains higher amounts of astaxanthin than fish oil. Here are some specific conditions for which it’s used.
Cholesterol:
Krill oil is being studied as a natural remedy for high cholesterol. In one study, 120 people were given krill oil, fish oil or a placebo. Krill oil reduced LDL (commonly referred to as “bad”) cholesterol by 34% and increased HDL (“good”) cholesterol by 43.5% compared to the placebo. In comparison, fish oil reduced LDL cholesterol by 4.6% and increased HDL cholesterol by 4.2%. Krill also lowered triglycerides.
Premenstrual syndrome:
Preliminary research suggests krill oil may help reduce symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), however, more research is needed.
Arthritis:
A study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition examined krill oil (300 mg daily) compared to a placebo and found that krill oil was effective at reducing arthritis symptoms and inflammation.
Side Effects:
People with allergies to seafood shouldn’t use krill oil. People with bleeding disorders shouldn’t use krill oil unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional. Side effects of krill oil may include loose stools, diarrhea or indigestion.
Possible Drug Interactions:
People taking blood thinners (anticoagulant or anti-platelet medication), such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) should only use krill oil under a physician’s supervision.
Caution: Krill oil should also be used with caution by people taking herbs and supplements that are thought to increase the risk of bleeding.
