Krill oil vs Fish oil

Many people are attracted to Krill Oil over Fish Oil products due to the apparent lesser number of capsules required, however which is really best?  Well, like most things it comes down to your individual needs.

The research involving Krill oil has largely been conducted into its effects on cholesterol levels – yes, it has been found to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides and increase HDL (good cholesterol).  There is also some additional research supporting the use of Krill oil for arthritis and mental health – issues for which Fish Oil are commonly recommended, and into which there has been much more research conducted.

Krill’s lesser dosage requirement is due to the seemingly better absorption of omega-3 oils due to 30-65% of the omega-3 fatty acids being incorporated into phospholipids – just like our cell membranes.  Also, Krill naturally contains antioxidants including astaxathin.  But both phospholipids and antioxidants can be damaged by processing methods and temperature extremes so make sure you are buying a top quality product and storing it in a cool cupboard (this goes for Fish Oil too).  Of course, I recommend the Practitioner Only brands that we have at MCM and NLCM.

So, what is my recommendation?  If you are attempting to reduce cholesterol levels, then I recommend Krill Oil at a dose of around 3 grams to start, and re-testing lipid profile in about 3 months.  If your goal is to reduce inflammation/pain, support good mood and concentration, for general cardiovascular health and wellbeing, preconception, or brain and nerve development, at this stage I would still recommend Fish Oil – different forms and dosages depending on your individual needs, so talk to me.

When taking Krill Oil for cholesterol reduction, it appears you need about two thirds of the amount of EPA + DHA (the active ingredients) compared to what you would take as Fish Oil.  So keep this in mind when comparing products because Krill Oil is more expensive than fish oil.  Also, compare Krill with a Fish Oil product that offers concentrated amounts of active ingredients to lessen the capsules required per day, or even better - try a liquid form.

Don’t take Krill Oil if you have a shellfish allergy, and talk to me before taking either supplement if you are on blood-thinning medications. (References available on request.)