What is Krill Oil?

Krill oil is an extract gained from a species of Antarctic krill —Euphausia superba. This kind of oil contains a high quantity of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA).

What is Omega-3, EPA and DHA?

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They are essential substances of great importance for human body functionalities, which, however, can’t be produced by the body itself. Although mammals are unable to synthesize omega-3 fatty acids, these essential substances can be obtained through diet. There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids involved in human physiology: ALA—alpha-linolenic acid, EPA—eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA—docosahexaenoic acid. Common sources of ALA are plant oils and algal oils, while sources of EPA and DHA include primarily fish oils, egg oil, squid oils, and krill oil.

Good for the heart

Krill Vida has a high content of omega-3 fatty acids. The two fatty acids EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function (at 3 capsules per day).

Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil

The main difference between krill oil and fish oil is in their omega-3 fatty acids carriers. Whereas the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are attached only to triglycerides, the majority of the Omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil bound to phospholipids. Unlike the highly hydrophobic triglycerides which do not mix with water at all, phospholipids are amphipathic, meaning these are both oil and water-soluble. This unique property of phospholipids has significant effects on compatibility, digestion, and absorption of omega-3 fatty acids within the body, and it leads to a superior bioavailability of krill oil over fish oil, as some studies* have proved.

Further differences between krill oil and fish oil are:

• the ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids of krill oil is about 3 times higher than that of fish oil;
• Krill oil contains natural astaxanthin which gives krill oil its distinct deep red color;
• Krill constitutes the beginning of the food chain, therefore the chance of a heavy metal accumulation, or any other toxics contamination in krill is very much unlikely;

Conversely to many fish species, krill is not threatened by overfishing. The krill population is estimated at approx. 500 million tonnes worldwide, no other animal species in the world is capable to proliferate more than krill. The global krill harvest saturated at about 200’000 tonnes annually, which makes up less than 0.1% of its population. Nevertheless, it is meant to only utilize krill from sustainable sources. The krill used in our Krill Vida comes from sustainable and controlled fishing.

Krill Oil vs. Alpha-Linolenic Acids(ALA) out of Plant- and Algal Oil

The adult body usually can turn ALA out of plant oil or algal oil into EPA and DHA. According to this study though, not everybody is able to carry out this transformation. Therefore, it is quite reasonable for many of us to accommodate our body with omega-3 fatty acids via fish or krill.

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant and related to carotenoids (such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, and lutein). It provides the red color of krill oil and also the antioxidant function to protect the omega-3 fatty acids during storage. That’s also the reason why salmon in wild has redder coloration than farmed salmon: the wild ones simply consume much more krill than their farmed relatives.

Recommended Dosage

Take 3 capsules daily, preferably shortly before meals.