I just finished a blog supporting the power of fish oil. Specifically, I
cited several journal articles and abstracts demonstrating the ability of fish
oil to modulate:
1. Genetic expression (with cystic fibrosis)
2. Inflammation
3. Immune function
4. Fracture risk in post-menopausal women
5. Heart health
A new finny friend has been swimming its way into
headlines recently, krill oil. Some have questioned
if it’s as effective as fish oil. I have reviewed the studies supporting the
added benefit of the carotenoid antioxidant, astaxanthin for protection against
stressors on our cells and to modulate blood sugar. Furthermore, although the
levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids are lower in krill, it is believed that
the bioavailability is higher due to its phospholipid content.
Below are two studies that support why I recommend this supplement along
with fish oil depending on my client’s needs.
1. Krill Oil
Effects Lipid Levels
A 2012 study with mice demonstrated that krill oil (KO)
and fish oil (FO) modulated lipid levels, with krill having a stronger effect
in mice (1).
2. Krill Oil Shows Promise for
Weight Loss
In a small
trial of six months, the following benefits occurred in male, mildly obese
participants (2-3) :
- Participants’ blood
triglyceride levels decreased by 21 percent. - Levels of a key endocannabinoid
called anandamide decreased by 84 percent.
(Anandamide levels can increase feeding behavior.) - There were significant drops in
the participants’ waist/hip ratios and gains in muscle mass around areas
of visceral fat. These are risk factors of diabetes and metabolic
syndrome.
For a list
of more references on the power of krill oil, check out this link on
greenmedinfo.com: http://www.greenmedinfo.com/substance/krill
And, as
always, remember to choice quality and individualized supplements based on your
unique needs, biochemistry, and health. 🙂
References:
(1) Natalya Filipchuk Vigerust, Bodil Bjørndal, Pavol
Bohov, Trond Brattelid, Asbjørn Svardal and Rolf Kristian Berge. Krill oil
versus fish oil in modulation of inflammation and lipid metabolism in mice
transgenic for TNF-?. European Journal of Nutrition 2012, DOI:
10.1007/s00394-012-0441-2
(2) Weatherby,
C. Krill Oil Shows Weight-Control Promise: Clinical study finds appetite-damping
changes in people’s metabolism-control systems. Vital Choice Newsletter. January 2, 2013.
(3) Berge
K, Piscitelli F, Hoem N, Silvestri C, Meyer I, Banni S, Di Marzo V. Chronic treatment
with krill powder reduces plasma triglyceride and anandamide levels in mildly
obese men. Lipids Health Dis. 2013 May 27;12:78. doi: 10.1186/1476-511X-12-78.
