No Little Shrimp!

By Dr. Tina Sampalis

From PMS to Osteoporosis, Krill oil is being studied for its beneficial properties including a powerful antioxidant.

Krill, a shrimp-like crustacean found in all oceans, is considered to be the most successful species on the planet. A specific species of krill, Euphausia superba, has adapted itself to survive in the planet's coldest waters: the Antarctic Ocean.

Recently, nutritional companies have discovered a way to extract a pure oil rich in phospholipids, omega-3 and antioxidants from Antarctic krill. The synergy between these components creates a remarkably nutritious complex that offers significant health benefits.

The health benefits related to long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), have been demonstrated by numerous recent studies. For instance, EPA and DHA are recognized to play an important role in fetal and early childhood development (learning and behavioural disorders). Their ability to fight inflammatory processes causing degenerative joint, circulatory and brain diseases is also firmly established.

But the oil extracted from Antarctic krill is far from just another source of omega-3. Fatty acids contained in the oil are attached to the phospholipids. This makes them more bio-available or functionalized, meaning they are also more effective than other marine oils and can be taken at much smaller doses.

Phospholipids, dubbed life's building blocks, play a major role in human health. Phospholipids are the basic constituents of the cell membrane, a microscopic barrier that surrounds all of your body's cells. Phospholipids are also a source of choline, which is a highly important molecule that composes the neurotransmitter acerylcholine. This is what makes phospholipids so important for your brain and nervous system. Other phospholipid products are available on the market but contrary to phospholipids from krill oil, their fatty acid profiles are not optimized for the human brain. Phospholipids in krill oil contain EPA and DHA, exactly what is needed to support peak brain performance.

Esterified astaxanthin, vitamin A and E, and well as novel flavonoid all contribute to the exceptional stability and incomparable antioxidant potency of krill oil. The ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), a recognized test developed by Brunswick Laboratories in Massachusetts, was used to compare the antioxidant potency of one brand of krill oil with other well known antioxidants on the market. In direct ORAC comparison, the value of the krill oil was found to be some 48 times higher than that of the fish oil and 34 times higher than coenzyme Q10. This explains the incredible that stability krill oil demonstrates in the face of oxygen, heat and light.

The health benefits of antioxidant molecules are well known. These molecules, also called scavengers, capture the reactive-free radicals responsible for the oxidative damage caused to our cells.

Being at the beginning of the food chain and fished far from industrial areas, Antarctic krill do not accumulate heavy metals in their fatty fractions. Unlike many fish oils, Antarctic krill oil is free of contaminants like heavy metals, organochlorides and PCBs.

Many studies about the health benefits of krill oil are underway today. Recently, one preclinical and two phase 2 clinical trials looking at how krill oil manages PMS and hyperlipidemia, protects against UVB and benefits our overall quality of life have been completed. Clinical studies on endothelial reactivity and improvement of the symptoms of osteoarthritis are currently on-going. All of these double-blind randomized trails are conducted in collaboration with reputed hospitals and universities. The future looks bright for krill oil. Stay tuned to find out even more about how this amazing new supplement can help you stay healthy and vibrant.