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Krill Oil
by author Tina Sampalis, MD, PhD

In the last decade, we’ve learned much about the benefits of a diet that includes plentiful sources of omega-3s, phospholipids, and antioxidants.

Flaxseed and fish oil are well-known sources of omega-3s. Lecithin and phosphatidylserine offer phospholipids, and antioxidants are found in a wide variety of nutrient sources ranging from retinol to vitamin E and lycopene to CoQ₁₀. Recent studies, however, have revealed a single source that synergistically balances all three nutrients.

Tiny But Powerful

A tiny crustacean called krill, found in the cold Antarctic waters, is food for whales and other marine animals. It is the most abundant biomass on earth. At the bottom of the food chain, krill is free from contamination by heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins, and pesticides. Krill survive the cold Antarctic waters through their synergy of omega-3, phospholipids, potent antioxidants, and flavonoids–the first flavonoid to be extracted from an animal, rather than plant, source.

One of the distinguishing features of krill oil is that it carries eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - the most active omega-3 fatty acids–in the form of phospholipids. This allows EPA and DHA to enter the cells directly, without the need for any further metabolic process. Krill oil’s naturally occurring antioxidants provide excellent protection from free-radical damage as well.

Clinical trials demonstrate that low daily doses of krill oil, ranging from 300 to 500 mg, are effective in the management of chronic inflammation, blood lipid regulation, premenstrual syndrome control, and brain functions such as concentration, memory, and alertness. The most essential nutrients for proper brain function are phospholipids rich in DHA, available in krill oil.

The biomolecular profile of krill oil, synergistically combining phospholipids, omega-3 fatty acids, and diverse antioxidants, offers a unique nutrient supplement, available at your local health food store.

Tina Sampalis, MD, PhD, has earned awards for her work on retinols, geriatric medicine, skin and breast cancer. She has spent the last six years researching and developing krill oil.

Source: alive #268, February 2005

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