Source

Krill are small, translucent shrimps with glowing organs that live in the cold waters of the Antarctic.

Measuring between 0.6 and 1 cm, krill move in schools of zooplankton that serve as food for whales, seals and seabirds.

This is why they are called krill, which means "whale food" in Norwegian.

The very cold, regularly ice-covered and relatively unpolluted waters of the Antarctic are a perfect breeding ground for krill.

The krill industry is thriving, but is protected by the Commission for the Protection of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and national authorities so as not to threaten the survival of this species.

Catches have been regulated since 1993.

Dried krill has long been consumed in Asia and Russia, in Japan it is used as an ingredient in some dishes (soups, salads), and fresh krill is very popular in haute cuisine.

More recently, in 2000, a process for extracting krill oil that preserves its nutritional qualities was patented, marking the beginning of the commercialisation of this miraculous oil.

Nutritional benefits

Krill oil is a fatty substance, so its main nutritional benefits come from the fatty acids or lipids it contains.

It is the high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids that is responsible for the success of krill oil.

However, its raw omega-3 content is slightly lower than other fatty fish oils, with 75mg of EPA and 45mg of DHA per 500mg capsule, compared to 90mg of EPA and 60mg of DHA for fish oils.

But krill oil also contains antioxidants and phospholipids (40%) that preserve the integrity of the omega-3s and increase their effectiveness.

The main antioxidant in krill oil is astaxanthin, a fat-soluble provitamin A that belongs to the carotenoid family.

Krill oil also contains vitamins E, A and D, as well as copper, iron and zinc.

Indications

Antioxidant

• Krill oil is a major source of astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant in the carotenoid family. The antioxidant value of this oil is almost 300 times that of vitamins A and E and 34 times that of CoQ10!
• This tremendous antioxidant capacity makes krill oil an effective dietary supplement to combat the effects of free radicals on premature cellular ageing.
• It is also responsible for its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and in some types of cancer (mouth, throat, oesophagus).

Relieves premenstrual syndrome

• Krill's rich phospholipids - known to regulate the menstrual cycle by maintaining the production of sex hormones - are responsible for its beneficial effects on premenstrual syndrome.
• Taking krill oil supplements can significantly reduce symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle, such as lower abdominal pain, irritability, fatigue and bloating.

Regulates blood cholesterol levels and fights cardiovascular disease

Relieves joint pain and inflammation

• Krill oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties, giving it anti-osteoarthritis properties and relief from chronic inflammation, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.

Dosage

There is not enough trial data to suggest precise dosages, but the usual dosage ranges from 500mg per day (to reduce inflammation) to 2g per day (to relieve PMS or lower cholesterol).

Krill oil is most commonly packaged in fish gelatin capsules containing 500 mg.

Side effects and contraindications

Taking krill oil may cause an allergic reaction in people with a seafood allergy.

Krill oil has thinning properties, so it should be avoided by people on anticoagulants, those prone to bruising, or those with blood problems.

Taking high doses may cause nosebleeds in people prone to them.

Regular use of krill oil may also cause nausea or softening of the stool.

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