Krill (Euphausia superba) is a small crustacean, similar to shrimp, that lives in the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean, and represents the most abundant animal biomass on the planet. From Krill we can extract an oil with special qualities: it is composed of Omega 3 fatty acids, phospholipids, choline, Vitamin A and E, and in a smaller proportion Omega 6 and 9. It also contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant responsible for krills reddish color. All of these nutrients make consuming krill oil beneficial to our health
.The Omega-3 fatty acids present in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, unlike fish oils whose Omega-3 is bound to triglycerides. Phospholipids are components of cell membranes, and contribute to the better absorption of Omega 3 (EPA and DHA), facilitating their passage through the intestinal walls and increasing their bioavailability, up to 2.5 times more bioavailable than fish oil. On the other hand, omega 3 from fish need to be digested in the intestinal lumen by bile for subsequent absorption, so their use and performance is lower. In addition, krill oil, when assimilated at the intestinal level due to its phospholipid form, and thanks to its content of the antioxidant astaxanthin, does not repeat or produce
an aftertaste.The fishing of Krill and the extraction of its oil greatly influences the final result, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the product. To achieve the highest quality krill oil, it is important that the oil is extracted in the cold, as this way the biological properties are kept intact. In addition, thanks to this type of extraction, a very significant amount of astaxanthin is naturally preserved
.Essential fatty acids (AGES) are essential for our body to perform basic metabolic functions for survival. In krill oil, the ratio between Omega 3, 6 and 9 is very remarkable. Krill oil has an Omega-3/6/9 ratio of 15:1:6, which helps to counteract the imbalance in favor of omega 6 that exists in the current Western diet and balancing the balance in favor of Omega 3, that is, to an anti-inflammatory
state.We should be able to obtain Omega-3 through a varied and healthy diet, but because these fats are increasingly absent in food, as well as stress, tobacco, alcohol, poor dietary habits and diseases, the requirements for these essential fatty acids are increasing.
Krill oil is a very useful dietary supplement for those who want to take care of their heart, thanks to its excellent combination of Omega 3, which is also beneficial for the brain. In addition, in Canada, the country of origin of cold-extracted krill oil, health authorities consider that its consumption contributes to symptomatic relief of muscle and joint inflammation (osteoarthritis) and premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, as well as support in treatment with medications to lower cholesterol
.But what about the potential loss of krill biomass? We dont need to worry. In addition to being the largest animal biomass on the planet, fishing is regulated. In 1993, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Resources (CCAMLR) issued standards for setting the krill fishing industry to ensure a sustainable future. Nowadays, their capture represents 1.56% of the allowed quota
.