Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil – Which Is Better for Your Body?
The benefits of consuming seafood have been known for quite a while, but not everyone looks forward to a big plate of fish on the dinner table. That may be why fish oil and krill oil supplements have become so popular. These nutritional supplements promise all the benefits of a delicious seafood dinner, without the preparation or the expense.
Both fish oil and krill oil supplements contain plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids known as DHA and EPA, but there are some critical differences. For one thing, krill oil typically contains more EPA, which has been linked to a number of important health benefits. In addition, the Omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are linked to antioxidants and phospholipids. These substances have been shown to be more effective at fighting high levels of cholesterol.
There have been a number of recent studies comparing the health benefits of taking fish oil vs. the benefits of krill oil. One notable clinical study took place in Norway and Sweden in January of 2011, and was subsequently published in the journal Lipids. The study lasted for seven weeks, and it analyzed data from 113 volunteers. Blood tests conducted during that period found that blood levels of both DHA and EPA increased significantly in men and women who took fish oil or krill oil. Those in the control group did not experience this marked increase in EPA and DHA levels. This suggests that the Omega-3 fatty acids in both fish oil and krill oil are readily accessible to the body through nutritional supplements.
Another recent study suggests that krill oil might be better than fish oil in treating the symptoms of arthritis. The ingredients in krill oil have been shown to have a marked anti-inflammatory effect, and that can be very valuable for arthritis sufferers. A clinical trail conducted at the University Health Network in Toronto found that krill oil reduced arthritis pain far more than the placebo. The study also found that C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were reduced by more than 30 percent. Since CRP levels play a role in arthritis pain, there is reason to hope that krill oil can help those who suffer from this common chronic condition.
It is important to note that clinical studies of the effectives of krill oil are still underway, and many of the results so far have been inconclusive. While studies have shown that taking krill oil supplements can be effective at reducing cholesterol levels in the blood and relieving arthritis pain, many nutritionists feel that people can achieve the same results simply by making seafood a regular part of their diets.
If you love fatty fish like Alaskan salmon or even sardines, you are probably getting plenty of DHA and EPA in your diet already. If you avoid fish like the plague, supplementing your otherwise healthy diet with krill oil or fish oil could be a smart move.
If you suffer from arthritis, krill oil might offer more protective benefits. If high cholesterol is the issue, fish oil and krill oil supplements can both be very effective. Keep in mind, however, that no nutritional supplement is a substitute for a healthy and balanced diet.
