Fish Oil or Krill Oil? What are the Differences?     

Krill oil vs fish oil? Popular dietary supplements share similarities and are known for their rich content of Omega-3 fatty acids. Both oils have potential and proven benefits for maintaining cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and improving cognitive function. The main Omega-3 fatty acids present in both are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for various physiological functions. 

These ingredients contribute to heart health by lowering triglycerides and supporting arterial function. They also play a crucial role in brain health, potentially improving cognitive functions and mood. However, how to choose between fish oil or krill oil?

Fish Oil or Krill Oil? 

It can be said that the benefits of both supplements are obvious and including them in every diet is a mandatory process. There is an oversaturated market with numerous offers that include a large number of ingredients of unclear origin and quality. Often, consumers do not know what to use. 

The benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for the body have already been mentioned. The easiest access to them is through consumption of products containing either krill oil, or fish oil. The similarities between the two products are obvious. However, how do they differ and how to make the right choice?

Origin

A fundamental difference between the two oils is their origin and the way they are added. Fish oil is extracted from the tissues of fish with a high fat concentration. Such fish can be species like mackerel, herring, anchovy, and salmon. The extraction involves pressing the fish or using solvents to obtain the oil, which is then refined and purified to create the final product. However, this process has negative environmental consequences. Factors such as overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and the endangerment of some fish species can have a negative impact on marine ecosystems. The extraction can contribute to the reduction of fish populations, disrupting the ecosystem balance and affecting other species dependent on these fish. Currently, there is a global shortage of fish oils due to the disruption of the population of the main fish species used for fish oil extraction.

On the other hand, krill oil is extracted from a small, shrimp-like crustacean zooplankton that inhabits the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Antarctic krill is a vital component of the marine food chain. Its catch and processing are strictly regulated and carried out in an eco-friendly manner so as not to disrupt the ecosystem and the environment. Krill is known for its rapid reproduction rates, and the catch amounts to only 1% of the total biomass. These factors make the extraction of pure Antarctic krill oil many times more eco-friendly and environmentally gentle than the processes associated with fish oil extraction. 

Composition and effect

The purity of krill oil offers some potential advantages over traditional fish oil due to its unique multicomponent composition. One notable difference is the presence of phospholipids, astaxanthin, and choline. 

Unlike fish oil, which contains triglycerides, the omega-3 fatty acids in Antarctic krill oil are bound to phospholipids. This molecular structure enhances the absorption and utilization of omega-3 by human cells. The phospholipids in krill oil may facilitate passage through cell membranes, delivering EPA and DHA more effectively to tissues and organs. 

Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties and improves the stability of the oil. 

Choline is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is not synthesized in the human body and is an essential nutrient for optimal health. Choline supports optimal cognitive function. An adequate concentration of choline in the body helps improve memory and maintain focus. Choline supports liver function and helps regulate blood pressure. 

Some studies suggest that krill oil may have better bioavailability than fish oil, which means the body can absorb and use a higher percentage of the omega-3 it provides. This may lead to increased benefits with smaller doses of krill oil compared to fish oil. 

Research shows that krill oil may have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health, reducing triglyceride levels and promoting a healthy lipid profile. The unique combination of phospholipids and astaxanthin contributes to joint health and overall well-being. 

In this case - fish oil or krill oil? Both have their benefits, but people may find that with krill oil, with improved absorption and antioxidant protection, it becomes the preferred choice. However, personal preferences, dietary restrictions, and sustainability considerations should also guide the decision. 

Sources:
Pharm Easy
Dopple Herz
Superb Krill
Drugs.com
Web MD

Krill oil versus fish oil - a comparison

Given what has been presented so far, we can make a simple comparison between the supplements. The goal here is for you to make an informed choice about the benefits and drawbacks of the two products.