Joshua Stark

Krill oil has gained a lot of attention in recent times. But what makes it any different to fish oil? We delve deeper to understand just why this popular source of omega 3 is worth the extra investment.

For many years, we have been told that we should be taking some kind of fish oil supplement, for our general health and wellbeing. Most of us don’t really know why we should be taking it, but because our parents or a reputable health magazine told us we should, we do as we’re told.

Whoever told you to do this is right. Fish oil in any guise is very beneficial to health, as it is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, called EPA and EHA. These are required for many different bodily functions, as well as keeping our brains and eyes working well. Without a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids in our diet, our health will certainly suffer.

Benefits of Omega 3 Fatty Acids Through Fish Oil or Krill Oil

Why should you be taking omega 3? Let’s give a quick recap before we move onto the main body of our article. According to research, omega-3 fatty acids can help with the following:

• Help to fight depression and anxiety
• Help to improve eye health
• May help to improve brain health of an unborn baby
• Helps to reduce the chances of developing heart disease
• Can reduce blood pressure
• Reduces the levels of bad cholesterol, and increases the good
• Can help to reduce inflammation
• Helps to reduce metabolic syndrome
• Can help to fight autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis
• Helps to fight Alzheimer’s Disease and mental issues related to age
• May help to prevent certain types of cancer
• May help to improve joint and bone health overall
• Helps to reduce the amount of fat in your liver
• May promote a better quality of sleep
• Beneficial for skin
• May help to reduce menstrual pain in women

For many years, there has only been one choice – fish oil. A fish oil supplement is usually something you usually take once per day, and you swallow the capsule whole. The two downsides? The capsules are large, which can make it hard to swallow. They also tend to leave behind a rather fishy aftertaste.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is a supplement taken to give someone a higher amount of omega 3 fatty acid benefit in their diet. As we mentioned before, not everyone likes fish enough to eat it on a regular basis, and as a result, a supplement is the only option.

Fish oil has been around for years, and it is extracted from several different types of fish, including cod, herring, tuna, and other fish which are considered ‘oily’. The oil comes from the flesh of these fish, and as such, it is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA.

Fish oil supplements are very easy to come by and are available in most health care stores and even supermarkets.

What is Krill Oil?

On the other hand, krill oil is a relative newcomer to the supplement world. Krill oil is another omega 3 supplement and it works in a very similar way to regular fish oil. The difference is where it comes from. Krill oil is extracted from krill, a very small crustacean which is found in the Antarctic Ocean. Krill is the food of choice of many sea birds, whales, seals, and penguins.

Krill oil is also an excellent source of DHA and EPA (omega 3 fatty acids), but it is less easy to find on the general market, because it is so new. You will usually only find krill oil online at the moment, however this could change in the future, as more people choose it over its original rival.

What is The Difference Between Krill Oil And Fish Oil?

Both fish oil and krill oil are rich in EPA and DHA, omega 3 fatty acids, but the main difference comes down to is structure.

Fish oil’s main structure is a triglyceride, whereas krill oil’s main structure is a phospholipid. It is thought that phospholipids are absorbed into the body quicker and easier than a triglyceride. As such, one main benefit in the camp of krill oil is that it is absorbed faster, and therefore the benefits arrive faster too.

Krill oil supplements have a red tinge to them, and this is because krill oil has a naturally occurring antioxidant contained within it, called astaxanthin. This has many health benefits of its own, which we’ll discuss below. Fish oil on the other hand doesn’t contain this antioxidant.

Aside from their general make up, the added antioxidant, the colour, and price/ease of finding the supplements, both krill oil and fish oil have the same benefits of omega 3 fatty acids.

Having said that, the differences don’t really stop there in terms of pitting the two against each other. Let’s compare a little more, lay the differences out in full, and see where we end up.

Krill Oil is Absorbed Into the Body Faster

We mentioned the krill oil is a phospholipid in its structure, where as fish oil is a triglyceride. This means that the body absorbs krill oil faster than regular fish oil, however the exact benefit of this added speed is still to be discovered, as more studies take place.

Because krill oil is relatively new, we don’t know absolutely everything there is to know yet, and that probably wont come for a few years yet. There are undoubted benefits of krill oil over fish oil, but it comes down to personal choice in the end.

Astaxanthin Has Additional Benefits

We mentioned that krill oil contains a naturally occurring antioxidant called astaxanthin, but fish oil does not. Astaxanthin is quite powerful and it is this which gives the supplements that iconic red tinge.

Again, the overall benefits of astaxanthin are still being discovered, but many believe that it also helps to give krill oil supplements a longer shelf life, by protecting it for a longer amount of time.

Despite that, studies suggest that astaxanthin as an antioxidant helps to reduce inflammation within the body. It also has been shown to boost the immune system, as most antioxidants do.

Fish Oil is Cheaper and Easier to Find

Regular fish oil is far cheaper than krill oil, and much easier to find on the general market. Krill oil is mostly only available online and at a higher price. Whether this changes or not in the future remains to be seen, but for now, the harvesting process of krill means that prices are higher. The newness of the supplements also means that they haven’t made it onto the high street or into supermarkets just yet.

On the other hand, fish oil supplements have ben around for a long time, and as a result the prices are much lower, and you can find them quite easily too. For many people, price is a deal breaker, and that is why fish oil remains popular.

Krill Oil Doesn’t Have a Fishy Aftertaste

This is a big difference between the two. We mentioned earlier on that regular fish oil supplements are quite large and as a result, you may have a fishy aftertaste to contend with. This often puts people off taking the supplements, and some people find them difficult to swallow whole.

Krill oil supplements on the other hand have no taste at all, and are much smaller than regular fish oil supplement capsules. This is a major tick in the krill oil box, and can be another deal breaker for many people. Having said that, one of the side effects of krill oil is a slightly fishy taste, but whether or not you actually develop this side effects depends on you as an individual.

Which is The Winner – Fish Oil or Krill Oil?

The final choice you make is yours. It all comes down to personal preference and it really depends upon the main factors – whether you are prepared to deal with a fishy aftertaste for a cheaper price and an easier to find product, or whether you are more about not having to deal with that aftertaste, and you don’t mind spending a little more to gain a few extra benefits.

Many experts believe that krill oil is a superior product to fish oil, but that are many more studies going on, and more to come, which will either prove or refute those claims. Both products have fantastic benefits to overall health and wellbeing, and both are fantastic ways to give your body the omega 3 fatty acids it needs, if you’re not the world’s biggest fish-eating fan. Not everyone is, and if you’re really not into oily fish of any kind, or you struggle to get at least two portions per week, then supplement is the best choice for you.

If we had to really pick a winner, it would be krill oil, for the additional benefits and the lack of a fishy aftertaste. Despite that, regular fish oil supplements are still a fantastic choice and one which is certainly far, far better than nothing at all.

Always Speak to Your Doctor Before Taking Any Dietary Supplements

Whilst further studies are needed to really ascertain the true side effects of krill oil, we should point out that before you start taking any kind of supplement at all, you should speak to your doctor. This includes fish oil and krill oil supplements.

If you have a shellfish allergy or an allergy to any type of fish or seafood, you should speak to your doctor before you even consider taking a supplement such as this. In addition, if you are currently taking any medication to thin your blood, or you have any type of blood or clotting disorder, you should also talk to your doctor. The reason is that such supplements are linked to affected clotting, so it is always better to be safer than sorry, and talk things out with a health professional ahead of time.

If you are given the green light to begin taking an omega 3 supplement, you should then shop around for the best choice for you. Everyone is individual and that means that one size certainly doesn’t fit all. By being careful with your final choice and doing your research, including reading reviews, you will find a good fit, which gives you all the benefits you have been looking for.

We have long been told that fish oil is something we should be taking on a daily basis. For many years, those who didn’t love to eat fish took supplements of fish oil, which were rather unpleasant to say the least. Whilst the taste left something to be desired, the benefits of that small capsule were far-reaching.

As research has gone on, various different forms of supplements have come to the fore, but one which has created a lot of excitement is something called krill oil. The reason the excitement has come about is not only because it has a number of unique benefits for health, but also because it is much easier to take on a daily basis. Put simply, krill oil supplements don’t taste of fish at all.

What is Krill Oil?

Krill oil is an omega 3 supplement which is derived from krill, but it has a few differences compared to the regular types of supplements you might be aware of.

We won’t go too far into benefits right now, as we’re going to list five of the best reasons to choose krill oil over regular fish oil supplements shortly.

For now, you simply need to know that krill oil is a form of omega 3 fish oil and it contains both of the necessary omega 3s for good health, namely DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).

Why Consume Omega 3’s?

For anyone who doesn’t regularly consume fish, e.g. weekly, a fish oil supplement is the single best way to get a good amount of omega 3 acids into their diet. Even those who do eat fish can struggle to get two servings in per week. Fish isn’t the cheapest food to purchase, and as a result, supplements can help many different people.

Both of these nutrients (DHA and EPA) are vital for overall health and wellbeing. If you don’t get enough omega 3s in your diet, either via a natural source (fish) or via a supplement, you are going to find yourself in poor health. This might not be become evident straightaway, but you are putting yourself at risk of some serious health concerns in the future. The major benefits of omega 3 acids include:

Helping to reduce blood pressure:

when taken as part of a healthy diet, and in conjunction with any prescribed blood pressure medication (always speak to your doctor if you do have high blood pressure, before starting any supplements)

Helps to reduce triglycerides:

Can help to reduce and drastically slow down the development of arterial plaque, thus helping reduce the chances of heart disease, stroke, and heart attacks

Helps improve heart health:

Reduces the likelihood of developing an abnormal heart beat/rhythm, which can result in cardiac issues

Helps with brain development in babies:

May help to enhance neurological and brain development in newborn babies. Whilst there haven’t been a huge number of studies into whether krill oil is safe in pregnancy or not, some studies have shown that neurological development in very young children and newborns could be increased. Further studies are ongoing

Helps with overall mental health:

May help to reduce the symptoms of depression, as DHA and EPA are believed to help improve mood, when used in conjunction with other self-help measures, and perhaps with antidepressant medication, if prescribed by your doctor. As before, speak to your doctor before using a supplement for this reason

Helps digestive health:

May help with gastric conditions and stomach health overall. This is down to a reduction in inflammation in the gut, which may relieve unpleasant symptoms and bloating over time

As you can see, those are pretty important benefits to obtain, and just one capsule can help you achieve them. Of course, the natural methods are aways better, but not everyone enjoys fish, or finds it easy to eat it on a regular basis.

How much should you consume?

If you are trying to up your omega 3 intake via your diet alone, then it is recommended for you to consume a serving twice per week, spread out over the days. The best types of fish to eat are salmon, mackerel, herring, sardines, tuna, and lake trout.

These are the types of fish which are highest in omega 3 acids. It is best to avoid tinned fish if you can, and go for fresh, as this means the nutrients will have been retained much better.

Of course, before taking any type of supplement, it is important to speak to your doctor first. Whilst krill oil isn’t known to have any hugely detrimental side effects, further studies are ongoing.

This video shows in a more visual way, the benefits of both krill oil and fish oil.

The Top Five Krill Oil Benefits

Krill oil maintains all the benefits of omega 3 acids we mentioned above. In addition to those benefits, there are certain other plus points which makes krill oil stand out above regular fish oil supplements and capsules. The top five are discussed below.

1. No Unpleasant Aftertaste

Krill oil has very similar benefits to regular fish oil capsules, but there are some other plus points which stand in their camp. For instance, we mentioned a more tolerable taste, and this is a big benefit for most people. Regular fish capsules are larger and quite hard to swallow. As a result, they tend to give people indigestion, and cause burps and reflux. The taste of this can be distinctly fishy, and not at all pleasant, whether you like fish or not.

Krill oil has no aftertaste at all, and the capsules are also much smaller, therefore easier to swallow. This is probably the number one reason why people choose krill oil over regular fish oil capsules. The downside is that krill oil is a relative newcomer on the block, and as a result the price of these capsules can be a little higher in comparison. It isn’t always easy to find krill oil in regular health stores, whereas regular fish oil capsules are very easy to find. For that reason, most people choose to buy their krill oil capsules online, with good offers on larger orders.

2. Omega 3 Benefits Are Absorbed Quicker

Another benefit of choosing krill oil is that the omega 3 oils are absorbed faster than in regular fish oil. This is because of the composition within the oil. Regular fish oil is derived from triglycerides, which can be slower to absorb. On the other hand, krill oil is derived from a phospholipid, which is faster to absorb into the blood stream, and therefore the benefits arrive faster. Higher doses of the DHA and EPA omega 3s are also absorbed, which gives you a better chance of receiving the major benefits overall.

Many studies have looked into the absorption rate and have decided upon a very favourable result in the camp of krill oil overall. For those who want to get the most out of their daily supplement, especially those who don’t eat fish, or struggle to consume the recommended amount, this is a very advantageous point.

3. Krill Oil Contains a Natural Antioxidant

Krill oil contains something called astaxanthin naturally. This is a very powerful antioxidant which can help to boost the immune system, supporting cell growth and regeneration, overall organ health and function, as well as protecting the body’s tissues from free radical damage. Astaxanthin also helps to keep the krill oil supplements fresher, as it automatically stops them from spoiling or ageing whilst they’re in the cupboard. This means you can easily buy a larger pack of krill oil supplements for a lower price, and you have the knowledge that they won’t become unusable very quickly.

We are all aware of how important antioxidants are in our diets, and we are encouraged to eat foods which are high in immune system-boosting antioxidants on a regular basis. The fact that you are getting a free dose of antioxidant within your omega 3 supplement is a major, and very welcome, side effect.

4. Krill Oil Doesn’t Contain Any Detectable Levels of Mercury

Fish and regular fish oil capsules may contain a small, detectable level of mercury or other types of toxins which are found in the world’s oceans. Krill oil doesn’t contain detectable levels of any toxin, mercury included. The reason is because krill is a tiny sea-dwelling creature which is actually at the very bottom of the oceanic food chain. It doesn’t feed on other fish or animals, and instead it enjoys its meals via phytoplankton. This means that an accumulation of mercury from eating other fish doesn’t occur. Phytoplankton (the food krill eats) is completely pure.

Krill is also found in the Antarctic Ocean, which is an extremely clean body of water, and therefore krill is clean and pure. This takes away any potential health concerns about detectable levels of toxins and mercury in supplements or fish products, which is quite important to many people.

5. Krill Oil is a Sustainable Source of Omega 3

We’re not likely to run out of krill any time soon! Krill is considered the world’s largest biomass, and there are currently around 500 million tonnes in the Antarctic. We just mentioned that this is the cleanest ocean in the world, and over a year, only around 1% of krill is harvested from the ocean. This means that krill oil is a sustainable source of omega 3 oils for many years to come. Krill harvesting is also strictly monitored, to ensure that over-harvesting doesn’t occur.

Krill is actually the food of choice of some of the ocean’s largest mammals, such as whales, as well as penguins and seals. The huge amount dwelling in the ocean, and its fast multiplication rate, means we are likely to be using krill oil for a very long time to come.

Krill Oil Versus Regular Fish Oil

Krill oil certainly has some major benefits over regular fish oil capsules, but some people do choose to stick with what they know. This is perfectly acceptable and understandable, as regular fish oil capsules still give a huge amount of omega 3 benefit to the user. The fact remains that krill oil is a newcomer on the supplement block, and it often takes time for users to build up a certain amount of trust in new healthcare products.

A large number of studies have shown that krill oil has benefits over regular fish oil however, and as it becomes more accessible, e.g. available in regular health care stores, we may see uptake of krill oil supplements begins to accelerate quite rapidly.

The lack of a fishy aftertaste is a major plus point for most people who have taken regular fish oil capsules in the past. Regular capsules are quite large and can be quite hard to swallow. Of course, we know that capsules should never be chewed, and so having to swallow them whole can be difficult for some people. This leads to reflux, and that rather nasty aftertaste which these supplements are so famous for. The fact that krill oil doesn’t give this aftertaste, and comes in small, easier to swallow capsules, is also a big plus point.

Price-wise, krill oil is more expensive than fish oil at the moment. Fish oil is easier to find in regular stores, whereas krill oil might only be available in large cities and towns. As we mentioned before, it often the case that krill oil is bought online, in large batch orders. The astaxanthin contained within krill oil stops it from spoiling in the cupboard, so it is safe to keep for longer, compared to regular fish oil supplements.

Further studies will continue into how effective krill oil is compared to regular fish oil capsules and whether there are any other benefits we have yet to become aware of. For now however, it is certainly a great choice for those who want to up their omega 3 intake, and increase their overall health and wellbeing as a result.