Krill Oil vs. Omega 3 Oil
The world has been obsessing over oil supplements for years due to their incredible benefits. From supporting heart health to improving joint flexibility, there are numerous ways a person can benefit from using oil supplements.
Two popular oils are krill oil and omega 3 oil, both of which benefit the body in many ways. Although krill oil contains omega 3 fatty acids, it is different from omega 3 oil itself.
Today you will discover;
- What krill oil and omega 3 are
- The benefits of each oil
- The key differences
- How to take krill oil and omega 3 oil
What is Krill Oil?
Krill oil is a common dietary supplement to support heart, joint, and skin health. It is an extract from a specific species of Antarctic krill, which is processed and then transformed into an oil-based supplement. Krill are commonly found in colder waters, as that is where they thrive. They are often the main food source for other fish species such as seals and penguins. However, it can be consumed by humans too to reap the health benefits.
Krill can of course be consumed as the whole fish itself. However, many people consider supplements an easier way to attain health benefits. Instead of eating krill for dinner every day and attaining the healthy nutrients that way, you can consume it alongside your other supplements.
Two components of krill oil are omega 3 fatty acids and PLFA (phospholipid-derived fatty acids). Some would say that krill oil is easier to digest and benefit from than fish oil itself. Due to the high level of fatty acids (EPA and DHA), krill oil is ideal for promoting better heart health by regulating blood pressure.
Most fish oils are absorbed in a different way than krill oil. Krill oil is special in that it easily absorbs the fatty acids by carrying the acids into the body’s cell in phospholipid form. The fatty acids lower the body’s LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase HDL (good cholesterol) when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Thus, it is ideal for promoting heart health. More on the benefit of krill oil to follow.
What is Omega 3 Oil?
Opposingly, omega 3 oil is fish oil. Due to this, it is harder to absorb than krill oil. Nonetheless, omega 3 oil offers a multitude of health benefits from improving blood lipids and heart health to supporting mental health and reducing inflammation.
Omega 3 oil provides the body with healthy fats that work to improve the health of the heart, joints, and skin. Similar to krill oil, healthy fats are absorbed by the body in the same way that the natural oils from fish are.
Krill oil is only derived from krill. Whereas omega 3 oil is present in many fish including salmon, mackerel, herrings, and lake trout. Again, some people prefer not to eat fish at all or for every meal. Thus, supplementing the fish for oil supplements is a more efficient way to attain the fatty acids and reap the benefits.
The benefits of Krill Oil
There is an abundance of benefits that come with krill oil. Not only does it improve heart health, but there are so many other amazing benefits.
Treats inflammation conditions
Many inflammatory conditions can hinder a person’s overall quality of life. Arthritis is a common inflammatory condition that affects millions of people every year. Krill oil is a common supplement used to treat or help manage arthritic symptoms.
For instance, arthritis is caused by inflammation, which can cause pain, tenderness, irritation, and swelling. Krill oil helps to fight oxidative stress, which can help reduce and/or manage these symptoms.
Seeing as krill oil is easy to absorb, it can help manage inflammatory symptoms within a few hours and help improve a person’s overall quality of life.
Improve joint health
As krill oil is beneficial for inflammation, this can also lead to it being beneficial for joint health.
Krill is the only fish that contains both astaxanthin and omega-3 phospholipids, which are a unique combination known to help with joint health and flexibility. The body can absorb 100% of krill whereas only 65% of other fish oils can be absorbed. Thus, the body can enjoy the unique blend of components to promote better joint health and reduce the risk of joint conditions.
Enhances skin health
Krill is packed full of vitamins. Two of which are ideal for better skin health.
Krill contains both vitamin A and E, which are known to improve skin conditions and fight inflammation. Inflammation can cause all kinds of skin issues such as dermatitis and acne. These vitamins can fight antioxidants and the harmful effects of inflammation to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Supports mental health
Krill oil is also great for mental health. A common use for krill oil is to help manage symptoms of depression.
The components found in krill oil can protect the brain from degeneration and damage. It can help improve cognitive function thanks to its omega 3 fatty acids. Improving cognitive function can help a person be less vulnerable to mental health issues and brain diseases, from depression to Alzheimer’s.
Can treat PMS
Premenstrual symptoms often involve pain and swelling, which are caused by inflammation. Seeing as krill oil is beneficial for reducing inflammation, it can help a person manage PMS symptoms.
It is thanks to the omega 3 content in the krill oil that a person can reduce inflammation and manage or treat PMS symptoms.
The benefits of Omega 3 Oil
Omega 3 oil is similar to krill oil in that it offers many of the same health benefits. Seeing as krill oil contains high amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, it is this ingredient that enables it to offer multiple benefits. For instance, omega 3 oil also promotes better heart, mental, and joint health. Some other benefits that can be attained from omega 3 oil include:
Increase fertility
Omega 3 fatty acids are known to naturally balance hormones, which can help to increase fertility and boost libido.
The increase of blood flow in your genitals will stimulate sex drive and ensure that the body has a healthy level of hormones, which can stabilize mood and promote fertility.
To be more fertile, a person needs a sufficient and healthy level of hormones, which omega 3 oil can help achieve.
Promotes healthy pregnancies
Many women are advised to increase their omega 3 consumption during pregnancy. Why? Omega 3 oil can help reduce high blood pressure, which is a common issue among pregnant women. High blood pressure during pregnancy cause lead to postpartum depression and premature births.
Thus, consuming omega 3 oil can help regulate blood pressure and prevent unhealthy pregnancies.
Improve eye health
The DHA levels in omega 3 oil are suggested to be great for improving eye health. The eyes need a sufficient amount of DHA to strengthen the retina of your eyes.
Vision problems can occur without DHA. Thus, omega 3 oil may help to reduced eye health degeneration.
Reduces metabolic syndrome
Metabolic syndrome can be caused by a variety of things from diabetes and high blood pressure to obesity. A person can experience belly fat and insulin resistance.
However, omega 3 oil is known to reduce blood pressure, regulate insulin, and fight inflammation, which can reduce the risk or impact of metabolic syndrome.
Improves sleep
Fighting fatigue can be a hard feat if you lack sufficient sleep. Omega 3 oil can help in a variety of ways when it comes to improving sleep.
Poor sleep can be the result of low DHA levels, high blood pressure, depression, and obesity. All of which omega 3 oil can help with, manage, or treat. Thus, ensuring that you attain a sufficient amount of omega 3 oil can help you improve your sleeping pattern and the amount of time you spend asleep.
The key differences of Krill Oil vs. Omega 3 Oil
Although there are many similarities between krill oil and omega 3 oil due to krill oil containing omega 3 fatty acids, there are several differences to be aware of.
The omega 3 sources are not all the same
The omega 3 sources in krill oil and omega 3 oil are not a direct match. The amount of concentrated omega 3 fatty acids differ, which means they contain different levels of DHA and EPA. omega 3 oil typically contains higher levels of both EPA and DHA.
Krill oil is easier to absorb
As well as being made from different concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids, krill oil is also structured differently. Krill oil contains omega 3 fatty acids in phospholipids form, which is easier for the body to absorb. Opposing, omega 3 oil is formed with triglycerides, which can be more difficult or slower to absorb.
Omega 3 oil is easier to source
Omega 3 oil is easier to source due to it being more widely available in a greater species of fish. Krill oil is only found in krill. Whereas omega 3 oil can be found in salmon, herring, mackerel, trout, sardines, and anchovies.
Different allergens
The two oils have different allergens. If you are allergic or sensitive to shrimp, then krill oil will not be suitable for you. Opposingly, omega 3 oil is not suitable for anyone with a fish allergy.
How to take Krill Oil
Krill oil should be taken as a supplement alongside a healthy diet and exercise routine. There are 60 soft gels per container. A person should swallow two per day.
For best results, it is advised to take krill oil first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.
How to take Omega 3 Oil
Omega 3 oil is typically in a higher concentrate. Thus, only one soft gel is needed per day. These should be consumed with a healthy and balanced lifestyle and with a soft drink of choice. Water is best advised as it is slower to absorb and water won’t hinder its absorption level.
For better absorption, it will be best to consume omega 3 oil before meals. However, they can be taken during or after eating.
What to be aware of before taking krill oil or omega 3 oil
There are little to no side effects when taking krill oil or fish oil. However, there are some things to be aware of before consumption.
As outlined above, krill oil should be avoided if you have a shrimp allergy. Likewise, omega 3 oil should be avoided if you have a fish allergy.
Anyone pregnant, breastfeeding, under the age of 18, or taking blood thinners should not consume krill or omega 3 oil. As they can both reduce blood pressure, they can affect anyone dealing with hormonal or blood level changes.
Before consuming krill oil or omega 3 oil, you should talk to your doctor. Taking these oils with other medications might cause side effects or reduce their efficacy.
Final thoughts
Both krill oil and omega 3 oil are incredible supplements to aid and promote better health. Both have similar benefits such as improving heart, joint, and mental health. Whereas omega 3 oil has been studied and approved for improving sleep, eye health, and fertility.
Krill oil is easier absorbed, which may increase the efficacy and response to the health benefits. If you are looking for faster results, krill oil may be the best option for you. However, if you would like to attain more of the omega 3 benefits and/or are allergic to shrimp, omega 3 oil will be more suitable for your health needs and personal preferences.
For better health and to support your organs, krill oil and omega 3 oil is a great way to ensure that your body attains enough nutrients and fatty acids to improve and maintain good health. For the best results, these should be consumed alongside a healthy and balanced lifestyle.