Krill Oil vs Fish Oil: What's the Difference?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health and are found in both krill oil and fish oil supplements. However, there are some key differences between the two that are worth considering when deciding which one to take. In this article, we'll explore the differences between krill oil and fish oil, as well as their health benefits.

Krill oil is extracted from tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans called krill, which are found in the cold waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Fish oil, on the other hand, is obtained from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, which are also found in cold waters. While both krill oil and fish oil are rich sources of omega-3s, the way they are sourced is different.

Both krill oil and fish oil contain two types of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, krill oil is said to have a higher proportion of EPA and DHA in the form of phospholipids, which are thought to be more easily absorbed by the body than the triglyceride form found in fish oil. Generally fish oil supplements include much higher levels of EPA and DHA than krill oil so it can be up to personal preference. 

A study conducted by the European Journal of Nutrition found that krill oil was more effective at increasing the levels of EPA and DHA in the blood than fish oil. The study also found that krill oil was more effective at reducing inflammation in the body than fish oil. However, it's worth noting that the study was funded by the krill oil industry.

Krill oil contains a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin, which gives it its characteristic red color. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Fish oil does not contain astaxanthin, but it may contain other antioxidants like vitamin E.

Krill oil is sometimes considered to be a more sustainable option than fish oil because krill are abundant in the ocean and have a shorter life span than fish, which means they are less likely to be contaminated with pollutants like mercury. 

Krill oil is generally more expensive than fish oil, partly because of the way it is harvested and partly because the extraction process can be more complex. However, the cost difference may not be significant enough to be a deciding factor for some people.

Both krill oil and fish oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and can be beneficial for maintaining heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. Omega-3s have been shown to reduce inflammation, lower triglyceride levels, improve mood and cognitive function, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Krill oil has some unique health benefits that fish oil does not. In addition to its high levels of omega-3s, krill oil also contains choline, a nutrient that is important for brain health. Krill oil has been shown to improve memory and learning in animal studies. Krill oil has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women.

Both krill oil and fish oil are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids and can be beneficial for maintaining heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. However, the choice between the two depends on individual preference.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.