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THE THRILL ABOUT KRILL OIL

In the Antarctic Ocean live shrimp like sea creatures called krill. Krill feeds on phytoplankton (microscopic plants), this makes these little creatures rich in omega 3, actually containing 30 to 40 percent more EPA and DHA (Bustos R. et al. Oxidative stability of caroteniod pigments and polyunsaturated fatty acids in microparticule diets containing krill oil for nutrition of marine fish larvae. J Food Engin 2003;56:289-93). Krill also contains a powerful antioxidant, a carotenoid called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is the source of the pink color found in salmon and shrimp and has be proven to have 10 times more antioxidant property than beta-carotene.  Plus 1,000 more antioxidant activity than vitamin E and is an usual marine tocopherol, that appears to function better than alpha-tocopherol (Yamamoto Y, et al. An unusual vitamin E constituent protection in marine organisms adapted to coldwater environments. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2001; 98:13144-48). So, think about this krill actually provides three supplements in one: Omega 3, Astaxanthin, and a superior vitamin E.

Health areas of help are first, krill can lower blood lipids (Bunea R, et al, Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical Course of hyperlipidemia. Alternative Medicine Review 2004;9(4):420-8). Interesting enough is krill nature's aspirin? Humans eating krill meat had improved platelet function (Anon. Nutritional value of Antarctic krill. Bull World Health Org 1995;73:551).

The second area has improve emotional and psychological distress, over a three month time zone. In the study of about 70 women, diagnosed with PMS, both groups were given 2 grams of either krill oil or another source of fish oil (There were no control group).

Researchers seem to conclude that krill was better for PMS, because on the synergistic effects of the krill's omega 3 and the phospholipids. (Sampalis F. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Alternative Medicine Review 2003:8 (2)171-79).

Speculation of other studies suggest that these phospholipids allow krill to cross over the blood brain barrier ("Marine Omega 3 Supplement with Krill Oil: Product Information Page." Pharmanex  www.pharmanex.com).

In conclusion, krill is now being taken as a supplement for cardio-vascular disorders, PMS, mood swings, and even joint health. Being the first flavonoid, not found in the plant kingdom, it helps inflammation conditions, too.

Another happy ending, as of yet krill has be found free of contaminations.

So, maybe we can say a krill supplement can keep the doctor away!