Fish Oil and Krill Oil are the major resources for Omega 3 fatty acids which are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are crucial and rich in nutrients needed for our health. These fatty acids are usually found in fish and some plants. Our body needs Omega 3 fatty acids in order to function properly because it is unable to produce them on its own. One of the best sources of these fatty acids is krill oil and fish oil.
Fish oil is obtained from supplements of fish like menhaden, mackerel, salmon, tuna, sturgeon, anchovy, herring, sardines etc.
Krill oil is obtained from a type of crustaceans. Krill is also Norwegian word for “whale food”. Oil from krill is extracted and placed into capsules.
Health Benefits of Krill & Fish Oil
There is still no sufficient evidence that would confirm all krill oil’s benefits. Many types of research have to be conducted in order to confirm its effectiveness. However, it is assumed that krill oil is beneficial for:
- Reduces LDL cholesterol
- Helps with osteoarthritis
- Reduces PMS symptoms
- Helps with rheumatoid arthritis
- Regulates high blood pressure
- Reduces risk of getting a stroke
- Reduces risk of getting cancer
- Helps with diabetes
- Reduces chances of suffering from depression
On the other hand, fish oil is more familiar to the general public and has been subjected to numerous studies which explored its health benefits. And they are:
- Reduces high triglyceride level
- Reduces risk of getting heart disease
- Prevents eye disease age-related muscular degeneration (AMD)
- Prevents miscarriages
- Helps with asthma
- Slows down hardening of arteries
- Improves mental function in children with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Decreases weight loss in cancer patients
- Regulates high blood pressure
- Beneficial for kidneys
- Helps with menstrual pain
- Reduces risk of heart failure
- Increases weight loss in overweight people.
Is It Safe For Everyone?
Both fish oil and krill oil are generally considered safe when used in recommended doses. You shouldn’t use fish oil or krill oil if you have a fish or shellfish allergy. Fish oil or krill oil may also increase your bleeding risk, lower blood pressure, or impact blood sugar levels.
Talk to your doctor before using if you:
- have a bleeding condition or take blood thinners
- have low blood pressure or take medications that lower blood pressure
- have diabetes or hypoglycemia or take medications that affect blood sugar levels
What is the Difference?
Even though fish oil and krill oil are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, they aren’t the same. Their first difference is the origin. While fish oil is extracted or eaten in fish, krill oil is extracted from animals that are similar to shrimps.
Krill Oil can be observed faster due to the fact that DHA and EPA in krill oil are connected to phospholipids which are easily dissolved in water, hence the fast absorption. Krill oil is absorbed in 2 to 3 hours.
Fish Oil has a higher concentration of Omega 3 fatty acids then Krill Oil. Fish Oil isn’t easily dissolved in water. It is needed between 48 and 72 hours for our body to absorb fish oil.
Which Oil Is Better?
Judging by the fast absorption, krill oil might have better structure. However, there are not enough scientific researches that would confirm all its benefits.
Fish oil has numerous benefits that were scientifically proven. It is safe for everyone and even pregnant women. On the other hand, krill oil is relatively unexplored and in case you do want to give it a try, you should consult your doctor first.
Krill oil and fish oil are great sources of Omega 3 fatty acids that are essential for our health. However, krill oil is not explored enough and additional studies have to be done to confirm its possible health benefits.