search shows that krill oil may be even more effective at lowering triglycerides than its well-known counterpart.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and seafood lower triglyceride levels and offer a variety of other health benefits. While fish oil has been promoted as a leading source of these valuable nutrients, a new generation of omega-3 supplements is on the rise.

Krill, a type of tiny crustacean at the bottom of the food chain, is one of the most prominent species of zooplankton in the Antarctic.[1] It contains the same omega-3 fatty acids as fish oil, and research shows that it may be even more effective at lowering triglycerides than its well-known counterpart.

How are krill oil and fish oil different?

Two of the main omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and krill oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).[2] These fatty acids are thought to promote anti-inflammatory processes and have been shown to reduce circulating levels of blood triglycerides.[3] Krill has less EPA and DHA than fish, but the way the fatty acids are stored may make it easier for the body to absorb.[3] In fish oil, the fatty acids are stored as triglycerides; in krill oil, 30% to 65% of the fatty acids are stored as phospholipids.[4]

Is krill oil better than fish oil?

Many studies have confirmed that krill oil effectively lowers triglyceride levels in both healthy people and in those with high triglyceride levels.[5] A study in Lipids in Health and Disease compared the effects of  4 weeks of supplementation with either krill oil, fish oil, or corn oil as placebo. The results showed that the krill oil supplement led to the largest increase in EPA and DHA levels in participants. The authors attribute this effect to the structural differences between krill oil and fish oil.[2]

Another study found that krill oil reduced triglyceride levels more effectively than fish oil, even when given at lower doses. The authors conclude that krill oil “offers a superior approach toward reduction of risk for cardiovascular disease.”[3] Read more about another source of omega 3 fatty acids, flaxseed, here.

Dosage guidance

Krill oil is available as an oral capsule. Research shows that a dosage of 2 to 3 g per day effectively lowers triglycerides.[2,3] Safe, natural, and without side effects, krill oil can be a valuable resource to keep your heart healthy.

For more ideas on natural ways to lower triglycerides, read about tocotrienols here.

Share your experience with krill oil

Have you ever used fish oil or krill oil as a supplement? What was your experience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

References

[1] Lipids. 2011 Jan;46(1):37-46.
[2] Lipids Health Dis. 2013 Dec 5;12:178.
[3] Altern Med Rev. 2004 Dec;9(4):420-8.
[4] J Acad Nutr Diet. 2012 Feb;112(2):344.
[5] Nutr Res. 2014 Feb;34(2):126-33.

This post originally appeared in 2014 and has been updated.