Top Sugar Alternatives

Healthy Living Tip: Substitute artificial sugar with these natural sweeteners and still get the sweetness you desire plus some added benefits.

Face Off: Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil

Whenever krill oil is mentioned, you’d probably be hearing about fish oil as well. And that’s not because they always have to go hand-in-hand, but because there will always be a comparison between the two. It usually goes down to which one is more beneficial and more effective in fighting against certain health conditions. But before we delve into the benefits of each, let’s have a closer look at what each one really is and how they are obtained.

What is Fish Oil and What is Krill Oil?

Fish oil is extracted from, well, you guessed it – fish. However, these aren’t just any type of fish, but oily fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Don’t get it wrong though as the fish doesn’t produce these fatty acids; these are obtained from eating algae or preys that have accumulated omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel are some of the oily fish that has the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids.
Krill oil, on the other hand, comes from the Antarctic krill, a crustacean which primarily feeds on phytoplankton. This makes krill a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. But aside from this, it is also a source of the natural antioxidant called astaxanthin, a carotenoid that is believed to be effective against inflammatory, immune and neurodegenerative disorders.
Why Have Fish Oil and Krill Oil Become So Popular?
Many studies suggest that the omega-3 fatty acid content in fish oil and krill oil make them potentially beneficial against numerous health conditions. These fatty acids are also converted into eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which plays a vital role in foetal development and promote overall health.
Specifically, fish oil consumption is known to promote mental and heart health, and support foetal growth in pregnant women. Fish oil consumption is claimed to be beneficial against:
· Cancer
· High blood pressure
· Lupus
· Psoriasis
· Alzheimer’s disease
Krill oil has its own set of health benefits as well, such as:
· Promote cardiovascular health
· Relieve arthritis pains
· Manage symptoms of premenstrual syndrome
· Reduce the risk for skin cancer
Comparing the Two
Their origin is the most obvious difference between the two oils. But aside from this, their composition of omega-3 fatty acids are not quite similar. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are mostly found in triglycerides, whilst in krill oil, it is found in both triglycerides and phospholipids.
And since phospholipids can mix with water while triglycerides cannot, this means that krill oil has a higher absorption rate compared with fish oil. Moreover, krill oil has a higher concentration of EPA.
However, when it comes to manufacturing krill oil and fish oil, krill tends to decompose faster. This can lead to the need of leaving krill into water tanks or freezing them until they will be processed for oil extraction. As for the fish oil, It takes over two days until it begins to decompose and oxidate, which could mean fish oil is more stable during the manufacturing process.

Should I Take Fish Oil or Krill Oil?
The debate on which of the two is better won’t seem to end anytime soon. But looking at it from another perspective, the preference whether you should consider a fish oil or krill oil supplement could depend on your requirement – in terms of which health condition you are managing. Of course, just like other supplements, it is advised that you talk with your healthcare provider before taking either types of supplementation.