Krill Oil VS Fish Oil: 10 Health Benefits Comparison

WHAT IS FISH OIL?

As we know, fish oil is one of the most popular supplements for decades and it’s obviously made up of fish contents. It has shown plenty of evidence that became an essential dietary supplement for everybody.

It is also well-known for its omega-3 fatty acids, which comes in two different types – docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These have proved to improve heart, brain, eyes, scars and other health benefits.

It’s usually in a yellowish color pill.

WHAT IS KRILL OIL?

A new supplement came out called the krill oil that is also rich in EPA and DHA. Some people claim krill oil provides more benefits than fish oil.

It actually came from tiny crustaceans namely Antarctic krill. It’s a dietary nutrient for different living creatures such as seals, whales, and penguins.

Similarly, it also has EPA and DPA of omega-3 fatty acids and provides many different health benefits. The only difference is… the structure of the fatty acids (that you can only see under the microscope) which can impact the different ways to use them.

It’s usually in reddish color.

1.    BODY ABSORPTIONS

Even though both may have the same great amount of EPA and DHA, some scientists have found in certain studies that krill oil’s fatty acids absorb into the body faster than fish oil. Fatty acids in fish oil have the form of triglycerides, whereas krill oil contains the form of phospholipids, which explains the faster absorption and effectiveness in the body.

A study was done over 72 hours to compare the effectiveness of each oil’s absorptions. Krill Oil has been seen to absorb better as the blood concentrations of EPA and DHA were much higher as compared to fish oil.

2.    ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants are essential to health as it prevents oxidative stress which causes cell damage by harmful molecules.

It has been shown that krill oil contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that is not found in any fish oils. There were many claims that krill oil helps to prevent oxidation and having it to be rancid from the shelves… although there was no research to confirm this.

On the other hand, it has been proven that astaxanthin’s antioxidant has anti-inflammatory properties could have helped to improve heart health. It can lower triglycerides and increase cholesterol to “Good” level. However, these researches are found with a large amount of astaxanthin but it’s not very sure that a small amount of krill oil consumption would display such benefits.

3.    HEART HEALTH

It has been well-known over decades that fish oil has been beneficial for heart health, which krill oil could have done it the same with a greater extent. Studies have been done for people with high blood cholesterol to pick to take either one of the oils for a few months.

Both oils have proved to decrease the number of heart disease risk factors and improved health significantly. Something interesting that has been found was that krill oil lowered blood sugar, triglycerides and “bad” level of cholesterol much effective than fish oil. Furthermore, in this study, a lower daily dose of krill oil was given as compared to fish oil.

4.    CHOLESTEROL

It has a very limited evidence on whether krill oil can lower the total cholesterol, as it hasn’t been extensively studied. It could possibly help you in preventing cardiovascular problems, reduce triglycerides and inflammation that harms your blood vessels.

Although it has been published by Pharmacy that daily dosage about 1 to 3 grams of krill oil can help to lower cholesterol and triglycerides efficiently than fish oil.

As for fish oil, there are more evidence and studies done regarding lowering heart attack risks and LDL cholesterol. It could be possible to lower the cholesterol by taking these oils, but it shouldn’t be the main supplement for lower cholesterol.

5.    BODYBUILDING

Fish oil has proven a positive effect on elite athletes, such as bodybuilders or runners, especially those who have suffered from exercise-induced asthma. The University of Indiana at Bloomington has performed a study on this and has shown that these athletes have proven to improve their breathing better. Therefore, it’s common to see athletes taking these oils.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also one of the important factors why athletes take fish or krill oil supplements essentially. As athletes, it’s common for them to get injured during training and they need a faster healing system. With these oils, it can improve the healing process of skin and tissues. It can also lessen the recovery time between workout so that they can be more efficient in their training.

There are fish and krill oils that are specially meant for athletes, which you can check it out here:
OPTIMUM NUTRITION Omega 3 Fish Oil, 300MG, Brain Support Supplement, 200 Softgels
Klean Athlete – Klean Omega – Pure Fish Oil in Triglyceride Form to Support Cardiovascular, Neurological and Joint Health – NSF Certified for Sport – 60 Softgels
ATHLETE’S BEST Krill Oil Omega-3 Plus Supplement | 2320mg Krill Oil-Astaxanthin-Calamarine-Vitamin D3 | 45 Day Supply | EPA+DHA Omega 3s | Highest Quality & Clinically Proven Ingredients

6.    ARTHRITIS

Although there is no such evidence that krill oil could improve arthritis, it has been shown by one the studies that fish oil helped improved in recovering joints with arthritis patients. It’s really hard to find proof for krill oil because it’s still new and research done on it is very minimal. However, we can easily find testimonials and studies that omega-3 fatty acids could help to stop inflammation and help to recover tissues quicker. Thus, this is probably the reason why fish oils are able to improve joint conditions of arthritis patients.

7.    BLOOD PRESSURE

These omega-3 fatty acids found in fishes and krills brings several health benefits, which also includes reducing high blood pressure. High blood pressure is the dysfunction of the layer of cells lining in your blood vessels called endothelium.

The endothelium is a process that affects your cardiovascular health, such as smoothness of flow in your blood vessels and blood clotting. With endothelium’s dysfunction, plaque (blockage) will build up in your veins or arteries which may increase the chances of stroke and heart attack.

A study has found that patients that took fish oil, blood pressure were decreased by at least 1.75mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure was lowered by 1.1mm Hg.

8.    WEIGHT LOSS

It is possible for fish oils to help you in losing weight, as it could help you reduce your hunger and appetite. A study has shown that people who consume fish oil will feel fuller up to two hours after a meal. This is the good news for those who often have cravings for food!

Other than that, fish oil helps to increase your metabolism rate so that you can burn more calories each day. In addition, doing weight losing exercising and taking a daily dosage of fish oil will burn even more calories.

9.    PRICES

On average, fish oil is definitely much cheaper and easier to obtain as compared to krill oil. Despite krill oil has so many health benefits as compared to fish oil, it’s much pricier than fish oil. Comparing its expensive farming process, its understandable for why krill oil is at least 10 times more pricier than fish oil. You could probably want to pick fish oil if you really have a budget and wants to improve your health too.

10. NOT FOR EVERYONE

Despite all these health benefits that the oils can provide, it’s not for everyone.

It may cause blood clotting, if you are having blood thinning issues or taking medications or having the blood disorder, please don’t take the risk. Rather, talk to your medical practitioners before consuming all these marine oils. If you have allergies towards krill or fish, I would highly recommend you not to take the risk and seek an alternative.

CONCLUSION

Actually, fish oil and krill oil both provides the similar health benefits. It’s just that krill oil has more benefits in health as compared to fish oil. Despite krill oil being pricier than fish oil, don’t forget… its research and studies are not enough to prove that it’s worth for the price. Although studies have been done for those oils, fish oil has more proven evidence that would gain our trust much better.

Also, if you have extra money to spend, you could probably want to go with the option of getting krill oil, even though it has limited research done.

Is Fish Oil Safe for My Dog or Cat?

It’s an undisputed fact that fish oil is one of the most popular dietary supplements used for pets due to its health benefits. It supports skin health, kidney, joint, immune system, heart, coat and more likely serious problem like cancer. However, if fish oil is not used in the right formulation, it may have a detrimental effect on your pets.

This article will explain what fish oil are, the benefits of using fish oil, the agreed dosage and a few tips to stay safe.

WHAT IS FISH OIL?

Fish oil is made up of two main ingredients; eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) fatty acids. These two fatty acids are a long chain of carbon and hydrogen atom with a carboxyl group at the end, these two acids present in fish also called omega-3 fatty acid (the first double bond in the long chain occurs after the third carbon atom.)

The major reason why dogs and cats find the fish oil benefits is that Omega-3 fatty acid is made in a limited capacity in their body)

HOW CAN THE FISH OIL BE GOTTEN OR EXTRACTED?

The major constituent of the fish oil are EPA and DHA and both can be gotten directly from Sardines, Black Cod, Salmon, Anchovies, Albacore tuna, Herring and Mackerel.

BENEFITS OF FISH OIL

The benefits of the unique supplement are not farfetched and there are few;

• Fish oil helps ease inflammation caused by allergies; it reduces dandruff and itchy skin. This simply means using fish oil reduces the incidence of hot spots on your pets.
• As said earlier, fish oil is a fatty acid. Like other fat supplements, fish oil also helps promote healthy shiny coat, it also reduces the shedding in dogs and fewer hairballs in cats.
• One of the two most important ingredients of the fish oil (DHA) is crème for proper eye and brain development in kittens and puppies. Administering fish oil to the nursing pets or the pregnant pet will help.
• One of the two most important ingredients of the fish oil (EPA) has anti-inflammatory properties that help with condition that may relate to arthritis or other heart, joints, skin or kidney inflammation.
• Lastly, research and studies have shown that this supplement helps slows down the growth of cancer which is the reason why veterinary doctors administer fish oil to pets with cancer.

Other benefits include;

• Enhances pet appetite
• Renewed Energy
• Increased stamina
• Improved the immune system

HOW DOES THE FISH OIL WORKS?

The two ingredients of the fish oil are natural components found in human and animal cell membrane acting as a signal to decrease inflammation. Inflammation causes pains; swelling of skins, joints, and redness but what EPA and DHA do is to reduce inflammation hereby reducing the resultant effect.

DHA in particular also helps promote the development of neuron, which is a reason why fish oil should be administered to kittens and puppies.

HOW CAN FISH OIL BE ADMINISTERED?

The supplement can come in capsule or liquid form. You are left with the best option that suits your pet. If your pet shows interest in swallowing the capsule, that’s fine. But if otherwise, use a clean pin to open the capsule and add onto the pet’s food.

Note; Liquid form is better when you want to administer large quantities of fish oil.

WHICH DOSE SHOULD I ADMINISTER TO MY PETS

Fish oil supplements have the dosage written on it but it’s advisable you contact your veterinarian before making the decision. Here is a general guideline that can help you figure out the right dose;

Multiply your dog weight by 20 pounds to get the target dose. Let’s take, for example, your dog weighs 30 pounds, the target dose will be 30 multiplied by which equal 600mg.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE FISH OIL? IS IT SAFE FOR DOGS AND CATS?

Taking too much dosage of fish oil won’t make it toxic but could result in uncomfortable side effects.

Here are tips;

• Contact your vet before you giving fish oil to an outdoor cat or dog who can get in scrapes or fights; because Omega-3s have shown to slow blood clotting.
• For the same reason, contact your vet before using fish oil with blood thinning cat or dog medication.
• Slowly introduce the fish oil into the diet of pets with gastrointestinal problems instead of full dosage.
• Don’t give fish oil to pets already on anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your vet.
• Talk to your vet about the appropriate dosage if your dog is on immunosuppressive therapy.

In conclusion, fish oil is the supplement that can give the invaluable benefits explained above.

THANK YOU

STAY BLESSED

5 Reasons Why Fish Oil Is Important For Your Aging Body

Fish oil has been around the market for many decades and it is known for its speedy recovery. As fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it’s very important for your health

That’s why in the Healthy Eating Pyramid, fish is included in it. It is so important that everybody of different ages should eat them.

Abstracted from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/healthy-eating-plate/

What’s in the fish oil?

It’s not just because that it’s in the healthy eating pyramid and that’s why you should eat it. You should also know the reason for eating it. Have you known that fish oil is where your collagen came from? Collagen is where you get the moisturizing and scar healing compounds that fix your skin.

These collagen extracts came from the fishes that you eat, such as herring, tuna, anchovies, and mackerel. Even the liver of certain fishes can produce cod liver oil, which is healthy for eating too.

It has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) that everyone should eat 1-2 portions of fish per week. For the reason being, omega-3 fatty acid in these fishes provides many health benefits, especially in terms of fighting against diseases.

I understand that it can be really expensive in some areas to buy fishes. But don’t worry! With the latest technologies, you can always buy the supplements and take them in the daily dosage which will help you in replacing your fishy meals. Just get enough omega-3 and your body will maintain it’s quality.

Interesting fact: In fish oil, 30% is made up of omega-3 fatty acids, while the rest of it is made up of other fats, which also contains some vitamin A and D.

1. Improve Bone/Joints Health

As you grow older, bones and joints will start to wear off. You will start realizing that you can’t move as fast as before, or it can be more tiring to move at the same speed as before. This is because that your bones are starting to lose its essential minerals, that makes them more likely to break. These can relate to diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

What you need in your bone health are Calcium and Vitamin D, but omega-3 fatty acids can also do the same effect in recent studies. Taking more omega-3 will help to balance your bone mineral density (BMD) for your blood level. Studies have also shown that fish oil supplement reduces markers of bone breakdown, that will protect you from bone diseases.

2. Eyes

Omega-3 fatty acids are known for its speedy recovery of scars or skin, even eyes too! It has been shown in studies that for those who don’t have enough of omega-3 fatty acid, these people will have will a greater risk of eye diseases. This will get worse as you get older, which can lead to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

It has been proven that taking a high dosage of fish oil for a half month has improved AMD patients. Patients start to take fish oil independently, after the studies. They commented that their vision and joints have improved so much that they don’t feel pain anymore.

3. Heart

It has been one of the common diseases on why human dies – heart diseases. Due to the modern world, there is a high-level amount of stress that weakens the ability of the heart. Other than taking medications provided from the doctors (such as painkillers, that has a temporary effect and long time side effects), studies have also shown that people who eat a lot of fish have much lower rates of heart disease.

Many of them have reduced their risk of getting heart disease, and these people seem to have consumed fish oil very often.

• Helps to achieve “Good” Cholesterol levels
• Decrease triglycerides by 15-30%
• Decrease high blood pressure
• Prevent plaques forming in artiest that cause blockages in a certain part of the body
• Reduce the effect of Fatal Arrhythmias
• Reduce risk of strokes happening

 

4. Reduce Inflammation from inflammatory disease

Although inflammation is a good sign that your immune system is fighting infections, having it occurring too much over a long time… isn’t a really good sign. There is a different kind of inflammation such as flu, cough, ulcers, pimples and so on. For worse cases for chronic diseases, it can be like obesity, heart diseases, depression, and diabetes.

By reducing the inflammation surfacing up often, it can prove that your body can fight infections easily… which is also a good sign! Fish oil has the anti-inflammatory properties which prevent these symptoms of diseases from happening.

As for cases such as depression and obese patients, it helps to reduce production and gene expression of inflammatory molecules known as cytokines. In another word, you can slim down wish fish oil too!

5. Skin Scar Recovery

This is what every girl know about! Fish oil contains compounds that help to recover skin or scars quickly. Not to say, even tissues or organs can be repaired too!

Do you know that your skin contains a lot of omega-3 fats, and it would reduce as you grow older? It will get worse if you get too much sun exposure. You will know that you need to replenish your omega-3 fatty acids to get back your moisturizing and texturing skin. Good news is fish oil is all-in-one as it contains omega-3 fatty acid, psoriasis, and dermatitis!

 

I want to get Fish Oil Supplement now!

Wait… not so soon. Omega-3 fatty acid can be too common in the market that you don’t know which one is authentic. There are some products that are mixed with some chemicals that don’t allow the omega-3 fatty acid to be most concentrated in it. Instead, what you get is a fish oil supplement that smells and looks like it, but it’s probably 50% mixed of other chemicals.

 

Then where do I get an authentic one?

Here you go. Thank me later.

Studies show that Fish Oil Can CURE Back Pain

A typical fish supplements will contain omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs), which helps to repair the tissues in your body. For instance, body parts such as neck, back, legs, or even your pimples, can be easily cured by fish oils.

It’s the safest way to build your body’s immune system as compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Often taking painkillers such as paracetamol, or sometimes the stronger ones would cause your body to get side effects. For example, headaches, rashes, getting tired for unknown reasons, lack of energy to do work and so on.

Fish Oil supplements actually came from fish, which everybody knows that fish is a healthy choice of food. It contains omega-3 fatty acids that boost the rate of recovery in your body faster than ever. A study regarding omega-3 fatty acids and other nonpharmaceutical treatment alternatives for spine-related pain has to be conducted.

The Studies

The scientists studied approximately 250 patients who look for a neurosurgeon regarding their neck or back pain, that is mainly caused by degenerative disc disease.

This is disease has been one of the biggest causes of pain over the history in the United States, and about a quarter of the nation lives with it.

Patients have been taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), where the three out of four of them were taking Cox-2 inhibitors. These are extremely strong painkillers which cause side effects in their body. Patients who often takes these drugs will often get stomach ulcers, heart problem or stroke.

Eventually, Cox-2 has been taken down from the medical clinics and it is time to look for another alternative.

Trying out Fish Oil

By removing these Cox-2 inhibitors, there must be a way to replace or cure these back or neck pain of these patients. Therefore, the scientists studied fish oil, which is famous for scar healing and tissue repairing.

Patients were given 2.3 grams of omega-3 EFA for daily dosage. After 75 days, a survey was made and these are what the patients claimed:

No more back pain

• 70% of them have noticed improvements in their pain
• 70% of them stated that joints are no longer painful
• 60% of them says that they can walk flexibly and conveniently, unlike previously
• 90% of them were satisfied with the fish oil treatments and were very grateful
• 95% of them confirmed that they would keep taking fish oil supplements
• 98% of them felt less fatigue and they could concentrate at work better

Further Studies

Over the past researches, it has shown less inflammation on arthritis and joint pain with the boost of omega-3 EFAs. They claimed that fish oil shows multiple health benefits such as prevent blood clot, pain reduction, regain the immune system, and healthy blood vessel dilation.

Studies can confirm that omega-3 essential fatty acids’ effectiveness on spine-related pain.