Krill Oil Research
July 3, 2009 Written by JP
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When selecting nutritional supplements we all strive to use the most effective products available. But what should we base that determination on? One option is to ask others about their personal experiences. This is commonly referred to as anecdotal evidence. Another source of data can be found in the scientific literature. Here we’re trusting that researchers are performing well designed and impartial research in a more controlled manner. Since these types of studies typically involve larger groups of people, the results may apply to broad segments of the population. But there’s another very prevalent manner of learning about dietary supplements and that is information provided by the manufacturers themselves. My contention is that we ought to examine all three sources of input. Ask questions of your colleagues, family and friends. Read the product literature provided by nutraceutical companies and pose any inquires that you might have. Finally, investigate whether modern science has produced any evidence to back up the other two sources. I’ll apply this model to examine an area of debate that’s currently active in the natural health community: Is krill oil superior to fish oil?
Krill oil is a supplemental source of powerful antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and phosholipids derived from tiny crustaceans harvested largely in the Southern Ocean waters of the Antarctic. Krill oil proponents claim that it is essentially a superior form of omega-3s. Krill contain a rather unique reddish antioxidant called astaxanthin, and they’re also rich in phospholipids, which help emulsify fatty acids and enhance their absorption and retention.
A new study presented in the Journal of Nutrition appears to support this point of view. Research conducted in a group of overweight rats found that krill oil provoked a 42% decrease in fat (triglyceride) build-up in the hearts of the test rats. Fish oil only lead to a marginal decline in cardio-lipids of 2%. When the authors of the study examined the livers of these animals, they discovered a 60% reduction in fat in their livers, as opposed to 38% in the livers of rats fed fish oil. The normalization of fat content in the heart and liver indicate potential benefits to overall heart function and an improvement in insulin sensitivity, which can be impaired in cases of fatty liver disease. In addition, the krill oil test subjects exhibited positive changes associated with a reduced “inflammatory response”. (1,2)
A study from 2008 demonstrated anti-cancer and heart benefits in relation to krill oil (KO) supplementation. In that trial, rats who were fed KO showed weight loss and a drop in LDL “bad” cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The scientists also tested krill oil in an in-vitro model of colon cancer. The scientists concluded that, “Treatment of colon cancer cells with KO also resulted in time-dependent inhibition of cell growth”. (3)
Krill oil has also been evaluated in other health conditions as well. The results of those studies have all been positive and, in a roundabout way, can be applied to what we currently know about heart disease.
- In 2007, a paper was published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 90 participants with heart disease and/or arthritis (osteo or rheumatoid) with elevated CRP (C-reactive protein) levels were provided with KO or a placebo for a 30 day period. CRP is a measure of inflammation in the body. By the 7th day of treatment with KO (300 mg daily), there was a 19% drop in CRP levels. The placebo group exhibited a 16% increase in CRP. By the 30th day of treatment, there was a 31% reduction in CRP in the krill oil group and a 32% rise in CRP in the placebo group. In the arthritic patients, there were significant improvements in pain and stiffness scores, and a trend towards “reduced functional impairment”. (4)
- A 2003 study on 70 women with PMS and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) found that those taking KO for a total of 90 days demonstrated reduced discomfort, pain and emotional symptoms relating to PMS. This experiment compared equal dosages of KO vs. fish oil - 2 grams daily for the first 30 days and then 2 grams daily for 8 days prior to menstruation and during the first 2 days of the menstrual cycle. (5)
Chronic inflammation is now believed to be a contributing factor in many cancers and cardiovascular disease. The fact that KO appears to reduce inflammatory markers and symptoms may provide a clue to part of its cardioprotective effect. A human trial from 2004 is perhaps the strongest piece of evidence that supports the krill/heart health link. That study produced a profoundly positive shift in cardiovascular risk factors in a group of 120 volunteers. A starting KO dosage of 500 mg daily reduced blood sugar levels, LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides, and raised the beneficial HDL cholesterol in the participants. The men and women who were given fish oil didn’t fare nearly as well. (6)
There are several other important factors to consider when comparing fish oil and krill oil. Preliminary studies going back to the mid 90s demonstrate that krill oil appears to be safe. (7) However, some manufacturers and health authorities caution that those with severe shellfish allergies should discuss krill oil with their physicians prior to usage. It’s also important to note that fish oil has been studied extensively over the past several decades. Literally thousands of research papers have been published on the health effects of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. Fewer than 10 studies on krill oil have been presented in peer reviewed medical journals.
When I looked over all of the reliable data I could find about krill oil, I came to the following conclusion. Krill oil seems to be an extremely promising antioxidant/omega-3 supplement. Substantial evidence suggests that the astaxanthin content of krill largely contributes to its net effect. (8,9,10) Astaxanthin is the same carotenoid that gives wild salmon its pink hue. But there may also be something to the phospholipid content of this crustacean. That’s the only explanation I’ve found as to why a lower dosage of KO could produce equal or greater effects than higher dosages of fish oil.
Be forewarned: Krill oil can be quite expensive. The real question is how much you’ll need to take to derive the same benefits as I’ve reported here. If you need a lower dosage, such as 500 mg, then it can be relatively affordable. But some users may require larger quantities (2-3 grams a day). The best deal I’ve found online costs roughly $20 for 90 (500mg) softgels. I think at that price, it’s certainly worth a shot for anyone who might benefit from it. I also think that KO may be an attractive alternative, because krill softgels are typically smaller in size and have a milder aroma. The issue of smell and taste can be further helped by freezing the KO and swallowing the frozen capsules. This is a good technique for taking any softgels with a strong after-taste.
Update: March 1, 2010 - Recent Internet reports about supposed “krill oil dangers” do not appear to be coming from reliable sources. I’ve been keeping a close eye on the scientific literature and I haven’t found any evidence of new concerns regarding krill.
Be well!
JP
Related Posts:
Tags: Arthritis, Fish Oil, Heart
Posted in Nutritional Supplements
July 4th, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Great article, JP. I started taking 2 grams of KO after you posted of your dad’s success with the supplement. Have you read of the distributor, J Edwards, offering large amounts (thousands of gelcaps) at a substantial savings. I wish we could find a buyers’ coop through which we could benefit from such savings.
http://www.bulknaturaloils.com/fishoil/krilloil.html
July 4th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Apparently their price is $1,060.00 for 10,000 gelcaps(500mg). That would be about 10¢ per gelcap.
http://www.bulknaturaloilsstore.com/superbakrilloilsoftgels.aspx
July 4th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
On second thought, NSI’s deal of $40/300 sgs sounds pretty good. http://www.gonsi.com/products/product-detail.cfm/sku-835003005444
July 4th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Thanks, Iggy!
The Superba krill oil (from your first link) is the variety that was used in the most recent study I cited. The bulk price for it is fantastic - at $.10 per softgel.
The concern I have about the NSI product is that they don’t state that it contains phospholipids. Neptune Krill Oil and Superba (the two clinically tested krill oils) clearly state that they’re rich source of phospholipids. In addition, the NSI product appears to be substantially lower in DHA and EPA than these other two sources. In short, I’m just not sure if the NSI would be as effective.
Be well!
JP
July 10th, 2009 at 12:36 am
thanks for posting.
i going to give krill oil a try. i have always used fish oil and i thought it was the best.
July 21st, 2009 at 8:54 am
Hi there , good article but I cant find the 90 softgels for $20.00 . Can you let us know where you got them ?
July 21st, 2009 at 11:12 am
Cindy,
Here’s one online source for this kind of deal. There may be others out there.
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/SWE033/ItemDetail?n=4294967191
Be well!
JP
July 24th, 2009 at 5:10 am
Good if it is a cure or even a treatment and remedy for arthritis…many are simply disgusted finding a cure for this pain.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:35 am
Wow what a fantastically thorough article…I love soaking up information like this! Ive been using krill oils for the past 6 months and I can honestly say Ive never felt as good as I do after having used it!
October 29th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Thanks, Geoff. I’m happy to hear of your success.
Be well!
JP
November 10th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
I think the author has really captured the current state of knowledge on Krill Oil. I actually tried to create a neighborhood group to buy the wholesale krill oil but didn’t find the interest. And yet there is no question that there are many people who would be interested if we could just connect. In fact, I would even be willing to run it for a group of people that thought they would consistently want to participate. In the meantime I have contacted NSI and asked them about the phospholipids and their product. If I get a decent answer, I’ll post it.
Cheers.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Thanks, Michael.
I’d love to hear what NSI has to say about the phospholipid content of their product. Please let us know.
Be well!
JP
December 17th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Great writeup. Been taking fish oil for awhile and am considering a change. I just bought my first bottle of MegaRed after seeing it on the shelves forever and after hearing dozens of weekend radio programs spamming my eardrums with their krill oil claims. First dose down (with a side of Co-Q10)..
December 18th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Thanks, Chris!
I hope you find good results with the krill oil.
Be well!
JP
January 6th, 2010 at 8:08 pm
Nature’s Way Krill Oil is the one that i prefer.
I buy Krill oil from
http://www.mynaturalmarket.com/nature-s-way-krill-oil-500-mg-60-softgel-capsules.html
January 21st, 2010 at 9:34 pm
jp,
I noticed on my new MegaRed bottle it says NKO instead of Superba krill oil. Does anyone know when/why this changed and what it means for effectiveness etc?
January 21st, 2010 at 9:45 pm
Kriller,
I’m not sure why Schiff made the decision. But, to the best of my knowledge, both the NKO and Superba are excellent krill oil sources. I wouldn’t hesitate using either one.
If you contact Schiff and get an answer, please let us know what they say. If they give you the runaround, please let me know that too and I’ll contact them myself.
Be well!
JP
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:48 pm
This is for general nutrition and wellness information only. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Nigel : Welcome,this is Nigel. How may I help you?
Kriller : I noticed on my new MegaRed bottle it says NKO instead of Superba krill oil. Do you know when/why this changed and what it means for effectiveness etc?
Nigel : We actually switched from NKO to Superba. The effectiveness is the same. It just changed who we get the krill oil from.
Kriller : So.. it’s possible that this “new” bottle I just bought was from “old” stash?
Kriller : Because my bottle that I had before this said Superba
Nigel : We just switched the companies in the last couple of months. It is an older bottle. The new product is made by Superba
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:48 pm
Thanks for posting your exchange, Kriller!
Here’s their official public comment on the matter:
http://www.npicenter.com/anm/templates/newsATemp.aspx?articleid=24900&zoneid=11
Be well!
JP
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:24 am
A good friend of mine had been taking MegaRed NKO Krill Oil for quite awhile. She is not getting the same mental sharpness and feeling of well being from the MegaRed Superba Krill Oil formula
January 23rd, 2010 at 3:36 am
Thanks for letting us know that, DW.
It would be interesting to hear from anyone else who’s noticed similar differences between the two sources of krill oil.
I’ve used NKO (Now Foods brand mostly) and Avantis krill oil (Jarrow Formulas) without any detectable difference between the two.
I haven’t tried Schiff’s Superba krill oil yet.
Be well!
JP
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:02 pm
re DW’s comment. the strange thing is my experience has been the complete opposite. i felt more results in regards to skin softness from superba than the nko. i wonder how much is placebo effect and what the real difference is between the two brands.
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:34 pm
JP, care to share your daily dosage and the reasons you take it? Thanks!
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:45 pm
Marcella,
Thank you for sharing your experience comparing the two krill oil sources. It’s helpful to know.
As best as I can tell, NKO and Superba are very similar/nearly identical from a nutritional standpoint - re: astaxanthin, DHA, EPA and total Omega-3 content. But that’s not to say that there isn’t some other difference that your body may have picked up on.
Be well!
JP
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Just Wondering,
I take 500 mg with breakfast and 500 mg with dinner.
I’m mostly using it support cardiovascular health and to keep any systemic inflammation at a very low level.
Be well!
JP
February 4th, 2010 at 12:59 am
I’ve spent a LOT of time researching krill oil. One thing people should be aware of: The level of astaxanthin naturally occurring in krill oil is rather low (about 50 micrograms per gram of Krill oil). Neptune and now Enzymotic both produce extremely high quality oil using a so-called “cold extraction” process which (it is claimed) preserves the full bioactivity of the compounds. Both companies also supplement the naturally-occurring astaxanthin with esterified astaxanthin (that’s both good for people and it also protects the krill oil against oxidation). The supplemented level is 1.5 mg/gram of oil.
Aker BioMarine, which produces Superba krill oil now used in Mega Red and several other brands, doesn’t supplement the astaxanthin level. I’m not sure what the implication of that is with respect to product stability. Also, I don’t know what kind of extraction process Aker uses to obtain the krill oil. Because of my uncertainties, I’m hesitant to use products with Superba Krill oil. Costco sells Mega Red at a great price; however, the Mega Red label recommends a single 300 mg softgel per day - that’s the lowest recommendation on ANY krill oil product label. I’ll stick with 1000 mg/day.
FYI: Azantis, a company in Colorado, sources Enzymotic krill oil and provides it to several companies (for example, to Source Naturals ArticPure oil and Jarrow Forumulas; interestingly, both of those companies also package a krill oil using Neptune krill oil).
From everything I’ve seen, the best bargain in high-quality krill oil right now is NOW Foods Neptune krill oil. I’ve seen it for about $33 for 120 500-mg softgels. That’s about $16.50 a month. Many companies offer free shipping either with promotion codes or minimum orders.
Finally, the recommendation to freeze the softgels before taking them seems to go against the recommendations of the manufacturers. I haven’t had any digestive issues with krill oil, so I have no motive to do “tricks” to make it more palatable.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:12 am
Thank you for your valuable contribution, WH! I appreciate it!
I don’t have any digestive issues with krill oil either. However my mother does and unfortunately, she’s not the only one. This is the primary reason why Now Foods has just released a 1,000 mg NKO softgel that is enterically coated.
http://nowfoods.com/Products/078346.htm
Be well!
JP
February 4th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Hi, JP,
Yeah, I noticed that new NOW product the other day. And it’s price is pretty much the same as their “regular” krill oil.
One other thing about price: I’ve seen brands that are VERY cheap (as low as 10 cents / 500mg softgel), but when I check the levels of EPA and DHA, they’re always significantly lower than for the Neptune, Superba, and Azantis oils (which are all around 150 mg EPA and 90 mg DHA, and about 400 mg total phospholipids). I think these less expensive brands are using krill oil produced from Euphausia crystallorophias or Euphausia pacifica krill, rather than Euphausia superba (the antarctic krill).
An interesting point about stability for the Superba oil: I still have a couple of bottles of the Schiff’s Mega Red I purchased six months ago at Costco (it contains Neptune oil): The listed expiration date is 5/11. Last week I went to Costco and checked the expiration dates for the new version of Mega Red that uses Superba oil: the expiration date was 3/11. Six months newer, but an expiration date 2 months older. Hmmm. It could be that the Superba oil used by Schiff was from an older production run by Aker or it could be that the shelf-life of Superba oil is much shorter.
February 4th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
That’s an interesting observation, WH.
An online site I often order from now lists the expiration dates of the products they carry. Apparently they can do so with sufficient accuracy due to their quick turn over and volume purchases. The only problem, re: krill oil, is that they don’t currently stock any Superba sourced products.
I can contact Aker and see what they have to say about this issue. I’ll report back with any information they provide.
Be well!
JP
February 5th, 2010 at 6:04 pm
I recently exchanged e-mails with an AkerBiomarine representative regarding the differences between Neptune Krill Oil and Superba krill oil. Here’s a brief overview of what I was told:
1. Superba krill oil is extracted using ethanol rather than acetone.
2. AkerBiomarine gathers the krill themselves using their own vessel. They also utilize a sustainable collection regime in order to ensure adequate populations of krill and minimal damage to surrounding sea life.
3. Superba does not contain added astaxanthin. However it naturally provides between 100-150 ppm of this carotenoid.
4. Superba soft gels are guaranteed to be stable for 18 months.
I’ll ask the same questions of Nutrisan Nutraceuticals (the makers of NKO) and see what they have to say.
Be well!
JP
February 6th, 2010 at 3:24 am
Great info, LP.
Today I received a supply of NOW krill oil. The “Best By” date stamped on the bottom of the containers is 11/2012 - 33 months from now. So I’m almost certain that NKO has a shelf life of three years.
Is the difference merely because Aker is being very conservative and/or that Neptune Technologies & Bioressources (or is it Nutrisan Nutraceuticals? - I’ve never heard of them before) is being optimistic? Or does the astaxanthin supplementation make a big difference. Or is there something else?
The NOW geltabs have a somewhat unpleasant but not too strong odor of “bad shrimp”. Mega Red geltabs (with Superba oil) is strongly (”cloyingly?”) scented with vanillin, and you can’t smell anything else.
By the way, NOW on their container states a level of “esterifed astaxanthin” of only 1.25 mg, as compared with 1.5 mg for all of the other NKO krill oil brands I’ve checked. I contacted NOW and they emailed back, “We are not sourcing a different material [from Neptune], just being very specific in our labeling.”
I’m not entirely sure what that means. Maybe Neptune supplements at a rate of 1 mg per 1000 mg of krill oil, and the “natural” level is “at least” .25 mg. So perhaps NOW is being conservative.
The ethanol versus acetone method of extraction is very, very interesting. I would hope there’s no residue of either solvent left in the finished product. What do the manufacturers say?
February 6th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
WH,
Let’s both keep on digging for more facts/info. and see what we come up with. I’ve already sent an inquiry to the NKO people but haven’t received a response yet.
Incidentally, did you happen to read my previous column on astaxanthin and cardiovascular health? It ties into the conversation we’re having here.
http://www.healthyfellow.com/406/natural-heart-attack-protection/
One thing the AkerBiomarine rep also stated was that they felt as though the omega-3s and phosolipids were likely the most important elements of krill oil. However the rep did acknowledge that astanxanthin could be therapeutic at levels at or above 2000 ppm.
I wonder how many of the benefits attributed to krill oil are due to the astaxanthin component vs. the DHA/EPA + phospholipids?
Be well!
JP
February 15th, 2010 at 6:07 pm
Here’s a brief update on what I’ve heard from the makers of Neptune Krill Oil so far:
1. The shelf life of their product is 3 years.
2. They do not recommend freezing it.
3. One important detail that sets NKO apart from other krill oils is the amount of clinical study this particular krill has undergone.
4. NKO’s rep promised to send some comparative information on Neptune Krill Oil vs. other krill oil sources.
More to come …
Be well!
JP
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:04 am
JP,
Thanks for your site. I have found it very informative and quite helpful.
Hopefully, I’ve understood most of what’s been written here. For me, I am looking at Krill oil for the overall heart benefits and mood enhancement benefits. At this point, I am leaning towards the NOW 1g NKO softgel that is enterically coated. I hope I am on the right track with krill oil, especially for the mood benefit part of it. Or are the potential mood enhancements that I have read about overstated in their affect?
Thanks,
Chris
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Chris,
There isn’t much in the scientific literature specifically about krill oil and mood - apart from the PMS study I mentioned in the column.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12777162
However there’s quite a lot of data suggesting that omega-3 fatty acid intake (found primarily in fish and fish oil) can provide an antidepressant effect in various populations:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19909687
http://content.karger.com/produktedb/produkte.asp?typ=fulltext&file=000198167
http://content.karger.com/produktedb/produkte.asp?typ=fulltext&file=000198167
As far as I can tell, this is the primary basis for the claim that krill oil improves mood. Some health authorities also theorize that krill oil may be better absorbed and “brain ready” because it contains natural phospholipids - whereas fish oil does not.
In my opinion, it would be reasonable to try out krill oil in order to (hopefully) improve cardiovascular health and mood issues. I think there’s enough evidence and theoretical cause to give it a shot.
I would personally try using a 500 mg softgel twice daily rather than one 1,000 mg softgel/day. Some cardiologists, such as Dr. William Davis, believe it’s advantageous to split up the dosing of omega-3s. Finally, I’m not sure the enteric coating is beneficial or needed in most cases. For the time being, I’d avoid it.
http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2007/10/omega-3-fatty-acids-frequency-vs.html
I hope your krill oil trial works out well. Please report back and let us know how you’re doing.
Be well!
JP
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
I recently went to Costco and purchased a container of the new Mega Red, made with Superba krill oil. The supply now at Costco has a use-by date of 12/2011 - 22 months from now. That’s very interesting if Aker says the shelf-live is 18 months.
I opened the bottle to see if I could detect any differences between the “new” and “old” (Nepune-krill-oil-based) Mega Red. The new Mega Red has a, cloying vanilla odor plus a very distinct “bad shrimp” smell (similar to, but stronger than, the smell of the Neptune-based NOW krill oil, which doesn’t add any artificial fragrances). “Old” Mega Red has only the cloying vanilla odor - not a hint of shrimpyness.
So, my totally unscientific conclusion is that the astaxanthin supplementation in Neptune-based krill oil (and by extension, to similarly-supplemented Enzymotic-based krill oil) preserves the krill oil better than the “natural” level of astaxanthin in Superba krill oil.
By the way, if I were going to purchase one of the better krill oils right now (I already have more than an 18-month supply), I’d get the NOW 1000 mg enteric-coated krill oil. A couple of web vendors sell the 60-pill container (2-month supply) for $30. In particular, Netrition.com also adds a 5% discount for a $200+ order (meaning 7 containers = a 14-month supply). And the shipping is a fixed $5 - not a bad deal at all.
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:07 pm
Here’s a link to the netrition.com site:
http://www6.netrition.com/now_neptune_krill_oil.html
Note: I’ve never ordered from netrition, but the resellerratings.com rating is good: http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Netrition
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Oops,
Didn’t see the previous post about splitting the dosage. That’s a good point which I hadn’t considered.
I learn something new about this stuff every day.
Bill
February 23rd, 2010 at 10:01 pm
Bill,
Thank you for adding your observations about the scent of the different krill oil products and the expiration dating.
I’ve noticed that Jarrow’s krill oil (Phosphomega - containing Azantis Krill Oil) seems to have a milder scent than Now’s NKO. I’m not entirely sure why that would be. It could have something to do with the softgel itself. Now’s NKO appears to have a softer/thinner gelatin coating - I’m basing this on the feel of the softgels.
I’m looking forward to hearing back from the NKO rep. I think they *may* be putting together their official comparison based on our inquiry. In any event, I’ll post it as soon as I receive it.
Thanks again for your valuable input.
Be well!
JP
February 24th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I was so happy to find this site. I have been going nuts trying to get info. on the different krill oils all on my own. One thing I have wondered is, why do the EPA and DHA values vary so much in the different brands (for the same amount, say, 1 gram, of krill oil)? Do you know anything about the vitacost.com NSI SKO brand? I wrote to them and they said the krill came from China, but that was all they could tell me. I have tried Dr. Mercola’s krill, which he gets from Aker, and I just ordered some krill from Vitacost and from Swanson’s Vitamins. I know the Swanson krill and Dr. Mercola’s krill come from Aker. Also, what is this about “cold extraction,” vs. ? Is the Aker (Superba) krill extracted this way? I think I will go order some of the NOW krill, now. Lol, then I can try it all.
THANKS!!
Elizabeth
February 24th, 2010 at 11:24 pm
http://www.stockhouse.com/Bullboards/MessageDetail.aspx?s=NTB&t=LIST&m=27746653&l=0&pd=0&r=0
According to this, NKO oil is extracted with acetone from frozen, raw krill. Aker uses extraction with ethanol from krill meal cooked and dried on the ship. I wonder if the heat from the cooking is detrimental to the EFA’s?
February 24th, 2010 at 11:38 pm
As I wrote in one of my posts above, the “big three” (Aker, Neptune, and Enzymotec) all use Euphausia superba as the source of their krill oil. And the phospholipid and EPA/DHA levels across those brands are virtually the same. I suspect that where you see lower EPA/DHA levels, the manufacturer is either using a different krill species, or using a less expensive process.
For example, on the Azantis website (Azantis uses Enzymotec krill oil), you will find:
“Azantis 2810 grade is a blend quality. It’s comparable with certain competing products in that it contains at least 28% phospholipids bonded with omega 3, and at least 10% omega-3. The astaxanthin levels are low.
The Azantis standard product 4225 is extracted in a 3 step process. If we skip the third step we get the 2810 blend quality. It’s marketed to be used in proprietory blends with other oils, ie flax seed oil, or olive oil. Certain markets, such as MLM and infomercials prefer unique blends over the original product.”
And if you search the web, you’ll find this from Enzymotec:
http://www.dairyreporter.com/Products/Enzymotec-launches-cut-price-krill-oil
“Our engineers were able to come up with a modified process, which would enable us to offer in parallel to our existing krill product, a new grade of krill oil,” it said. “The new product has modified phospholipids and omega-3 content but with a significantly lower price making this more suitable for other market segments.”
So, brands you see with lower EPA/DHA levels are almost certainly cheaper to produce. What a surprise.
I wrote to Mercola a few weeks ago and asked them if NKO was still the source of their krill oil (because I’d noticed that their EPA/DHA levels were VERY low - signficantly lower than for NKO). They responded:
“While we do not use NKO for our manufacturer, at this time we can not give out the manufacturers name as this is considered proprietary information.”
Look at Mercola’s label:
http://mercola.fileburst.com/PDF/product-labels/Krill%20Oil.pdf
90 mg EPA, 50 mg DHA, and only .6 mg astaxanthin per 1000 mg serving.
Clearly, Mercola is using a “cheapy” brand. If it’s Aker, Aker - like Enzymotec - must have a “discount” line of oil.
I find it rather interesting that Dr. Mercola - who in his video implies how his motivation is primarily to provide his customers with the highest-quality products he can find - is in fact charging a premium price ($25 for a one-month supply) for what appears to be a lower-grade oil.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
I guarantee you that Mercola is using AKER as of late 2009. I will try to find the source. I keep asking him why his krill has less EPA, DHA, etc. He has failed to answer me. This is one of the things that has been driving me nuts.
February 24th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Oh, about your “cold-extraction” question: I’m guessing “cold extraction” is a euphemism for the fact that the manufacturers are using solvents to extract the oil from ground raw krill, as opposed to using some other process that uses heat instead of solvents.
So “cold extraction” may just be krill-oil-maker’s lingo for saying, “Guess you’ll find out in thirty years if the higher Omega 3 level protected you from acetone poisoning.”
February 24th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
http://blogs.mercola.com/sites/vitalvotes/archive/2009/07/06/are-you-being-duped-by-the-krill-unsustainability-story.aspx
The info is right on Mercola’s site. It is also on the Aker site. Search “Aker Mercola”
February 24th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
The answer to your “Why the lower Omega 3 level?” question is simply, “We make more money this way.”
February 25th, 2010 at 12:06 am
http://myaker.net/text.cfm?path=2,35&id=468&lid=3 Here is the Aker link. You won’t have to scroll down as far as on the Mercola site to get the info. I was beginning to wonder if Mercola uses smaller capsules???
February 25th, 2010 at 12:07 am
Aker, like Enzymotec, clearly has a “cheapy” brand, and Mercola is purchasing it.
I also find it interesting that makers justify krill harvesting by pointing out how Euphausia superba has such a huge biomass. But that’s really beside the point. If the krill reproductive capacity is in rough balance with krill predation by whales, seals, and other krill-eaters, then adding mankind to the mix will eventually cause an imbalance. It doesn’t matter if krill biomass is twice or 100 times as great as mankinds’. The point is that that huge biomass is being consumed, and man is now in competition with whales.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:09 am
Yes, WH, but I really wanted Mercola to be an upright guy, darnit! I guess the all powerful dollar wins again :(.
February 25th, 2010 at 12:26 am
But at least you’re not being driven nuts any longer - one of the many benefits of Bill oil.
hahahaha
Bill
February 25th, 2010 at 12:31 am
:)’s@Bill. Yes, I guess I’ll have to place a new order. What am I going to do with all of this krill, Bill?
February 25th, 2010 at 1:16 am
What an excellent exchange of information! Thanks, Bill and Elizabeth!
Ready for the latest news about krill? I present to you a study about the effects of krill protein concentrate in rats.
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf9036408
Be well!
JP
February 25th, 2010 at 11:04 am
Hi JP!
Thank you for that article. It confirms what I already know–krill oil is good stuff! Here is a brief history of how it has helped me with depression.
I have a family history of depression. My dad was bipolar and his side of our family had cardiac issues as well. I have lived through some serious bouts of depression throughout my life. In addition, my children all exhibit ADHD symptoms to one degree, or another.
In my twenties, I began taking Prozac and it helped quite a bit. However, since I hit my forties, it stopped working as well. In fact, this past fall I was so deep into depression that I could barely get out of bed. I was also filled with so much anxiety (a new symptom, since my dad died five years ago) and this feeling that can best be described as dread, that I really wished I would just die.
My doctor (I have since changed doctors) had me on Prozac, Klonopin, and sleeping pills, and I was still a mess. In November I weaned myself off of everything but the Prozac. Then, in late December, I added NSI’s KriaXanthin, and, in January, Dr. Mercola’s krill product to my daily regimen of supplements. Within a couple of weeks, my mood had lifted substantially, and now I feel as good as I ever did, if not better.
I know some things about mental health, because I have studied psychology and I have a MA in counseling, but I seriously believe that doctors have mainly become pill pushers for Big Pharma, and that they will kill you, eventually, with all of their drugs, if you let them.
One thing still makes me sad. After studying all about Omega-3, I am convinced my family has been Omega-3 deficient for generations. It really would explain the heart and mental health issues. I bet my dad would not have died five years ago, at the age of just 63, if he had taken EFA supplements. I also wish I had known about these when I was pregnant with my children. Perhaps they would not have the attentional issues that they have.
The good news is, I know now, and I want to tell everyone–take your fish oil or your krill!
Now, back to finding the BEST krill :). I am convinced that Dr. Mercola’s krill works, but I do not believe that it is the best deal out there, and I know it costs too much. I can get twice as much from Swanson’s Vitamins for the same price.
:-)’s Elizabeth
February 25th, 2010 at 1:54 pm
Newsflash–I just learned today that Mercola WAS getting his krill from AKER for about three months. He has switched to a new supplier, and, Bill, you were right, he is buying the cheap stuff. He should have sprung for the high quality standard, over the mix; it would have saved his rep., at least, in my eyes. However, since his product DOES work for me, I am purchasing in bulk from his supplier, but I am springing for the higher quality product they sell. If you buy in bulk, there is no need to get the cheaper stuff.
February 25th, 2010 at 4:26 pm
Elizabeth,
Thank you for sharing your experience (and family history) with us! I’m sure others will see what you’ve been through and benefit from it. Your input is greatly appreciated!
Be well!
JP
February 25th, 2010 at 8:15 pm
I thought someone may be interested in the following correspondence I had with Tharos, a company that is working on getting us a solvent-free krill.
From Tharos Ltd
Mr Dimitri Sclabos
Good day Elizabeth
Thanks for contacting us per bellow quoted message.
Please be so kind to let us know how did you get our references.
Our solvent-free krill oil will be available by 2011, regretfully not before.
Is this of an urgency matter for you to count on a solvent-free krill oil ??
Do you work with krill end-products already ??
Which is your primary business line ??
Is there a different area within the krill industry we can serve you ??
Sincerely yours
Dimitri Sclabos
General Manager
Tharos Ltd
Of + 56 2 273 4966
Fx + 56 2 273 0395
Cel + 56 99442 5107
QUOTE
Hello,
I am very interested in your work with krill extraction. When might a solvent free krill product be available to the public (USA)?
Thanks!
Elizabeth A. Jesse, MA, LLPC
UNQUOTE
February 25th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Elizabeth,
Thank you for posting that.
If all goes as planned, I’ll be attending Natural Products Expo West next month. I may be able to find some additional krill info. there.
http://www.expowest.com/ew10/public/enter.aspx
Be well!
JP
February 25th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
How cool, JP. That would be an awesome event to attend. Next week I am starting a new job, so I won’t be able to google all day. It will be good to come here to learn what you find out at the expo.
:)’s Elizabeth
February 25th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Elizabeth,
It should be fun and interesting. I hope to have lots to report back on.
Good luck with your new job!
Be well!
JP
February 25th, 2010 at 11:14 pm
(At least) Megared is marketed as an alternative to fish oil because it’s smaller, requires less pills per day, and doesn’t produce fish burps… so.. some of the posts I’m reading above seem to say krill oil is NOT the same as taking fish oil.. so.. if I take krill oil.. should I still be taking fish oil if I want the same benefits of fish oil that I was getting from the fish oil already? Or can I dump the fish oil and take krill oil? Frustrating. The benefit of big pharma is that at least you generally know what you’re getting because of regulations before it hits advertisements.
February 26th, 2010 at 12:51 am
Pharma Red:
The “reasoning” is that since cell membranes are composed of phospholipids, omega-3’s from krill oil - which is bound to a high level of phospholipids - should penetrate the cell membrane much more easily that omega-3’s from fish oil.
It’s not that the omega 3’s from krill oil are intrinsically “better” than those from fish oil; it’s that (theoretically) the omega 3’s from krill oil are more bio-available.
February 26th, 2010 at 12:54 am
So Elizabeth, the suspense is killing me:
Who is Mercola’s present supplier (let me guess: Azantis), and what are the details of this bulk deal?
Bill
February 26th, 2010 at 1:22 am
Pharma Phred,
I believe Bill already answered your primary question. I would just add that some health authorities are adopting a somewhat cautious attitude with regard to krill oil. They note that the vast majority of research on omega-3 fatty acids has been conducted on fish oil derived DHA and EPA. It could be that krill oil is many times more effective/potent than fish oil - due to the previously mentioned phospholipids and the naturally occurring and/or added astanxanthin. However not all studies show that big a difference between these two sources of omega-3s. If that turns out to be true, then the typical dosage of krill oil (1 gram daily) would likely be considerably lower, in terms of DHA + EPA content, than many fish oil supplements that are currently on the market.
http://www.nrjournal.com/article/S0271-5317%2809%2900161-4/abstract
At the moment, I take a multivitamin/mineral packet with breakfast and dinner that contains a high-potency fish oil soft gel. I also take 500 mg of krill oil with the same two meals. In essence, I’m hedging my bets.
Be well!
JP
February 26th, 2010 at 9:17 am
Aw, Bill, you already knew! You posted the Azantis material about the “blend.” I am getting the 12 packages of 60 for $192.00 plus about $7.00 for shipping. If I used my professional health practitioner status and got a sales tax ID number, I could purchase in higher quantity and at an even lower cost.
Pharma Phred,
I bet you could just take the krill and you would achieve the same benefits. At first, I was frustrated by the same thing as you, because most of the studies were done using fish oil; how do you compare fish oil to krill to duplicate the studies? Well, as far as dosage goes, you probably can’t right now. However, my guess is that you would get the same benefit from a gram, or two, of krill oil, and, yes, I think this is true even though the EPA and DHA in krill is substantially lower. In addition, I do not think it is the astaxanthin that makes the difference. This is only because I was taking four mg of natural astaxanthin for one year before I began taking the krill, and I was still depressed until I added the krill. This is just my opinion, of course, but I am convinced.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:26 am
Oh, you also get choline from the krill’s phospholipids. You don’t get this from krill. Choline is very important to brain function.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Oops–I meant you do not get choline from FISH oil :o!
February 26th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Thank you for adding that info, Elizabeth.
It’s interesting to note that anti-inflammatory herbs and medications also appear to improve depression and vice versa.
Prozac and Celexa Exhibit Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Anti-depressant like effect of curcumin and its combination with piperine in unpredictable chronic stress-induced behavioral, biochemical and neurochemical changes
Hyperforin: More than an antidepressant bioactive compound?
Anti-depressant like effect of curcumin and its combination with piperine in unpredictable chronic stress-induced behavioral, biochemical and neurochemical changes
Hyperforin: More than an antidepressant bioactive compound?
Perhaps the combination of astaxanthin, omega-3s and phopholipids forms a potent anti-inflammatory effect (greater than the sum of its parts) which contributes to improve mental health. Just a possibility.
Be well!
JP
February 26th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Why did MegaRed decide to go with one 300mg dosage size when every one else it seems goes in 500mg increments and recommends at least 1000mg per day?
February 26th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
JP–I am SURE there is a synergistic effect. I LOVE my astaxanthin. I just meant that I needed the krill to make the effect complete. I just got a very cool analysis from Theros, the company that has invented a solvent free way to extract krill. It came in a PDF format. Will that come through here? It has the analysis for several different companies.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
Pharma Phred:
Why is MegaRed marketed as a one-300mg-pill-per-day product? . . . . . Marketing.
It’s the same reason that Dr. Mercola stresses the wonderful non-bovine-based gelatin of his krill-oil pills. Clearly, you cannot possibly accept the 1 in 100-million risk of contracting BSE from bovine-based gelatin pills, so Dr. Mercola is going to keep your brain cells safe with his SPECIAL krill oil pills (and let’s just pretend that you don’t take those other 5 or 10 or 15 bovine-based softgel pills you already take every day). And don’t worry your fragile brain cells about the fact that Mercola’s krill oil is itself an inferior product - which will reduce its ability to protect you from all sorts of terrible conditions. Just keep in mind: NO CATTLE HERE.
Now THAT’s marketing.
February 26th, 2010 at 9:31 pm
WH,
So.. are you saying that one should ignore the marketing and if they decide to get MegaRed.. to take at least 3 per day? (900mg)
PS Isn’t a huge part of krill oil just… marketing.. at this point anyway? There is very little scientific evidence. Heck there’s just now conclusive stuff finally coming to fruition about fish oil..
February 26th, 2010 at 9:47 pm
Elizabeth,
I figured that’s what you meant. I just wanted to add the bit out the possible synergistic effect in case it wasn’t obvious to those just joining the comment tread.
Can you please e-mail me the PDF file you mentioned? If so, I can ask my webmaster if there’s a way to create a link for it and post it here.
Be well!
JP
February 26th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
Pharma Phred and Bill,
I believe this is the study that prompted the 300 mg dose:
http://www.jacn.org/cgi/content/full/26/1/39
Be well!
JP
February 27th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Now I want the goods on where NSI gets its krill supply from for its new SKO krill product. I have contacted them several times. First, they only told me that the krill comes from China. They finally gave me a company name, but they gave me the name of a co. that claims it does not supply krill to anyone!
February 27th, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Elizabeth,
That would be interesting to know. I haven’t contacted NSI about this because the price really isn’t all that appealing. For instance, you can find genuine NKO products for a little bit less than the higher-end NSI product.
I’ve noticed that NSI makes it a point to let their customers know when they’re using branded raw materials. So I’m assuming their source for this krill oil isn’t noteworthy but I could be wrong.
Do you mind revealing what company name they gave you?
Be well!
JP
February 27th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
Kyolic Wakunaga Nutritional Supplements was the name they gave me for the NSI SKO krill. When I called the company, however, they told me my information was wrong and that they do not supply krill to anyone. I wrote to NSI and am waiting to hear back. An interesting bit–the SKO label is almost identical to the Azantis label. For instance, both report 420 mg of phospholipids. That is a “unique” number for krill. Usually, I have seen 400 mg on product labels. Still, Mickey, the man I talked to from Azantis, did not appear to know where the SKO krill came from. I am sure he would have known if it was from his company.
February 27th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Hi, Elizabeth,
Interesting. A while ago, I was checking out “NSI” krill oil (I think NSI is just Vitacost). The numbers on the SKO label exactly match those quoted on the Azantis website for their main (high quality) oil, so I concluded that SKO is just Azantis (= Enzymotec) krill oil.
On the other hand, the numbers on the label of NSI’s “KriaXanthin” product are REALLY low, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the source is some Chinese company whose real specialty is melamine.
FYI: For the cheapest krill oil out there, check out:
http://www.nutrabulk.com/index.php?_a=viewProd&productId=145
1000 softgels, 1000 mg each, for $229! For comparison, that’s like $6.87 a month (assuming 1000 mg a day). But the numbers on the label are pretty low. And the quoted value of 15 mg phospholipids is totally wacky (since 300 to 420 mg is typical).
Bill
February 27th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Elizabeth,
I thought it might be Azantis too. Very curious indeed. Please keep us posted!
Be well!
JP
February 27th, 2010 at 1:37 pm
Oops: I was responding to your previous post. I was writing my post as your were posting this new one.
February 27th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Bill,
NSI is indeed Vitacost’s product line. They claim to be very conscientious about their quality control but I’ve had an issue with one of their products in the past.
Some krill oil supplements appear to be virtually devoid of phopholipids:
http://www.puritan.com/krill-oil-341/krill-oil-1000-mg-029546?NewPage=1#product
It must have something to do with the variety of krill used and/or the extraction technique.
Be well!
JP
February 27th, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Hi Pharma Phred,
I am leery of Big Pharma. They share their interests with Big Gov. and Big Gov. just launched a HUGE campaign to get us all to take a shot of H1N1 that we really did not need. I mean this. I have been keeping my vitamin D levels up for over a year and I take other natural supplements. I have not even had a cold this year. This is going to sound “on the fringe,” but I don’t mind–I believe Big Gov. has too much of an interest in population reduction for me to trust them with my health. I would prefer to ingest the krill and make up my own mind about what works for me and mine. I think we are doing well. I cannot recall the last time I had to take our children to see the doctor, and no one in my family takes the flu shot.
February 27th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Hi, JP,
The Puritan’s Pride numbers are identical with those of the NutraBulk oil (I thumb-fingered the phospholipid total for Nutrabulk - it’s 5 mg, too). So they’re probably from the same source.
Maybe an extraction process that uses high heat destroys phopholipids, which would explain the use of solvents (and “cold extraction”) by other manufacturers.
Bill
February 27th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
Hi, Elizabeth,
I have a friend who is an epidemiologist who frequently participates in colloquia about infectious diseases. He’s considered a leading authority in that area (but I’m uncomfortable citing his name without his permission, since he often tells me stuff that hasn’t yet been officially released to the public). He doesn’t work for Big Pharma - he’s works for a company with a government contract to do research. And he’s complained to me about occasions where the government doesn’t tell the public “the way it is.” And when he disagrees with what the government says, he tells me. He’s definitely not pushing the government line.
I ask him what HE does to protect his health and that of his family. He fully believes in the H1N1 vaccine (it’s likely that there will be further “waves” of outbreak). He believes avian flu is a potential major risk for the future, and that a vaccine is badly needed. I’ve asked him about supposed links between vaccines and autism, and he doesn’t think there’s reliable data to support that conclusion.
But what it comes down for all of us is: We judge the ill-defined risks and ill-defined rewards of taking various health-related actions, and we go with what we subjectively believe. Cause and effect is so elusive for many health-related issues that it’s impossible to know with any confidence what’s right or wrong. I personally get the seasonal vaccine, and got the H1N1 vaccine. However, given the risks I’ve dug up about the Gardasil (HPV) vaccine, if I had an 11-year-old daughter I wouldn’t have her vaccinated. And so it goes.
You’re not wacky, just trying to figure out the unfigurable like the rest of us.
Bill
February 27th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Thanks, Bill. Yes, I gave myself a psych. eval. just to be absolutely certain ;-).
February 27th, 2010 at 8:56 pm
Elizabeth,
My wonderful webmaster was able to create a link to the krill oil info. you sent me. The link leads directly to a PDF file that can be downloaded. Thank you again for sharing what you’ve uncovered. Excellent info!
http://www.healthyfellow.com/doc/krill-oil.pdf
Be well!
JP
February 27th, 2010 at 11:03 pm
Hi JP,
I am pleased that you can use this information. I can’t wait to learn what you find out at the expo :)!
Elizabeth
February 28th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
Hi, Elizabeth,
Very interesting info from Tharos. Here are two other sources for info on Superba and NKO oils:
Superba:
http://www.superiornutraceuticals.com/pdf/Krill_Product_Spec.pdf
NKO (see tables 2 through 4, with tables 5 and 6 being kind of interesting, too):
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/doc/938.pdf
The values cited by Tharos don’t always match these other sources.
I’m still searching for data sheets on Enzyomtec oil.
Bill
February 28th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Great info, Bill! Thank you for posting it!
Be well!
JP
March 1st, 2010 at 10:09 am
To get some insight into the krill business, google on Krill Industry Report. There are 12 going back to June of 2007. Some reports don’t come up unless you add a number. So google on, for example, Krill Industry Report 12. The earliest ones are hard to find, so here are the links:
#1: http://www.asoc.org/Portals/0/pdfs/Krill%20Industry%20Report%201-062007.pdf
#2: http://www.asoc.org/Portals/0/pdfs/Krill%20Industry%20Report%202-%20071207.pdf
#3: http://www.asoc.org/Portals/0/pdfs/Krill%20Industry%20Report%203-091507.pdf
Bill
March 1st, 2010 at 10:27 am
Thank you for all of this great info. Bill! Man, I love this site. Hey, can one of you figure out where NSI gets the krill for the new SKO krill product? Customer service at vitacost is giving me the run around. They are now telling me that they cannot disclose the information!
March 1st, 2010 at 4:14 pm
Thanks, Bill!
Elizabeth - I’ll give it a shot and report back with whatever they have to say.
Be well!
JP
March 2nd, 2010 at 12:12 am
Ladies and Gents,
I e-mailed Vitacost today and presented our question. I mentioned that other companies, such as Jarrow Formulas and Now Foods, openly state their source of krill oil. I also commented that NSI’s/Vitacost’s other krill oil product (Kriaxanthin) provides it’s raw material source (Cyvex). We’ll see what happens …
Be well!
JP
March 2nd, 2010 at 8:06 am
I emailed Azantis. I figure their response, whatever it is - unless they say they have a policy of “neither confirm or deny” - will reveal whether the NSI SKO oil is azantis.
I also asked Azantis whether Enzymotec’s process involved solvents and if so, what the solvent is (I’m almost certain Enzymotec does use solvents, but it would be nice to know if it’s ethanol [relatively benign], acetone [not as good], or hexane [ugh]). And I argued that revealing the solvent is not the same as revealing the actual proprietary process.
We’ll see what we find out.
By the way, I found a short article on Tharos (don’t have the link handy right now) that stated (as Elizabeth’s info has already indicated) that Tharos has a non-solvent-based extraction process. The story also indicated that Tharos said that Aker and Neptune were both interested. But the motivation is not what you probably think - to produce a “cleaner” oil.
No, the big attraction of a non-solvent-based process is that the use of solvents is EXPENSIVE, in part because solvent-based processes cannot be performed on the ships that catch krill. Tharos’s process can be performed on-ship, and will reduce the cost of production 30%.
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:58 am
Thank you, guys! By the way, is anyone willing to say which krill product you like the best from the information available at this time?
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:09 am
I was just thinking what a chore it would be to learn the origins of every supplement I take :-)!
Mercola’s Whole Food Plus Minerals w. 5000 IU D-3
NSI’s Natural Astaxanthin
NSI’s Ubiquinol
NSI’s Resveratrol Grape Seed & Red Wine Extracts
NSI’s Omega-3 Mood Formula
NSI’s Superior Krill Oil (SKO, until the krill comes from Azantis)
NSI’s Probiotic 15-35
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:17 am
Elizabeth,
I think ethanol is more benign than acetone, so if that were the only issue, I’d prefer Superba oil to NKO. But I think Superba oil is less stable than NKO (at least in part because Aker doesn’t supplement the astaxanthin), and on the web the issue of omega-3 oils going rancid is mentioned in a log of places.
I also think that the Superba oil label exaggerates the EPA and DHA levels somewhat (if you compare the figures on the Superba-oil labels to the Superba spec sheet at the link above, you’ll see what I mean), whereas NKO clearly is using worst-case figures on its labels (they’re well below the figures on the EFSA document). So I think NKO is a little higher quality in that respect.
Enzymotec oil is a big question mark for me. I have no idea what solvent they use, and I don’t really know what their lipid profile is, other than that data provide by Tharos. I’m guessing - based upon some info I’ve come upon - that they use some hexane-based solvent, which I don’t like at all (but maybe they use ethanol or acetone). I’m curious how Azantis will respond to my question. I also plan on asking Azantis for a spec sheet - they say on their website that they provide it “to their customers,” so what objection could they possibly have to supply it to the ultimate customers, us?
In sum, right now I prefer NKO, and that’s what I use. However, you are getting great benefits with Azantis oil, so if I were you I wouldn’t switch.
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:31 am
Hi Bill,
I bet Azantis will give you the spec. sheet. They were very nice when I talked to them. I simply failed to ask for one when I talked to Mickey, but I am glad you have done so, because it will be interesting to see it. As far as the solvent, Mickey told me it is eliminated from the final product, so I am not too worried. However, I would still be interested in a solvent free product, if everything else was also good and the beneficial components were still preserved in the product.
Yes, the Azantis oil I got from Dr. Mercola gave me excellent results. I can only imagine that the premium grade from Azantis will be even better.
:)’s Elizabeth
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:41 am
Oh–there will be one other difference in the Azantis (compared to Mercola) oil–the gel capsule vs. Mercola’s “capliques.” I really doubt that this is going to matter, though. Any thoughts?
March 2nd, 2010 at 2:45 pm
An update, a comment and a link:
I just got word from Neptune that their comparative literature should be ready any day now. I’ll post whatever info. they send me ASAP.
Elizabeth, I’ve used both NKO and Azantis krill oil. My choice depends on what’s in stock (at the online site I order from), the price and one other factor - I’ve noticed that the Now Foods krill oil (NKO) appears to have a stronger aroma than Jarrow’s krill oil (Azantis). The Now Foods soft gels seem to have a “thinner skin” which may explain this observation. From a sensory perspective, I tend to prefer the Jarrow product but it’s not a huge factor.
Bill, I believe this may be the column you were referring to?
Chilean firm proposes solvent-free krill extraction
I’ll take a look at the “caplique” claim when I have a few free moments. Right now, I’m tap dancing as fast as I can!
Be well!
JP
March 2nd, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Yep, JP, that’s the article. And notice that Hexane is mentioned and that Enzymotec reportedly indicated interest in Tharos’s process. And since we know that Aker uses ethanol and Nepune uses acetone, I put 2 and 2 together, and concluded that Enzymotec uses hexane.
With respect to capliques: Mercola claims that the capliques preserve the krill oil better, but I’m not sure what the basis of that claim is. Capliques are based on fish gelatin and normal gel-tabs are based on bovine gelatin; despite searching for a caplique/gel-tab comparison, I wasn’t able to find anything other than Mercola’s claims.
And Mercola’s claim is rather dubious considering the capliques have an obvious “join” at the middle, whereas gel-tab don’t. And ironically, there’s a place on Mercola’s site where he warns customers that occasionally the capliques leak. If they occasionally leak, how can they possibly be a better air-seal than gel-tab?
Mercola’s site also mentions the following points:
1. Improves bioavailability by promoting absorption.
This is arrant nonsense. Since when does one type of soluble container promote better absorption than another.
2, Avoids the use of plasticizers — chemicals that can exert a negative effect on your endocrine system.
If this is true, why not put the krill oil in a fish-gel gel-tab without plasticizers?
3. Possesses greater bioavailability due to reduced sensitivity to heat and moisture.
All I can say is, wow.
As I wrote in an earlier post, this is all “marketing” as far as I can tell. If Mercola is worried about getting the maximum amount krill lipids to human cells, why on earth does he use a low-grade krill oil?
Note: I found one manufacturer who puts high-grade krill oil (I think it’s NKO) in capliques, but it’s VERY expensive:
http://www.integrativepsychiatry.net/douglas_labs_neurokrill_caps.html
March 2nd, 2010 at 6:41 pm
Bill,
Yep–that is expensive. I wonder how they get all that EPA in the capsule–larger amounts of oil?? Hm…
Elizabeth Jesse
aka, Krill Detective (lol)
March 2nd, 2010 at 9:58 pm
I didn’t have time to do much digging today. But I’m pretty sure I found the manufacturer of Capliques - http://www.atrium-innovations.com/en/home.html
They don’t appear to have a North American e-mail address posted on their “contact us” page but they do list a phone number. I can try giving them a call tomorrow.
Be well!
JP
March 2nd, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Here’s Neptune’s patent for extracting lipids from animal tissue:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6800299.html
Turns out they use BOTH acetone (to obtain what they refer to as “fraction 1″) and then an alcohol (to obtain what they refer to as “fraction 2″).
And how do they ultimately remove the solvents from the lipids? Why, to quote the patent: “To get rid of traces of organic solvents, lipid fractions I and II are warmed to about 125° C. for about 15 minutes under inert atmosphere.”
125 degrees C is 45 degrees Fahrenheit above water’s boiling point. I guess it would be fair to call this a “not so cold extraction” method. But at least it does appear to preserve the phospholipids.
Here is a quote of the most interesting parts:
“The starting material consisting of freshly harvested and preferably finely divided marine and aquatic animal material is subjected to acetone extraction, for at about two hours and preferably overnight. However extraction time is not critical to the yield of lipid extraction. To facilitate extraction, it is preferable to use particles of less than 5 mm in diameter. Extraction is preferably conducted under inert atmosphere and at a temperature in the order of about 5° C. or less.
“Preferably, the beginning of the extraction will be conducted under agitation for about 10 to 40 minutes, preferably 20 minutes. Although extraction time is not critical, it was found that a 2 hour extraction with 6:1 volume ratio of acetone to marine and aquatic animal material is best.
“The solubilized lipid fractions are separated from the solid material by standard techniques including, for example, filtration, centrifugation or sedimentation. Filtration is preferably used.
“After separation by filtration on an organic solvent resistant filter (metal, glass or paper) the residue is optionally washed with pure acetone, preferably two volumes (original volume of material) to recover yet more lipids. The combined filtrates are evaporated under reduced pressure. Optionally, flash evaporation or spray drying may be used. The water residue obtained after evaporation is allowed to separate from the oil phase (fraction I) at low temperature.
“The solid residue collected on the filter is suspended and extracted with alcohol, such as ethanol, isopropanol, t-butanol or alternatively with ethyl acetate, preferably two volumes (original volume of material). The filtrate is evaporated leaving a second fraction of lipids (identified as fraction II). Although the extraction period is not critical, it was found that an extraction time of about 30 minutes is sufficient at temperatures below about 5° C.
“Temperature of the organic solvents, except t-butanol, and temperature of the sample are not critical parameters, but it is preferable to be as cold as possible. However, in the case of t-butanol which is solid at room temperature, it is important to warm it before using it and to perform the extraction at 25° C. immediately.”
March 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 am
The latest wrinkle in the krill oil story:
“Valensa has teamed up with Aker BioMarine to launch a krill oil ingredient for supplements that bolsters the astaxanthin levels in krill oil.
Targeting general and cardiovascular health, the new Deep Ocean Krill ingredient combines Superba Krill Oil from Aker with Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin from Valensa.
Florida-based Valensa claims that the two distinguishing features of the new ingredient are its high astaxanthin levels and its stability – the product offers guaranteed shelf-life of two years.”
http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Industry/Valensa-adds-astaxanthin-to-krill-oil-in-new-ingredient
Be well!
JP
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:41 am
Good Morning Everyone!
I can’t say enough about astaxanthin. It is awesome stuff. My skin looks so much better since I have been on it (over a year now)., and I would post a picture, but I do not know how on this blog). The thing is, the krill people are making such a big deal about the fact that this super antioxidant is in their krill. In most cases, there are only 1.5 grams of astaxanthin in a daily dose of krill. I take EIGHT grams a day, plus whatever is in the krill. It’s very cheap, too. It is only $9.99 for 60, 4mg capsules of Natural Asataxanthin (see BioAstin) at vitacost.com
Have a nice morning!
Elizabeth
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Interesting, JP,
To quote from the article:
“Thanks to the addition of its botanical O2B Peroxidation Blocker technology, Valensa says it can guarantee Deep Ocean Krill a two year shelf-life.”
This is definitely a positive development, but it begs the question: If the addition of Valensa astaxanthin to Superba krill oil will give the combination a two-year shelf life, then presumably Superba krill oil must currently have MUCH LESS than a two-year shelf life (despite what the Superba krill oil spec sheet says). I suspected as much, but this article pretty much removes all doubt and suggests to me that the actual shelf-life of Superba krill oil is no more than 1 year.
I know the manufacturers recommend against freezing krill oil, but what is their opinion on refrigeration?
Bill
March 3rd, 2010 at 3:36 pm
JP,
I just received the spec sheet from Azantis. Where can I email it to you as an attachment?
Bill
March 3rd, 2010 at 4:18 pm
Bill–I can’t wait to see it. My Azantis krill just came today!
March 3rd, 2010 at 4:49 pm
Bill–I believe I have been told you should not refrigerate krill. I guess it makes it sticky.
March 3rd, 2010 at 7:48 pm
Bill–can you email the Azantis spec. sheet to elizjesse@sbcglobal.net ?
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:03 pm
Bill,
You can reach me at jp@healthyfellow.com
Elizabeth may be correct about the humidity/refrigeration issue. I haven’t specifically asked though.
In other news, or non-news, I wasn’t able to contact Atrium Innovations (the makers of the Caplique soft capsules) today. I called around 3:00 PM my time but they were closed. I’ll try again tomorrow.
No word yet from Vitacost/NSI about their SKO product and nothing new from Neptune.
Be well!
JP
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:12 pm
So I’ve emailed the Azantis data sheet to JP (and of course, Elizabeth), which should be posted relatively soon. But a little more background info:
I exchanged emails with Mickey at Azantis, and I can confirm Elizabeth’s impressions that he is a wonderfully helpful guy. After looking at the data sheet, I noticed that the reported astaxanthin level seemed very low. Here was our next email exchange:
————
Thanks, Mickey,
I notice that a few of the numbers on the fact sheet are a little different from those on on your website and on the labels of products that use Azantis krill oil.
For example, on the Products page of your website, where you list “Azantis Krill Oil Supplement Facts,” the astaxanthin level is listed as 1.5 mg/gram - this is also the number listed on Azantis krill oil product labels. But on the fact sheet, you indicate “0.15 mg.” Is that a typo (did you mean .15% rather than .15 mg), or are you not including supplemented esterified astaxanthin on the fact sheet ?
Also, you show 183 mg EPA and 456 mg phospholipids (very high numbers) on the fact sheet, whereas on the website and product label the numbers are 150 and 420 mg, respectively. Are the data on the product labels conservative, worst-case values?
———————–
Mickey’s response:
The fact sheet was made awhile ago; the best way to figure out is a C of A on the softgels. Very good point on the esterified astaxanthin; all of our astaxanthin is esterified and is 1.5%, or 1500ppm. It is a typo on the data sheet that will be corrected. It should read 1.5mg or 1500ppm of Astaxanthin.
As to The EPA/DHA, we use low #’s on the label, and the same for the Phospholipids, because it is very hard to hit perfect #’s on each batch. So we use the #’s we know will be the worst case. It is the same for the weight of the softgels; we state that they are 500mg when we know they are overfilled to 510mg most of the time, but we keep the 500mg as the base #.
————————–
And Elizabeth, you’ll be interested to know that Mickey confirmed that NSI SKO is indeed Azantis oil (but Mickey also said that that oil was sold to Vita Cost 11 months ago, so buyer beware). NSI KriaXanthin is NOT Azantis oil (not even the cheaper, 2810 blend-quality oil).
Anyway, that’s the news that’s fit to type for now.
Bill
March 3rd, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Fantastico, Bill! You and Elizabeth are quickly becoming the first couple of krill oil! You’re both discovering wonderfully useful information. Thank you both!
PS - Kriaxanthin comes from this source.
They claim to use no solvents in the extraction process.
Be well!
JP
March 4th, 2010 at 1:37 am
Ladies and Gents,
Here’s the Azantis PDF courtesy of Bill.
Be well!
JP
March 4th, 2010 at 8:46 am
Thanks, Bill! Awesome work. Now, I am waiting with bated breath to hear what is NOT fit for printing, lol!
JP, I think you should do a movie about this called, The Krill Detectives. The stars of the film would all have OCD when it comes to investigating krill. What do you say?
Seriously, though, this has to be one of the most informative krill research places, ever–at least for consumers.
TTYL-
:)’s Elizabeth
March 4th, 2010 at 10:31 am
My latest “investigation” is on the refrigeration question. Some places (including Mercola) say, “Please do not refrigerate.” But they really don’t say why. I found a blog where one of the posters said (like Elizabeth suggested) that the gel-tabs get all sticky in the refrigerator.
But I found another site that said the shelf-life of krill oil gel-tabs would be doubled (to 4 years) by refrigeration, and that the stickiness is caused by moisture penetrating the plastic bottle. So they recommend storing in glass bottles.
Anyway, anything that can preserve the healthful qualities of krill oil to the maximum extent possible (without going crazy about it) would seem to me to be desirable. So I’d like to get to the bottom of this. It simply doesn’t make sense to me that refrigeration (as opposed to freezing) would be a bad thing.
Bill
March 4th, 2010 at 12:31 pm
The Krill Detectives, eh? It does have a ring to it.
Bill - I’m almost certain it’s the higher level of relative humidity in the refrigerator that’s the concern. In the past, I would use liquid fish oil that required refrigeration. I can’t image why krill would be any different. Glass bottles and silica packets would probably do the trick, IMO.
Be well!
JP
March 4th, 2010 at 12:46 pm
One difference between krill and fish oil is the phospholipids, which make the krill oil water soluble. So I can understand how, if water vapor penetrated into the plastic bottle and through the gel-tab’s shell, you could end up with more and more water getting into the krill oil, which (perhaps) would in turn cause the gel-tabs to start breaking down ==> stickiness issue. Further, the extra water (which contains dissolved oxygen) in the krill oil would probably causes the oil to oxidize more rapidly.
So, yeah, refrigeration COULD cause serious problems. But I’m guessing it’s not the refrigeration, per se. And I guess there’s a similar concern with freezing. Still, in a well sealed (and perhaps evacuated) glass container, I wouldn’t think it would be a problem.
March 4th, 2010 at 1:01 pm
For now, the 2 year shelf life is good for me. I guess I may want to freeze it if I was planning to stockpile it. Maybe that is not such a bad idea. If Big Pharma is ever able to get a monopoly on krill, I am sure the price would go way up. It seems to me that some of the krill people are trying to do that right now with the astaxanthin *sell*. Astaxanthin is not currently expensive, though, so I am unimpressed by the hype about more astaxanthin in the krill, even though I really, really like astaxanthin and krill :).
March 4th, 2010 at 1:04 pm
Actually, Big Pharma, if they were wise, would make a Prozac/Krill/Astaxanthin/Ubiquinol “blend” for depression. I bet it would work much better that way!
March 4th, 2010 at 2:04 pm
Good point, Bill. Thank you for making it.
I found a contact person at Atrium Innovations. I e-mailed him and I’m awaiting a reply re: the Caplique technology.
Here are a few krill oil links I thought might be of interest:
Krill Oil Manufacturers and Suppliers
Krill Oil Pre-Clinical Testing (Drug Development) -
Significant Anti-dyslipidemic Effects Confirmed
Drug Candidate CaPre™ Improvement of Glucose Tolerance
Reports on Medical Food Candidate Preclinical Research
NeuroBioPharm
Be well!
JP
March 4th, 2010 at 4:09 pm
From Mickey at Azantis:
“The reason that you should not put krill oil softgels in hot or cold weather is that the phospholipids in gelatin softgels react to the temp, phospholipids are very unstable and they clot. The exact reason for this I do not know but it does effect the softgel.
“It is after the biomass has been processed that the oil becomes very sensitive to heat and cold. Again it is hard to explain why phospholipids act, but if a company uses a thin softgel or sometimes a two-piece capsule they will find the weak point in the capsule usually where the seal is and sometimes come through.”
Me again:
I don’t believe the phospholipids are “unstable” in the sense of breaking down. What I believe is actually going on is that as the krill oil absorbs water (from water vapor from the air), the volume of liquid increases, putting pressure on the capsule (and given the presence of water, perhaps partially dissolving it, too). The oil would then push through any weak point. Which explains why Mercola’s capliques are more subject to leakage (they have a very obvious seam) than normal gel-tabs.
March 4th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
Hi–
I was reading through this blog and noticing how we have all “evolved” in our understanding about krill. It might be helpful to summarize our findings for new people who read this so they aren’t confused by reading an earlier post that someone wrote before they had more information. Does that make sense?
:)’s Elizabeth
March 4th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
Ladies and Gents,
I just exchanged e-mails with Mickey of Azantis. If all goes as planned, I’ll have the opportunity to meet him in Anaheim next weekend. Looking forward to it.
Elizabeth - I think that’s a good idea. I’ll go through the comments and try to pick up on the main points and do my best to summarize them. I’m in the middle of a few projects at the moment but I’ll have the summary up soon. We can all add to it, of course, and amend it as needed.
Be well!
JP
March 4th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
The latest … Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. distances itself from the current fish oil controversy.
Be well!
JP
March 4th, 2010 at 9:26 pm
How cool. Mickey seems like a very nice and dynamic man. I wish I could come out to the expo next month.
I started making a “krill detective chart,” lol. Mine is rather crude right now, but I think having one would make it nice and neat for new readers, so they do not have to try and follow our brain storming through a hundred plus posts.
Oh, Mickey sent along a great book with my Azantis order, by the way. It is called Brain-Building Nutrition: How Dietary Fats and Oils Affect Mental, Physical, and Emotional Intelligence, by Michael A. Schmidt, Ph.D. The book is filled with great information and it does discuss krill more than the earlier book written by Dr. Stoll.
:)’s Elizabeth
March 5th, 2010 at 12:12 am
Elizabeth,
The good news: you got an interesting book about krill oil. The bad news is that we’ll be expecting a book report!
Seriously though, I’d/we’d love to hear your thoughts about Dr. Schmidt’s book.
Be well!
JP
March 5th, 2010 at 1:04 am
That Neptune article has some very interesting information. I was under the impression that Neptune supplements the astaxanthin content of its krill oil, pretty much in the same way Aker will soon be doing with Valensa astaxanthin. But Neptune’s Harland says NKO astaxanthin is “naturally occurring”, as if no supplementation is performed.
If you look at Table 17 of Neptune’s patent (see link above), you’ll see that the total astaxanthin resulting from the two lipid fractions produced by the extraction process is about 215 micro-grams/gram of oil, or .215 mg of astaxanthin. That .215 mg is what I would refer to as “naturally occurring.”
So, where does the additional 1.3 mg come from? I have a guess:
Those two concepts (supplementation and “naturally occurring”) can be reconciled if by “naturally occurring” Harland actually means “naturally occurring in krill,” but not necessarily naturally present at full (1.5%) strength in NKO immediately after oil extraction. Perhaps Neptune extracts astaxanthin from the solid matter (including krill exo-skeletons) left over after oil extraction, and then some sort of process is performed to esterify it (bind it) with omega-3’s in the krill oil.
Enzymotec krill oil also has 1.5 mg of “esterified” astaxanthin. Maybe, JP, when you meet with Mickey you can find out what all this astaxanthin stuff really means.
At any rate (and Elizabeth, this is for you), I think it’s quite likely that the NKO and Azantis esterified astaxanthin is probably much more bio-available than plant-based astaxanthin.
Another, unrelated, tidbit that I picked up from that article is this designation, “NKO(R)”. What does that “R” stand for? To me, the implication is that there’s some other letter that designates another, lower (blend) grade of Neptune oil.
March 5th, 2010 at 1:15 am
My bad. I think the “R” in NKO(R) is just supposed to the the “Registered Trademark” designation.
My imagination sometimes goes a little crazy. :-/
March 5th, 2010 at 10:30 am
Hi Bill,
Well, darnit, they should not have put that (R) in such an unrecognizable format ;-)!
Have you seen the book on astaxanthin? I will send the link to JP. Anyway, BioAstin does make the natural version of astaxanthin. I am not sure about this esterified vs. plant based issue. I will need to check it out.
:)’s Elizabeth
March 5th, 2010 at 10:37 am
Aw, JP, a book report? That will require me to access my higher order cognitive capabilities, lol! Are you expecting master’s level work? Okay–I will do it, but it may take a couple of days.
:)’s Elizabeth
March 5th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
More “skinny” on the SKO product from Vitacost: The manufactured date on my bottle says 0110. I assume this means that the product was made in January of this year. Now, if Vitacost (or NSI) bought the krill a year ago, my guess is this SKO only has one year left of shelf life. Hm. I wonder how long they will continue to sell it?
March 5th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Elizabeth,
What Use By date is on the SKO bottle? It SHOULD be based on the date the krill oil was manufactured, not the date the pills were manufactured and/or bottled by NSI.
One thing I forgot to ask Mickey was: What is the shelf-life of Azantis oil? If they supplement their astaxanthin in the same way Neptune does, then the oil should be stable for three years (assuming Neptune’s claimed shelf life is accurate).
Of course, the clock actually starts ticking on the date the oil is manufactured by Enzymotec. On average, it might take a couple of months for Azantis to receive it, and then up to a few more months before all of a given batch of oil is completely sold out to manufacturers. So the NSI oil could easily have been 4 months old before NSI received it.
Now you know, Elizabeth, why I’m concerned about stability. And this isn’t just a question of whether the oil is consumed within the oil’s shelf-life. Frankly, I’d hope to consume oil well before the shelf life has expired. Same-day bread is wonderful; four-day-old bread may not be stale yet, but it isn’t nearly as good.
Fresh is better (and I can be awfully fresh).
March 5th, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Bill,
Mickey said the shelf life in Azantis oil is 2 years. However, he also said that after 2 years, the oil only loses about 5% of the beneficial components. This is not too bad when you consider that Azantis puts more “good stuff” in it than what they report. Maybe this is why Neptune claims a 3 year shelf life. My guess is that Azantis could get away with the same claim, but they want to make sure they are absolutely not scamming people.
There is no use by date on the SKO product, and since we have heard it was purchased by NSI a whole year ago, my guess is that it only has one year left if a use by date were to be placed on the bottle. So, the question is, how “fresh” is the NKO oil, really ;-)?
Elizabeth
March 5th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Bill - I’ll try to find out all I can about the astaxanthin issue when I speak to Mickey at Expo West.
Elizabeth - Thank you for the book link. Any type of book report will be welcome. No pressure. We grade on a curve around here.
Still no reply from Neptune or NSI.
Be well!
JP
March 5th, 2010 at 4:00 pm
I don’t know if the FDA has rules regarding whether supplement manufacturers (by whom I mean those slapping a label on the product and selling it to consumers) are required to be restricted by the supplement’s inherent shelf life as opposed to when they placed it in the bottle.
Because of the uncertainty as to the actual age of supplements, I think it’s wise to purchase supplements originally manufactured by major players (rapid turnover of raw materials), packaged by major manufacturers (high turnover of inventory), and sold by major resellers (rapid turnover of stock). So, for example, krill oil from Mercola is probably fresh. Same for NOW NKO sold by Swansons. And if the seller will cooperate, we can always ask for the Use By date (if there is one).
I have a feeling that the Use By date is left off the most recent NSI SKO bottles because it would have looked bad.
March 5th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
JP,
I wrote Neptune, too, asking about astaxanthin and quoting from yesterday’s article and their patent.
Bill
March 5th, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Brain-Building Nutrition: How Dietary Fats and Oils Affect Mental, Physical, and Emotional Intelligence, 3rd edition, by Michael A. Schmidt, PhD.
Dr. Schmidt provides readers with a valuable resource that looks into the world of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and their effects on almost every aspect of human physiology.
In Dr. Schmidt’s book, we learn that our brains are made up of nearly 6o percent fat and that we have the capability to improve our health, substantially, by including certain fats and oils in our daily diets. Dr. Schmidt covers the science behind EFAs and discusses how to get the brain-fats we need in his chapter on food and supplements. He also talks about the dangers of trans fatty acids on the brain in a chapter entitled, The French Fry Generation.
One thing I like about Dr. Schmidt’s book is the fact that he addresses the benefits of using krill oil. Most of the earlier work written on EFA’s mainly discussed the use of fish oil as a source for beneficial fats. As we know from all of the studies, fish oil can be helpful for protecting heart health, reducing bad cholesterol, treating depression, PMS and ADHD; however, it does not contain the choline rich phospholipids that our brains need. In his book, Dr. Schmidt discusses what can happen when we do not get enough choline. He refers to the work of Dr. Richard Wurtman, who found that the brain can actually “cannibalize” when enough choline is not provided in the diet! Dr. Schmidt also discusses phospholipid supplements in his book and mentions that the fatty acid in krill is a close match for our own brain phospholipids.
The other parts I really like about Dr. Schmidt’s book are all of the studies that he includes discussing how EFA’s protect the brain against neurological disorders, like Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, and Alzheimer’s disease. The case study he writes about concerning the use of EFA’s in reducing violence in prisoners is also quite fascinating.
Finally, the book includes a helpful question and answer section and several useful appendixes–a table of foods with the highest antioxidant content, a body mass index (BMI) table, contents of Omega-3 in marine and fresh water fish, and much more.
Despite my joy in finding this wonderful book, I still believe there is an audience out there (including me) who would like to see a newer book written where krill oil is used as the main source for EFAs in all of the case studies. Until that happens, Dr. Schmidt’s book is a very, very useful reference.
~Elizabeth A. Jesse, MA, LLPC
March 5th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
http://www.amazon.com/review/R30G4ARQDB1S93/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm
The above link is to the book review I posted on Amazon. Happy reading :)!
Elizabeth
March 6th, 2010 at 12:13 am
Bravo, Elizabeth! Well done. I feel like I have a good sense of the book already.
Brain cannibalism? Yikes! I’m off to make some eggs (another good source of choline) and take some krill oil pronto!
Be well!
JP
March 11th, 2010 at 11:35 pm
Here’s some very basic information provide to me about the supposed advantages of capliques vs. soft gels. More on this to come …
Be well!
JP