Krill oil Versus Fish Oil or Flaxseed Oil Is Krill Oil better than Fish Oil or Flaxseed?

Both krill oil and fish oil have a lot of health benefits. There have been a lot of questions and misinformation on krill oil versus fish oil  or flaxseed oil which has kept many people wondering whether krill oil is better than fish or flaxseed oil. In this article, we explore these differences on the basis of their contents, nature, how they work and health benefits.

While both krill oil and fish oil contain omega-3 fatty acids, they exist in different forms and many studies are coming up to clearly give krill oil an advantage over krill oil. According to differencebetween.net, krill oil comes from crustaceans that live in the cold waters of the Antarctic and feed on plankton while fish oil comes from fish that live in cold, deep waters including: tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel and cod.

Krill Oil Versus Fish Oil-What are the Difference between Krill and Fish Oil?

While krill oil and fish oil have great health benefits, there are several factors that seem to make krill oil better with more health benefits than fish oil. Below, find out how these two compare on similarities and differences.

Krill oil and fish oil are both important sources of long chain omega 3 fatty acids- EPA and DHA. These however exist in different forms.

In fatty acids, omega 3 are found in the form of triglycerides- its structure contains 3 fatty acids bound to a glycerol. Krill oil however, is found in a different simpler form called phospholipid. This is just another type of fat that contains two fatty acids instead of three. The phospholipid structure of krill oil makes it more absorbable than fish oil making krill oil consumption more effective than fish oil.

On antioxidants, krill oil contains more antioxidants than fish oil. The antioxidant potency of krill oil is way better than fish oil. Astaxanthin found in krill oil provides excellent antioxidant properties that protect the phospholipid cell membrane from damage by free radicals. It helps the skin block the UV rays preventing against sun damage.

Most people do not like fish and even those who do, don’t like the bad aftertaste that comes with taking fish oil supplements. Krill oil is easily absorbable and does not have a particular taste making them more tolerable than fish oil.

While all nearly all types of fish contain harmful levels of mercury, Krill oil is better than fish oil because it is less contaminated with harmful toxins.
Compared to fish oil, krill oil has many health benefits. Krill oil is known to reduce inflammation which is the root of many diseases. It does not only help your heart, krill oil has been proven to benefit your brain by improving conditions such as ADHD, depression and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

One of the things that gives krill oil an added advantage over fish oil is because it does stay fresh for some time. Proper fish is required to keep the fish in its most effective form. Fish oil is more prone to oxidation which leads to formation of free radicals. This further increases the need for antioxidants

Fish oil is well known to reduce the level of bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. Unlike fish oil, krill oil gives the same or even better results at a lower dose. This makes krill oil better at lowering the risk of heart diseases.

Krill oil is far more sustainable than fish oil. It is the largest biomass in the world- making krill oil harvesting one of the most sustainable practices in the world.

The harvesting, extraction and manufacture of krill oil is more complicated than fish oil. Its common sense that it takes more skill to fish in the Antarctica. The expensive processes undertaken to ensure quality and eco-sustainability of krill oil means that the end product is double the price of fish oil.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil Differences Infographic

The following infographic by Dr Mercola illustrates the differences between fish oil and krill oil. Have a look to find out more on how these two types of oil differ.

Krill Oil Versus Fish Oil-What are the Similarities?

Krill oil VS fish oil- what are the similarities? Fish oil and krill oil share many similarities- they effectively reduce the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids in the body. This is linked with lower levels of chronic inflammation. Both oils also increase the plasma and cell membrane concentration of omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit heart health by lowering plasma triglycerides, resting heart rate, and blood pressure; they also seem to have beneficial effects on myocardial filling and efficiency as well as vascular function.

Both fish oil and krill oil make the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Just like fish oil, krill oil is rich in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 acid is also high in DHA and EPA. Deficiencies of both have been associated with depression, schizophrenia, memory loss and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Other than disease prevention, krill oil and fish oil have also been found to decrease inflammation which is the root cause of many chronic diseases, lower cholesterol resulting in reduced risk of heart disease.

Similar to fish oil, krill oil can cause allergies, bloating and stomach upsets especially in those with allergies to shellfish.

Krill oil or Fish oil? Is Krill Oil better than Fish Oil?

The debate on whether krill oil or fish oil is a heated one. There have been claims that the manufacturers of krill oil have come up with studies to increase their profits. Still, the number of people going for these supplements is still high meaning that people are willing to take the risk.

Fish consumption is better studied than fish or krill oil supplements. Whether fish oil supplements provide all of the cardiovascular benefits of fish consumption is debated. For patients who don’t like fish, fish oil supplements are a reasonable alternative. However, more research is needed to determine whether krill oil is similar to fish or fish oil with regard to cardiovascular benefits.

Despite the fact that fish is is rich in DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, it is one of the most polluted foods on the planet today.

According to a report by NRDC (National Resources Defense Council), large predacious fish like tuna, shark, swordfish and mackerel may have hazardous mercury concentrations within their bodies. In fact, the concentration are estimated to be 10000 times higher than those of the fish in the surrounding environments.

To keep away from mercury, simply avoid consuming regular fish. Instead look for wild fish like salmon (Alaskan) which is of high quality and certified to be low in contaminants.

Lack of antioxidants in fish oil makes it highly perishable. When fish oil decomposes within your body, it results to free radical formation which in turn is harmful to your body. Krill oil might be superior because of the following reasons.

Just like fish oil, krill oil is made up of above average amounts of beneficial omega-3 fats DHA and EPA. However, the omega-3 fats from krill oil come in a much more absorbable form that is likely to be used by your body with ease

Unlike fish oil, krill oil is rich in antioxidants. Therefore, there will be no free radical formation. Astaxanthin is one of the strongest antioxidants in krill oil. It is a special marine-source flavonoid that bonds with EPA and DHA. This bonding makes them more bioavailable.
More so, krill is less contaminated with substances like mercury.

The video below by Prograde explains the differences in how both oils are digested and absorbed in your body. Krill oil still comes as the better option.

Krill Oil Vs Flaxseed Oil-Which is Better?

Flaxseed oil contains ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), a forerunner to the essential omega-3 fatty acid that to some extent and inefficiently changes into DHA and EPA — more active omega-3s — in your body. According to WebMed not enough has been done to back up the idea that flaxseed oil can improve heart disease risk. However, there is substantial evidence that flaxseed oil may lower cholesterol levels.

Studies show that Flaxseed oil, like, krill oil and fish oil, may lower triglycerides. However, it is necessary to take a higher dosage (38-60 grams) of flaxseed oil for it to produce results.

Krill oil vs fish oil, which is better?

It is clear that Krill is better. Because of readily available and absorbable DHA and EPA. For flaxseed oil, a conversion will have to take place for your body to obtain DHA and EPA

However, Flaxseed oil can serve as an alternative if you are allergic to krill or fish oil.

Before using any fish supplements, it is best to consult with your nutritionist or doctor just so you don’t go along with the fad claims on what is whether krill oil is better than fish oil.

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3. Krill Oil Side Effects / Dangers & Safety-Liver, Itching, Acne Mega Red