Krill oil as the name implies come from krills. Krills are crustaceans that look like shrimp. One who is not familiar with how a shrimp looks like may mistake krill as a shrimp. Records show that their sizes vary from one centimeter (1cm) to six centimeters (6cm) long. Aside from that, they are almost at the bottom of the food chain hence they serve as food to other sea creatures like those fishes may it be the big or the small ones, penguins, squids , whales and sea birds.

However, belonging to the lowest part of the food chain has its benefits not to krills but to people who will take advantage of the goodness they has to offer as krills do not pose to people the threat of containing mercury therefore making it safe to use as a supplement. In addition, krill extinction is unlikely to happen because it has 18 species of its kind and tons of krill are available worldwide amounting to an estimated 500 million to 750 million tons. They eat phytoplankton, an algae that produces astaxanthin, a bright red pigment that is responsible for giving krills, shrimps and other crustaceans the reddish-pinkish glow.

Essential fatty acids are important to a person in many ways from starting from a fetus to old age. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is said to be the building block of important parts of a person’s body that is the central nervous system, retina and the brain. This is why advertisements of baby’s formula milk are promoting their products as DHA containing formula. It was discovered that DHA together with EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), another kind of essential fatty acids found in krills, are effective in treating and preventing heart disorders. The mentioned Omega-3 essential fatty acids are known to reduce high blood pressure by decreasing the bad cholesterol (LDL) while increasing the HDL or more known as good cholesterol. In addition to this, krill oil inhibits plaque formation in the arteries lowering the risk of having cardiac arrests.

It also helps in lowering blood sugar making it a big help for prevention of diabetes and controlling high blood sugar. Aside from this, EPA’s anti-inflammatory characteristic helps in relieving rheumatoid arthritis’ pain. As a reminder, people should take of their bodies still even if supplements as krill oil exists because no matter how much you take of this oil, body when abused will eventually give way.

Krill oil contains essential fatty acids of Omega-3 that are known as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These two essential fatty acids are said to be important in many ways as they are the one responsible for good heart health effects making them good ingredients for a supplement. They help in controlling blood sugar preventing a person from having diabetes or controlling it when one is already diabetic. It also prevents arteries from clogging resulting to lesser risk of cardiac arrest and other heart related problems.

However, their effects are not just for people who were already sick and those who wanted to prevent sickness. High amounts of both EPA and DHA are required for pregnant women for the brain development of the baby in the womb and to lessen the post partum syndrome. Moreover, once the baby is born, the two fatty acids will be continually needed thus supplements of this kind are formulated. This is evident in commercials of different milk formula for babies and kids all boasting about the DHA content of their endorsed product. It is a fact though that as kids grow up, they do not want to drink milk anymore and as the age increase, DHA content in milks are decreased. Therefore, chewable supplements for kids came on the rise. Chewable versions are child-friendly since they will have no difficulty swallowing. It is also a given fact that chewable supplements have good flavored taste so that kids would love to chew it.

Low levels of  Omega-3 fatty acids are associated with children with ADHD and studies have shown that increasing the level of the said fatty acid resulted to improved results in the academic and behavioral aspects of the child. There are of kids who have asthma. EPA has anti-inflammatory character helps children with asthma by improving the respiratory function and decreasing the inflammation. In addition to this, same relief is provided for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Unlike fish oil which have been on the market for long before krill oils made its name, krill oil contains vitamins E, D, and A. Claims have been made in the scientific field that milk is not the way of getting calcium for the bones. Studies have shown that people in Asia and Africa who have low milk intake have less case and risk of osteoporosis. On the other hand, Americans and Europeans who have relatively high milk consumption are the ones who are more prone to osteoporosis meaning, there are other factors responsible for having strong bones like Vitamin D. Therefore, krill oil is best for people of any age. There is one precaution though. Some people are allergic to crustaceans so one should consider it as krill is a crustacean.

Just like Dr. Mercola krill oil wherein many people are getting encouraged to buy it just because of the way it has been advertised that people are enticed to buy. The Dr. Mercola website also added some color to the so called Dr. Mercola credentials wherein the website just talks about how good and well researched the product is plus it showcase the medical license of Dr. Mercola proving that he is a certified physician and surgeon. There are many health newsletters that are really full of information and when people get to read it, they are immediately being convinced of the content of the news. That is why no one would think of the thought Dr. Mercola fraud or Dr. Mercola scam because all they would see on the website are good things and researches that are claiming things that are too good to be true. And due to the fact that many people are starting to be health conscious nowadays, many are being a victim of such product.

Even Dr. Mercola UK products are being patronized that is why in 2005 the FDA warned him to stop his illegal claims but has not complied with the order. He still claims that his supplements are good for the health just like the krill oil taken from a krill which contains important omega-3 fatty acids which could also be found in fishes and high amount of a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin which gives it an edge as a better source than fish but there many researchers would say that further study is needed to be able to prove what role this supplement brings in health and disease.

But now that many supplements are being sold in the market and many people have already tried certain products, they would like to make sure that the next time they would use a supplement it is really good and effective to them that is why many people that have heard of Dr. Mercola krill oil are having questions in their head like is it really effective of is Dr. Mercola krill oil a fraud or a scam? If they would really like to know the answer then they better ask their physician about it especially if they are not sure of the product. But for some people who have already tried it, they would surely say that it’s a fraud because nothing good is happening to them or they are starting to doubt the credibility of the product.

Ever heard of fish oil and how it can give us one of the biggest sources of Omega 3? Well, Krill oil is almost the same but…even better. It is said that fish oil indeed has the right amount of Omega 3 that we need in order to improve our health from eating all the fatty food intakes our body consumes daily. However, our body also needs Antioxidants, which is known to help in the prevention of various diseases such as cancer and coronary heart diseases; and fish oil is known to have weak antioxidant content. What makes it even better is that Krill is at the bottom of the food chain since it’s very small, thus it makes them free of toxins and contaminants.

Thus, here comes the discovery of Krill oil, which is not only rich in Omega 3 but also in Antioxidants. There are so many brands of krill oil going around now so you have to be sure of the brands that you take. Most of us are looking for ways how to improve out health; it is a never ending process of searching and trying different supplements that go well with our bodies. Several tests showed that Krill Oil helps improve our health in so many ways: a healthier heart, helps eliminate dysmenorrhea, joint pains, depression, lowers cholesterol, better memory, increases energy level, helps prevent stroke, and over all better health and immune system.

I cannot begin to enumerate all the vitamins, mineral and nutrients Krill Oil has but some of the common vitamins we need such as Vitamin A, Lutein, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B are definitely present. But as mentioned, you have to choose the right brand for the right or high amount of Omega 3 and Antioxidants content of Krill Oil products. Tests have been conducted and proved that there are several brands that have higher amount in both thus giving you better results in your health than the others.

However, Krill oil is not safe for everyone. People who are allergic to sea foods such as shrimps and crabs are not allowed to take this supplement. It is also not to be taken when someone is under medication on some certain drugs since it is possible to have drugs interactions especially blood-thinners and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. It is still better to consult a physician before deciding to take these supplements for better use.

Krill oil is extracted from krill and sold as a food supplement. Krill oil contains fatty acids similar to fish oil. These fats are thought to be beneficial fats that decrease swelling, lower cholesterol, and make blood platelets less sticky. Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which is the main reason it’s becoming popular as a nutritional supplement. When blood platelets are less sticky they are less likely to form clots. Another reason krill oil is becoming popular is because it contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. The algae that krill eat produces the bright red pigment astaxanthin that gives krill and other crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp their reddish-pink color. Antioxidants protect our body cells from damage from free radicals, unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it could theoretically protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.

People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn’t cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil. Also, krill oil contains higher amounts of astaxanthin than fish oil.

Krill oil is used for heart disease, high levels of certain blood fats (triglycerides), high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, depression,premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and painful menstrual periods.

The appropriate dose of krill oil depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for krill oil. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Research shows that a means to improve on a person’s health is through healthy living that includes exercising and eating right. Eating right, according to experts, is not the total eradication of certain food groups such as carbohydrates and fats but the intake of regulated amounts that would benefit a person’s health.

Dietitians and researchers encourage the intake of Omega-3 oils due to the compounds that it contains in order to ensure the health of a person’s heart as well as a boost to the immune system. Further research on the benefits of Omega-3 oils included a psychological benefit for the oil, as Australian researchers stated that omega-3 eases the risk of dementia and symptoms of depressions.

With such benefits coming from Omega-3 it is not a surprise to see a lot of researchers looking into the best sources of Omega-3 available. And so, the debate of fish oil vs. krill oil started.

Krill is a plankton-eating crustacean that can be associated with the shrimp that averages in one to six centimeters in length. As it is found in almost all of the oceans in the world because larger marine animals feed on it, commercial fishing for this shrimp-like organism is centered in the Southern Ocean and the Northern Pacific Ocean.

Researchers agree that both fish oil and krill oil contain enough Omega-3 to help with the improvement of bodily functions, krill oil’s potency reaches up to forty-eight times more than fish oil. Furthermore; researchers assert that there are more benefits that can be attained with the intake of krill oil rather than fish oil aside from krill oil’s potency.

Aside from the large difference in the potency of its Omega-3, krill oil has phospholipids and astaxanthin. Phospholipids in krill oil helps in the fast absorption of Omega-3 that enables it to be used by the body almost instantaneously. Furthermore; the astaxanthin (the component in the krill’s algae diet that causes its red pigmentation) content in krill oil ensures that the body receives a stronger defense against free radicals as astaxanthin is known to be a strong antioxidant.

It is also note worthy to mention that researches coming from various medical and nutritional journals all over the world assert that the intake of krill oil can decrease the risks of having type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease since it ensures the health of both the liver and the brain. And since it contains a strong and potent amount of antioxidants, krill oil helps in the protection of cell membranes that would in effect cause better skin conditions and slow down the aging process.

With all the health benefits of krill ranging from prevention of the occurrence of diseases, to the improvement of health from conditions of arthritis, dysmenorrhea, metabolic syndromes and more; it is no wonder that a lot of experts assert the inclusion of krill oil in a regular diet and that various pharmaceutical companies all over the world have heated legal battles over krill oil research and development.

According to an article published last October 18, 2011 in www.nutraingredients-usa.com, omega-3 krill oil supplement Schiff MegaRed is to carry the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) eco-label. MSC certification is being recognized and even demanded by retailers around the world for fresh caught seafood. Now, consumers of MegaRed Omega-3 Krill Oil can be assured that the krill supplement they have chosen is certified sustainable, has minimal impact on the environment and has 100 percent traceability form sea to shelf.

In an another article published last October 26, 2011 in www.stwnewspress.com, an Oklahoma State University researcher studies need for omega fatty acid balance. This researcher, Mary Muriuki Kimani spoke Tuesday to a group from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. She said that omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids that the body must get from the food we eat. They are the building blocks for hormones that control immune function, blood clotting and cell growth and they can be found in foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, algae krill, salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and halibut.

Fish oil is the most common supplement of omega-3 but according to Kimani, oil of krill is a better alternative. Krill is much smaller organism than fish, which Kimani said means there us lower rate of mercury contamination. Krill oil is also more concentrated than fish oil and is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, lessening the likelihood of digestive side effects. Additionally, krill are not facing the same over-fishing threat some species of fish are, making the oil more sustainable.

Another study revealed that krill oil may counter metabolic dysfunctions including raised fat levels in the heart and liver in obese individuals. Daily supplements of krill oil were linked to beneficial effects on the endocannabinoid system, which consists of a group of neuromodulatory lipids and receptors that influence appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory.

Krill breeds in the fresh waters of the Antartic which is contaminated to bare minimum, hence they do not contain the harmful levels of toxin and heavy metals whereas fishes in all oceans and seas which do not have equal fresh waters of the Antartic. Guaranteeing the freshness of the krill that are used to make the krill oil and the integrity of the product garners trust of the consumers and ensures health of the people now that krill oil is proven to be beneficial.  We are lucky  there are researchers tirelessly coming up with studies that gives us updates and tips on good supplements (such as krill oil) to help improve our health and well-being.  With news saying krill oil is better than fish oil, making sure that its products are safe, many people can enjoy its health benefits.

Krill are small shrimp or prawn-like creatures that feed the world’s most mammoth animals — the great whales. Krill is morphologically resembles small shrimp, represents small ocean crustaceans and has been used for human consumption in Japan and some other countries. People use krill oil for the same reasons they use fish oil, flax oil or other omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike fish oil, krill oil doesn’t cause fishy burps or an aftertaste, a common side effect of fish oil.

The oil extracted from these crustaceans contains important omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, found in fish oil. These compounds are not only essential to maintaining your health — scientific research indicates that they may also promote heart health and provide immune system and mood support. Krill oil also has a high amount of a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin– Antioxidants protect our body cells from damage from free radicals, unstable substances that are thought to contribute to certain chronic diseases. Unlike many other antioxidants, astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it could theoretically protect the eye, brain and central nervous system from free radical damage.

There is more health and wellness benefits that krill oil has, this include:

• Healthy brain and nervous system function and development; these can help to have a better concentration, memory and learning levels and also improve mood.
• Cardiovascular Health; Krill oil is more effective in reducing cholesterol level in the body in clinical studies it helps lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol.
• Skin Health; Fatty acids can help to clear up acne and as well as reduce skin inflammation and redness.
• Healthy joints with an increase in joint comfort; it is good in maintaining healthy joints and bones and also known to alleviate joint pain in older people. Krill oil increase the intake of omega-3s and this can help to prevent inflammation in joints.
• Diabetes; this can help in reducing high lipid and glucose levels in the body which are common in diabetes which also helps balance blood sugar levels.
• Depression; the fatty acids and phospholipids in krill oil can helps relieve the symptoms of depression, krill oil also a mind tonic and mood enhancer.
• Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS); this can helps relieve the symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome or PMS and dysmenorrheal, a condition characterized by uterine pain during menstruation.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); Omeg-3s are one of the most important supplements in treating the ADHD.

Many clinical and pharmaceutical companies in the world produced different types of krill oil as supplements to this illness and diseases but you must also know the side effect of this medicine. People with allergies to seafood should not use krill oil. And people with bleeding disorder should be cautious in taking the supplement with the supervision of certified health professionals. Taking krill oil may also result in loose tools, diarrhea or indigestion.

This discovery is a big help to the people since many diseases and disorder are increasing in numbers today. Krill oil treats many people who suffered in various disorders and illness and it is good for our health and maintaining balance in our body.

This scientifically supported finding comes from the British Journal Nutrition after Matthew Pase and his team of reviewers conducting 10 clinical trails on 10 adults. The tests were done on a controlled environment basis. The test was done by testing arterial compliance and pulse wave velocity, respectively. This showed the great significance omega-3 plays when it comes keeping the circulatory system in top shape. Even as early as 1970, Dr. Jorn Dyeberg and his team already made a report on these benefits.

PUFA, DHA, and EPA

The Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids is responsible for reduction of blood lipids and keeping the chance of getting thrombosis at bay. In case you don’t know, Thrombosis is a condition where the blood literally forms a clot of coagulated blood. Meanwhile DHA and EPA, two other types of Omega-3 Acids are responsible for keeping certain cancers out of the system. These two also contribute to a healthy pregnancy and positive psychological effects in terms of mood and behavior.

For people who are at risk of heart ailments, Omega-3 can help prevent disaster through daily dosage of Omega-3, at least 250 milligrams a day. How much reduction does this contribute? 35% and  17% risk reduction along the circulatory system and we’re talking about problems that are fatal in nature.

A Market for Omega 3

Heart ailments have become one of the biggest causes of death ever since fast food chains have been serving, mostly, fatty diets to the public. People had done all sorts of means to combat the side effects such as obesity, and diabetes which led to many the proliferation of fitness programs before the 21^st century. However, Omega-3 showed promise a market for Omega-3 Concentrates grew. According to Frost & Sulivan, the annual growth is 24%. By 2014, it is estimated that the market will be worth $1.6 Billion.

How many of you know, I am a big supporter of omega-3 fish oil. Not only do I take omega-3 supplements myself, but I recommend it to many if not most of my patients. Omega-3 have been shown to play a key role in heart health, reduces triglycerides and blood pressure by inhibiting inflammation.

In recent years there has been much gossip about the krill oil is better than fish oil for heart health, and I must say I’m curious. This marine oil produced by the shrimp harvest krill in Antarctic waters, not only contains significant amounts of omega-3 EPA and DHA, as well as phospholipids (which are an integral part of the structure of cell membranes) and powerful antioxidants, including astaxanthin, a carotenoid family of nutrients that includes beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene.

Krill oil has been widely praised not only because it can help lower total and “bad” LDLcholesterol, but also because it can help with arthritis pain and physical and emotional symptoms of PMS (SPM). Apparently, only the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) – not just krill (there are 85 recognized species worldwide) – it is the source of the oil power.

Just as the work of the krill oil to reduce cholesterol? No one is quite sure. But the 12-week study involving 120 men and women aged 25-75, Canadian researchers tested the effects of krill oil (Neptune krill oil used in the study), fish oil compared with high levels of blood lipids and found that it outperformed fish oil reduces total cholesterol, “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides – while at the same time, increasing the amount of “” good cholesterol HDL. A dose of 1 to 1.5 grams of Neptune krill oil a day are much more successful in reducing levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the dose of fish oil three times (3 grams). Krill oil at higher doses (3 grams) also lowered triglycerides in the blood, but not fish oil. The researchers speculate that it has a unique molecular structure of krill oil, which gives its powerful effect.

In general, fish oil has not been found to reduce LDL cholesterol unless it is replaced by saturated fat in foods increases LDL. I would not recommend krill oil or other omega-3 to reduce LDL, and you should consult your doctor before taking into account. But as a way to increase their total consumption of omega-3, with some other potential health benefits, seems promising.

You can buy krill oil capsules in most vitamin stores or online. (It is not yet available in grocery stores.) Unlike fish oil, it does not go rancid at room temperature, and causes no fish “burping”. I suggest looking for a product containing Neptune Krill Oil (BCN), because it is the krill oil that was used in the study of cholesterol. A dose of 1000 mg of krill oil per day could be helpful in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels improved. A dose of 500 milligrams once a day can help you maintain a good cholesterol level when you reach them. If you are already taking a station, but does not stop for the benefit of krill oil.