How to Find Safe and Effective Krill Oil at the Best Value

Fish oil, a known supplement for improving joint and heart health may be getting a bump in the beneficial effects department by krill oil.

Like fish oil, krill oil provides the healthful omega-3 fatty acids that are known to reduce inflammation throughout the body, alleviating symptoms associated with arthritis and heart disease. 

The helpful fatty acids, DHA and EPA, are found in both fish and krill oil, however, krill oil surpasses fish oil in the amount of EPA.  The added effect of EPA may create a boost in the therapeutic effects of krill oil making krill oil the new frontrunner.

Derived from small crustaceans (picture below), here’s a brief summary of the recently published clinical research of the potential health benefits of krill oil.*

Arthritis Symptoms

Krill oil helped people with arthritis by reducing pain, stiffness, loss of function, and inflammation as measured by serum C-reactive protein, or CRP, which is linked with chronic inflammation.

Heart Health

It’s possible to attain the same heart health levels of omega-3s recommended by the American Heart Association from krill oil supplements.  Like fish oil pills, krill oil pills can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

PMS 

Krill oil supplements were statistically more effective in managing self-reported emotional symptoms, breast tenderness, and joint pain.

Key Takeaway

If you take a krill oil dietary supplement, be sure its quality has been approved by independent testing (like the one shown below) and consult a doctor because both fish oil and krill oil may interact with some drugs, including blood thinners.

Best Option for Safety, Efficacy and Value

Based on significant research from private companies including UPS, NSF and ConsumerLab.com, one product stands out.

Viva Labs Krill Oil Softgels  – It offers a more concentrated form of omega-3 fatty acids. This brand offers the lowest cost per serving among the Krill oils approved by independent testing, but it is more expensive than the fish oils.

Selected Potential Side Effects

Upset stomach, nausea, and loose stools.  Very high doses can increase levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in some people or increase the chance of bleeding.

Selected Drug Interactions

Might increase the effect of blood-thinning drugs and high blood pressure medications.

Suggested Dosage

No recommended daily intake of EPA or DHA is given in the United States for healthy people, but some countries suggest a 300-500 mg cumulative combination of EPA and DHA.  For people with coronary artery disease (CAD), this recommendation also holds true when looking to reduce risk of coronary events such as heart attacks.  Additional evidence based suggestions include (by condition):

High triglycerides, 465 mg of EPA and 375 mg of DHA

Depression, 1670 mg EPA and 830 mg DHA

Resistance Training, 180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA per day, twice a day

To decrease risk for developing Retinal Disease, a combination of EPA and DHA of 200 mg per day.

Reference Guide for for other Tested (Safe) and True (Effective) Dietary Supplements

Tested and True: Fish Oil

Tested and True: Krill Oil

Tested and True: Multivitamins

Tested and True: Vitamin D

Tested and True: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ-10)

Tested and True: Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Tested and True: Probiotics

Tested and True: Muscle Enhancers – Creatine

Tested and True: Muscle Enhancers – Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)

Tested and True: Nutrition Bars

Tested and True: Nutrition Drinks & Powders

Tested and True: Weight Loss Accelerators and Appetite Controllers

Tested and True: Mood Booster SAM-e

Tested and True: Mood Booster St. Johns’ Wort

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*reference: Consumer Reports Health

 

About Dave Barnas, M.S., CES, NASM-CPT

Dave is the true health guy. He is the founder and owner of True Health Unlimited, LLC, a personal health and fitness company in Tolland, CT & Wellness Writers, a subscription wellness newsletter service that incorporates live & virtual wellness workshops for companies across New England. Dave earned both a Bachelor's (1998) and Master's Degree (2000) in Nutritional Science from the University of Connecticut, and also holds certifications as a National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine Certified Personal Trainer and Corrective Exercise Specialist, Aerobics and Fitness Association of America Group Instructor, and Nutrition Specialist. He's also the lead author for four published works. Dave has over 20 years of combined experience in nutrition counseling, dietary supplement advising, personal training, corrective exercise training, health coaching and public speaking. In addition, he's spent over 25 years studying spirituality, meditation, and personal growth strategies. Dave's clients are all ages: youth, college championship level athletes, folks in their retired years, and everywhere in between. He's worked with three of the nation's leading physicians as a dietary supplement advisor and been a guest lecturer at Harvard University, Yale University, UConn, St. Joseph College and various church groups, health clubs, and high schools. In 2013, he was invited to Whole Foods Market to share his Real Food Therapy Guide. And in 2015, Dave's funny "Snowga" (yoga in the snow) video caught the attention of The National Weather Channel, who aired it to shake off cabin fever and bring laughter. In 2016, Dave & Hollie (his wife) founded Wellness Writers and deliver evidence-based Wellness E-newsletters to spread a message of health and happiness to various businesses throughout the US. Dave currently serves as a personal trainer in Tolland as well as a wellness coach and writer for several businesses, gyms and wellness facilities throughout the US.

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