Antarctic Krill: What it is, benefits, and the best omega-3

Have you heard of krill? If so, what about Antarctic krill? Antarctic krill is a small marine crustacean that hides great power for our health. In this article, you will learn what Antarctic krill actually is, what effects it has, and why its oil is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

What is Antarctic krill?

Antarctic krill, or in Latin Euphausia superba, is a tiny crustacean that lives in large swarms around the South Pole. Krill of the Antarctic Ocean is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA. In addition, it contains the natural antioxidant astaxanthin, which gives krill oil its typical red color and increases its stability and effects.

Why omega-3 fatty acids are so important can be found in the article: Why does our body need omega-3? Effects and benefits

Effects of Antarctic krill

Antarctic krill is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart, brain, and joint health. Thanks to the content of phospholipids, omega-3 from krill is absorbed better than from regular fish oil, which increases their effectiveness.

The main effects include:

• Support of heart health: Helps lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and supports healthy blood pressure.

• Improvement of brain function: Omega-3 fatty acids are key for the proper functioning of the nervous system and can help improve memory and concentration.

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Helps reduce inflammation in the body, which is important e.g., in arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.

• Support of joint health: Thanks to anti-inflammatory properties, krill can relieve pain and improve joint mobility.

• Antioxidant protection: As already mentioned, astaxanthin protects cells from damage by free radicals and thus increases the body's resistance.

Best Omega 3 from Antarctic krill

Krill oil is due to its bioavailability and rich composition often considered one of the best forms of omega-3 fatty acids on the market. Unlike fish oil, omega-3 in krill oil is bound to phospholipids, which allows better absorption and utilization in the body.

If you are interested in the key differences between traditional fish oil and krill oil, we recommend checking out the article: Krill oil vs. fish oil: What is the better choice for your health?

When choosing krill oil, it is good to look for products that:

• Are obtained in a sustainable way, to protect Antarctic fauna.
• Contain natural astaxanthin, which provides the oil with antioxidants and increases its stability.
• Have quality and purity certifications, e.g., free of heavy metals and contaminants.

Interesting fact

For some, this may not be news, but it is certainly worth mentioning. Antarctic krill is one of the most numerous animals on Earth. Its total biomass is estimated at more than 500 million tons! That’s an enormous number when we realize that this small crustacean is a fundamental part of the food chain for many species of whales, penguins, fish, and other marine animals.

Although krill is so widespread, it is important that its fishing is regulated and sustainable to maintain balance in the ocean ecosystem. Thanks to containing powerful antioxidants and easily absorbable omega-3 fatty acids, krill oil has become a sought-after dietary supplement around the world.

What technology is used during harvesting?

The most important thing during krill harvesting is to prevent its oxidation. Krill is very sensitive and immediately oxidizes as soon as it comes into contact with air or sunlight. Therefore, the company Aker Biomarine uses special custom-designed vessels by the company VARD. These ships have a unique system where krill is brought underwater directly onto the ship via a hose that remains submerged. Thanks to this, the krill does not come into contact with adverse conditions and remains as fresh as possible. This method also reduces by-catch of unwanted species.

Summary

Antarctic krill is a small but powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, offering effective support for heart, brain, joint health, and overall immunity. Thanks to better absorbability and the content of astaxanthin, krill oil is often a better choice than regular fish oils. If you are looking for quality omega-3s, krill is definitely a product worth your attention.