CAOH® Krill oil is a dietary supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids that comes from a small crustacean that is similar to shrimp. It is found in the colder bodies of water in the world such as the Antarctic and North Pacific oceans. Even though their small size puts them at the bottom of the food chain, there is an estimated 500 million tons of krill in the ocean. This means that quality krill oil is plentiful. Our supplier of krill is managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
CCAMLR comprises of 25 member states that sets allowable catch limits, agrees on access, and makes other management decisions within a precautionary, conservative framework. CCAMLR processes and decisions are underpinned by advice from its Scientific Committee and other working groups.
Krill oil softgels have many nutritional uses. Several studies have found that it is an effective treatment for cholesterol. It decreases LDL, the so-called "bad" cholesterol while increasing levels of HDL, the "good" cholesterol. Studies have also shown it to be effective in lowering blood glucose levels, making it an excellent option for controlling diabetes.
It contains antioxidants which offer cell protection benefits. Antioxidants have been linked to rejuvenation of the body and anti-aging. Some research has indicated that krill oil may be helpful in protecting skin from ultraviolet (UV) light and the damage induced by it by fortifying cell membranes.
It may also be helpful in reducing inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions and diseases, treating the symptoms associated with PMS and dysmenorrhea and suppressing autoimmune murine lupus. Improvements in the health of various organs in the body, including the heart, brain and liver have been noted in individuals who supplement with krill oil.
Krill oil is similar to fish oil in that it contains the omega-3 essential fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, the similarity ends there. Oil from krill has a phospholipid structure whereas fish oil has a triglyceride form. It also has an addition to EPA called astaxanthin, which is a powerful antioxidant. This makes the ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value of krill oil 48 times more potent than fish oil. When compared to another popular antioxidant supplement, Coenzyme Q-10, the oil from krill was found to be 34 times more potent.
For many consumers, though, the main advantage of this oil over its fish oil cousin is its rapid absorption, which eliminates the "fishy" aftertaste and belching. There is also less concern over potential mercury or lead poisoning.
Studies on krill oil have found it to have no toxicity, even when taken over the recommended amount for long periods of time. In animal studies, it showed no toxic effects on the brain, heart, liver, pancreas, lungs, stomach, kidneys, reproductive organs or skin.
However, those with allergies to shrimp or other seafood should use caution if supplementing with this oil. It is recommended that individuals who are on blood thinners or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications seek medical advice before beginning krill oil supplementation.