A Comprehensive Review of My Balance’s Krill Oil Supplement: Unlocking Health Benefits through EPA, DHA, Phospholipids, and Astaxanthin

Krill oil supplements have gained popularity in recent years as a rich source of essential omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). In addition to EPA and DHA, krill oil also contains phospholipids and astaxanthin, making it a unique and potent supplement. This comprehensive review aims to explore the health benefits of krill oil and its constituent ingredients, supported by scientific studies published on reputable online journals.

Krill oil

Krill oil, a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, offers a range of health benefits. Scientific studies support its positive impact on cardiovascular health, inflammation management, joint health, cognitive function, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptom relief.

Research indicates that krill oil supplementation can help lower triglyceride levels, increase beneficial HDL cholesterol, and improve overall lipid profile, thereby promoting cardiovascular health. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which may benefit individuals with conditions like arthritis by reducing joint pain and stiffness.

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain health and cognitive function, and krill oil supplementation has shown promise in improving cognitive abilities across different age groups. It has been associated with enhanced cognitive function, working memory, attention, and potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline.

Moreover, krill oil has been studied for its potential role in alleviating PMS symptoms. Research suggests that krill oil supplementation may reduce the severity of emotional and physical symptoms associated with PMS, such as depression, bloating, and breast tenderness.

 

EPA and DHA

EPA and DHA are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids known for their numerous health benefits. Research has shown that EPA and DHA play vital roles in cardiovascular health, reducing triglyceride levels, and maintaining normal blood pressure ^[1]. These fatty acids also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit individuals with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma ^[2][3]. Furthermore, EPA and DHA are critical for brain health and cognitive function, with studies indicating their potential in reducing the risk of age-related cognitive decline and supporting overall mental well-being ^[4][5]. The evidence on the benefits of EPA and DHA is extensive and well-documented.

 

Phospholipids

Krill oil is unique compared to other omega-3 supplements because it contains omega-3 fatty acids in the form of phospholipids. Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and play a crucial role in maintaining their integrity and fluidity. A study conducted by Ramprasath et al. investigated the bioavailability of EPA and DHA in the form of phospholipids from krill oil compared to fish oil ^[6]. The results showed that the phospholipid-bound EPA and DHA from krill oil were more efficiently incorporated into red blood cell membranes, indicating enhanced bioavailability. This suggests that krill oil's phospholipid structure may improve the absorption and utilization of EPA and DHA in the body.

 

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and a naturally occurring carotenoid found in krill oil. It gives krill oil its distinctive red color and provides a range of health benefits. Astaxanthin has been extensively studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research suggests that astaxanthin may help protect against oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support joint health ^[7][8]. Additionally, studies have indicated that astaxanthin has neuroprotective effects and may contribute to cognitive health ^[9]. Furthermore, astaxanthin has demonstrated potential in supporting skin health, offering protection against UV-induced skin damage and promoting skin elasticity ^[10]. These findings highlight the diverse benefits of astaxanthin as a constituent of krill oil.

 

Wrap-up

Krill oil supplements offer a compelling combination of health benefits due to their rich content of EPA, DHA, phospholipids, and astaxanthin. Research-based findings support the positive impact of EPA and DHA on cardiovascular health, brain function, and inflammation management. The phospholipid form of omega-3s in krill oil suggests enhanced bioavailability compared to other sources. Astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant found in krill oil, has shown promise in combating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and supporting joint and skin health.

It is important to note that individual responses to krill oil supplementation may vary, and it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new dietary supplement into your routine. Furthermore, the quality and purity of the krill oil supplement should be considered, ensuring it undergoes rigorous testing for contaminants and is sourced from sustainable krill fisheries. That’s why you should only go for a krill oil supplement you can trust – My Balance’s Krill oil supplement is only a click away.

 

 

 

References:

1. Mozaffarian D, Wu JH. Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors, molecular pathways, and clinical events. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011 Nov 8;58(20):2047-2067. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22051327/)
2. Calder PC. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man. Biochem Soc Trans. 2017 Oct 15;45(5):1105-1115. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28900017/)
3. Calder PC. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory processes: nutrition or pharmacology? Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2013 Mar;75(3):645-662. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22891681/)
4. Cole GM, Ma QL, Frautschy SA. Omega-3 fatty acids and dementia. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2009 Aug-Sep;81(2-3):213-221. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19523795/)
5. Dyerberg J, Bang HO, Stoffersen E, Moncada S, Vane JR. Eicosapentaenoic acid and prevention of thrombosis and atherosclerosis? Lancet. 1978 Mar 18;311(8061):117-119. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/75437/)
6. Ramprasath VR, Eyal I, Zchut S, Jones PJ. Enhanced increase of omega-3 index in healthy individuals with response to 4-week n-3 fatty acid supplementation from krill oil versus fish oil. Lipids Health Dis. 2013 May 23;12:178. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23701499/)
7. Ambati RR, Phang SM, Ravi S, Aswathanarayana RG. Astaxanthin: sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications--a review. Mar Drugs. 2014 Dec 9;12(1):128-152. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25514375/)
8. Park JS, Chyun JH, Kim YK, Line LL, Chew BP. Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans. Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Mar 5;7:18. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20205737/)
9. Ishida Y, Taniguchi M, Senba M, et al. Astaxanthin improves cognitive deficits from oxidative stress, nitric oxide synthase and inflammation through upregulation of PI3K/Akt in diabetes rat. Behav Brain Res. 2016 Dec 1;317:282-290. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27544845/)
10. Tominaga K, Hongo N, Fujishita M, et al. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects.

 

 Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(1):43-47. [PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22428137/)