Background

• Krill is a spineless, shrimp-like marine organism. The oil produced from krill, in particular from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), is rich in various compounds, including long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, which likely contribute to krill oil's beneficial health effects.
• An estimated 14% of krill oil is comprised of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). EPA and DHA are both omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are a class of compounds believed to have beneficial blood lipid- and blood pressure-lowering effects. Krill oil is also believed to contain astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant with purported neuroprotective effects.
• Early research suggests that krill oil may be useful in the treatment of arthritis, high blood lipids, dental plaque, and painful menstruation. However, further research in these areas is needed before any firm conclusions may be made for its use.

References

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