Krill oil – what is it?
Krill oil is an oil obtained from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) – tiny crustaceans that live in enormous swarms in the cold waters of Antarctica. Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which krill absorb from their food source, phytoplankton, and which occur naturally in the oil.
Ingredients: What does krill oil contain?
The main components of krill oil include the essential omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Depending on its origin and processing, the total omega-3 fatty acid content is generally between 100 and 500 milligrams per gram of krill oil.
Most of the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are present in the form of phospholipids. In fish oil, which also provides omega-3 fatty acids, they occur predominantly as triglycerides.
Krill oil also contains the reddish carotenoid astaxanthin, which gives the oil its characteristic colour and also occurs naturally in algae.
What is krill oil good for?
Krill oil provides the essential omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which the body cannot produce itself and must therefore obtain through the diet.
EPA and DHA are components of cell membranes throughout the body, including in the heart muscle, where they play a role in its function. DHA is also a key structural component of the brain and retina: Both tissues consist largely of fatty acids, and DHA is one of the most abundant fatty acids found in them. DHA therefore contributes to normal brain function and the maintenance of normal vision.
Taking and dosing krill oil
Krill oil is usually taken in capsule form. The capsules contain the oil in a fixed dosage, making daily intake simple and convenient. They are best taken with or shortly before a meal containing fat and with sufficient fluids.
The recommended daily dose is usually around 500 to 1,500 milligrams of krill oil. Different recommendations may apply, for example as part of an individual consultation with a doctor or therapist.
Buying krill oil: Which krill oil is best?
Good-quality krill oil is characterised primarily by its purity. FormMed uses 100 percent Antarctic krill oil sourced from sustainable fishing and regularly monitored through independent laboratory testing.
Due to its natural binding to phospholipids, krill oil is considered to have good bioavailability. Thanks to special fish gelatine capsules, the FormMed preparation is neutral in taste and odour.