Krill Oil: Do You Need It More Than They Do?

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And why is it being touted by some companies and their spokesmen as such a fantastic supplement? Krill is a very small shrimp-like crustacean. Like fish oil, it contains omega-3 fatty acids including DHA and EPA which have some very real health benefits. Krill is usually harvested in the relatively clean waters of the Antarctic Ocean and is so low on the food chain that it contains few contaminants.

Harvesting krill has had a marked effect on the populations of predators in the area where it is being fished. In fact, the problem is so serious that some companies like Whole Foods have withdrawn krill from their shelves for environmental reasons. It remains controversial with krill fisheries maintaining that the rules are being followed and while this may be true, the impact on wildlife is irrefutable. When asked to comment, the Texas-based Whole Foods issued this statement on May 11, 2010: “Krill are an important source of food for marine animals including penguins, seals, and whales in the Antarctic. Declines of some predator populations in the areas where the krill fishery operates suggest that fishery management needs to better understand how to evaluate the prey requirements of other marine species in order to set sustainable catch levels for krill.”

It is completely safe to supplement with regular fish oil as long as they are pharmaceutical grade. Most are derived from small fish like sardines and anchovies, which are already very low on the food chain. The oil is then cleaned of all impurities so it is safe for everyone including pregnant women. Using a source like this does not endanger other marine life and two very good ones to consider are Barlean’s and Nordic Naturals. Do not use any fish oil that is not pharmaceutical grade. The companies currently being sued for contaminants in excess of California guidelines are: CVS Pharmacy, General Nutrition (GNC), Now Health Group, Omega Protein, Pharmavite, Rite Aid, Solgar and Twin Lab. Click here for more information.

Seriously, think about it. Let’s suppose fish oil will go rancid in your body but believe me, there are many who consider that a ludicrous statement. Krill is the same thing, with some astaxanthin that occurs naturally. If you are thinking about using krill for that reason, use flax and avoid all animal oils. Drink some green tea. The marine life will thank you.

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has warned that as of last year, over 80% of the world’s commercial fish stocks are either being fished at maximum or are currently being depleted. China is now sending a fleet to Antarctic waters to harvest krill as part of a 5-year plan to study the possibilities of using krill to feed farmed fish.

“And marine scientists have warned recently that over-fishing has consumed 95 percent of large fish in many of the world’s seas. Some species are said to be on the brink of collapse.”

Krill harvest ‘danger’ in Antarctic (July 2, 2010)

© 2011 by Alexandra Lucas/SilverGenes. All rights reserved