The lesser known krill oil capsules are a potent version of the regular fish oil capsules for enhancing well-being
Are you the type of person who isn’t just content with diet and exercise to improve your health and takes vitamin supplements for good skin, hair, brain power, etc.? Many of us are familiar with fish oil capsules and probably even take it regularly. We asked experts about krill oil capsules which are a potent version of the regular fi sh oil capsules.
What is it?
Krill oil is an extract prepared from a species of a shrimp-like seafish known as Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba. In Norwegian, ‘krill’ means whale food and baleen whales, mantas, and whale sharks primarily eat krill. Oil is extracted from krill and stored in capsules and consumed for medicinal purposes.
Benefits
Krill oil raises the plasma concentration of EPA, DPA, DHA (polyunsaturated fatty acids). Also, the bioavalaibility of omega-3 fatty acid is more in krill oil than in fish oil. Krill oil is water soluble making it easy to absorb and digest. Some studies have shown reduction in bad cholesterol, raises good cholesterol. Effects have also been observed in arthritis, preeclampsia, etc, with ongoing research on its other effects, informs Dr Altamash Shaikh, consultant endocrinologist, diabetologist and metabolic physician.
Dr Satish Bhatia, MD, dermatology and skin surgery, Indian Cancer Society, who has prescribed the same for patients with psoriasis says that krill oil supplements are used for treating eczema and dry skin, wrinkles for its anti-aging purposes and for weight loss too.
Special benefits for women?
Krill oil supplements may be more beneficial for women’s health. It may have effects on premenstrual symptoms, like reducing cramps. Relief of post menopausal symptoms like hot fl ashes and low moods. Hence, may also reduce risk of heart diseases in women, opines Dr Shaikh. “People who want to boost their brain health, lower cholesterol, have dry skin, hairfall, boost immunity can take krill oil supplements. There’s no such thing as krill oil is more beneficial to women’s health as compared to men. Clinically, there’s no reason. It’s just that women are far more inclined to take care of themselves,” explains clinical nutritionist Pooja Makhija who wouldn’t mind trying krill oil supplements herself.
Side-effects
There may be acidity, nausea, fi shy taste, bad breath, loose stools, etc, it is to be avoided in pregnancy and breast feeding apart from people with sea food allergies. It also makes blood thin, people with coagulopathy should discuss with their physicians before taking it, warns Dr Shaikh.
Makhija says that individuals allergic to seafood should avoid them. But if one is already taking fish oil capsules, then there’s no need for krill oil. One doesn’t need multiple supplements of fish extracts. Krill oil supplements are good but they aren’t vital to one’s well-being. Ideal dosage would be 500 mg to 1,000 mg a day. As for vegetarians, flaxseed oil capsules are a good option.
Cost
Krill oil capsules cost much more than regular fi sh oil capsules and are priced at around Rs1,500 onwards for 30 capsules (500 mg capsules).
What to expect?
“Give it about two to three months to get a visual impact. Remember, these supplements offer therapeutic and not a curative effect. Krill oil supplements are good to put into your body but if you can’t get your hands on it, there’s no need to panic,” advises Makhija.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
 "capsules")
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}