A: Well first off, congratulations! Generally, krill oil is considered safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and the Omega-3’s can really be a great benefit for your developing baby. Of course, don’t take anything without running it by your OB or pediatrician first!
Q: Can krill oil help my joint pain and arthritis?
A: It sure helped mine! And I’m not alone… Krill oil contains EPA and DHA, two omega-3′s that help support healthy joint function and mobility. The essential fatty acids in krill oil also help to lubricate joints. A recent study published in the Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Design, found marine-based omega-3 fatty acids, like those from krill oil, significantly helped to promote joint health. Taking a krill oil supplement is an easy and effective way to manage many joint conditions.
Q: Is krill oil safe for diabetics? Can it help manage my diabetes?
A: Krill oil is considered safe for diabetics, and may be beneficial.
For starters, it does help with heart and arterial health. And there are some studies that have shown it could be beneficial for diabetics.
A study published in Diabetes Research, found that dietary supplementation of omega-3′s, like those found in krill oil, improved insulin sensitivity among participants with diabetes. Individuals with diabetes often have increased levels of fatty acids in their bloodstream because of the liver’s inability to properly break down macronutrients. Krill oil can promote liver health in diabetics, allowing for proper breakdown of sugars, fats, proteins and other micronutrients so they do not circulate freely in the bloodstream, possibly leading to arterial plugs.
A study published in the journal PLoS One, found that krill oil supplementation reduced the amount of fat in the liver by 60% in rats. Krill oil may actually support liver health by providing easily absorbed, metabolized and health-promoting omega-3′s for the liver to process. Being in the phospholipid form makes krill oil one of the easiest to digest and absorb omega-3′s available, taking stress off of the liver.
Q: Can krill oil raise my HDL or “good” cholesterol?
A: It certainly can! A study that was published in the Alternative Medicine Review, found that krill oil worked to increase HDL “good” cholesterol levels by 4.2%.
Q: Will krill oil lower my blood pressure?
A: Krill oil has been clinically shown to support heart health. A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, found that a minimum dose of 500mg of EPA and DHA, the two omega-3′s found in krill oil, are effective markers in managing blood pressure.
Q: Are there any side effects of taking krill oil?
A: Blood thinning is the most common side effect of taking omega-3′s and krill oil. Blood that is too thin can be seen in bloodshot eyes. Simply decrease your dose of krill oil if this is the case. With this or any other form of supplementation, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider.
Q: Are there any drug interaction issues with krill oil?
A: Yes there are. Those taking aspirin, warfarin, ibuprofen, heparin, enoxaparin and diclofenac may find that blood clotting is slowed. Taking both krill oil and aspirin or other blood thinning medication at the same time can result in bloodshot eyes and impaired blood clotting. Krill oil should not be taken a few weeks prior to surgery due to its blood thinning action. During this time, foods higher in vitamin K, such as kale, should be added to the diet to encourage proper blood clotting. After surgery and healing, krill oil can be safely added back into your healthy living routine. We recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before taking this, or any other supplement.
Q: How many calories are in each capsule?
A: Not really enough to amount to anything. 5 or 6 calories per softgel – low enough for even a supermodel.
Q: How should I store my krill oil?
A: In a cool, dry place protected from heat and light. Refrigeration is not required, nor is it recommended.
Q: When can I feel the results from taking krill oil?
A: Well everyone is different. Some feel a difference within a few days, others after about a month. Your bloodwork will show the difference in 2-3 months. For best results, use it together with a healthy diet and exercise plan.