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: Is Omega-3 safe for everybody?

A: Omega-3 isn’t just safe, its a nutrient that our bodies require. How much you need depends on lots of things like age, how active you are, your gender and your diet. Check with your doctor to see how much is right for you.

Q: Can children take krill oil? How much can they take?

A: Krill oil can be really good for the kiddos! The omega-3′s in krill oil promote, brain, eye, joint and nervous system development. Omega-3′s, like those found in krill oil, can also help to assist with behavioral issues and regulate mood. A recent study in the journal Nutrients, found DHA, an omega-3 found in krill oil, to have a favorable role in children’s cognition and behavior. Children up to 16 years of age may take 500mg of krill oil per day.

Of course, even though its generally considered safe, ALWAYS run a supplement by your Pediatrician before giving it to your kids. There are always exceptions, and there could be medications it doesn’t mix well with.

Q: What is astaxanthin?

A: Astaxanthin comes from a unique microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) which contains this valuable antioxidant and carotenoid. It’s an amazing substance that is believed to give salmon the stamina to swim upstream to spawn. It is also responsible for their color, and that of flamingos and krill.

A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food, found astaxanthin to be a more powerful antioxidant than any other carotenoid and even vitamin E. The krill eat this microalgae, retaining the natural astaxanthin.

Q: What are some dietary sources of Omega-3’s?

A: There are many sources of omega-3′s from both plant and animal sources. These include: krill and krill oil, salmon and other fish, grass-fed beef, omega-3 eggs, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, kale and squash. Krill oil has been shown to be one of the most beneficial omega-3′s considering the omega-3′s are bound to phospholipids, the same structure as human cells.