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.
Category: Q&A
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: 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 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: Can I take krill oil while I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
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: Does krill oil cause diarrhea?
A: I would hope not! That would be a catastrophe out at sea!
Seriously, its very rare but I suppose its theoretically possible. Anything is theoretically possible. Theoretically I could catch a mermaid one day. For most people though, I’d say no. Omega-3’s have been shown to be beneficial for digestion. If it does bother your stomach in any way, try splitting up the dose and taking it with food. Say one with breakfast and one with lunch.
Q: Can I take krill oil along with my other blood pressure medication?
A: Sorry, I’m a sea captain not a doctor. You’ll have to ask that question to yours.
Q: I take Lipitor. Do I still need a krill oil supplement?
A: Well as a Sea Captain I never had time to go to med school. Or pharmacy school. You really need to ask that to someone who did. Preferably someone who graduated, and passed whatever licensing exam you have to pass. And is currently employed as either a Doctor or Pharmacist. That would be my advice.
Q: What is the amount of krill oil I should take every day to combat serious inflammation?
A: Generally the recommendation is 2 softgels per day. But you should speak to your health care provider before taking it for cranky inflammation. If your inflammation was happier it might not be a problem. But since it is in a bad mood, talk to the Doc.
Q: Can krill oil cause gout or kidney stones?
A: Well it is a shellfish. The lawyer types would probably want me to say that seafood, shellfish, meat and some vegetables are naturally high in purines, which promotes a buildup of uric acid. This buildup may lead to gout or kidney stones.
But krill oil is highly purified and this leaves behind the purines. So for most people no, it’s not going to give you gout or kidney stones.