Krill oil
Krill oil is one of the Antarctic krill ( Euphausia superba ) extracted oil. Due to the omega-3 fatty acids contained in high amounts it is economically of great interest.
Properties
The composition of extracted oils can be divided into phospholipids ( 20-33 %), polar non - phospholipids ( 64-77 %) and minor triglycerides (1-3 %) divide. Among the phospholipids, the saturated fatty acids ( 24%) dominate the nutritionally valuable omega -3 fatty acids ( 47%). Among them, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n3) represented 28% and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n3 ) with 18 %. The antioxidant capacity is from 9.4 to 14.2 micromol Trolox equivalents per mL of oil and is the extractants dependent.
Health effects
Studies of alternative medicine point to several positive effects on health through:
One study examined the effect on the premenstrual syndrome in women (PMS ). In many women take a few days before the onset of menstrual symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and depression on. The exact causes are still unclear but are probably increased inflammation, triggered by the altered hormone levels, responsible. The omega- 3 fatty acids in krill oil have a positive impact on both the hormonal balance, as well as the inflammation. In the study had 70 women, divided into two groups, 3 months either 1 g of fish oil or krill oil are taking daily. At specified time points, the women should complete standardized questionnaires with which their physical and emotional complaints were recorded. In both groups there was a significant improvement of the symptoms. The decrease of the required analgesics was more evident in the krill oil group.
Another study examined the effects of krill oil compared with fish oil on blood lipid levels. The 120 subjects were divided into 4 groups. 2 groups received krill oil at different doses up to 3 g, one group received 3 g of fish oil, and the fourth group was given a placebo. All groups have taken their preparation over 3 months and during this time the blood levels were checked regularly. Both fish and krill oil improved blood lipid levels. The total cholesterol, LDL- cholesterol and triglycerides were reduced, which increases HDL cholesterol. In the same dose of 3 g daily krill oil was significantly superior to fish oil.
However, these results are controversial in the art world:
A study by the American Oil Chemists' Society comes to the conclusion that no significant nutritional difference between krill oil and fish oil is, even if krill oil contains significantly more omega -3 fatty acids. In addition, no changes were observed in serum lipids or biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses to the control group.
The European Food Safety Authority 's examination of a health-related promotional statement, according to Regulation ( EC) No 1924 /2006 ( health claims ) to the conclusion that there is no cause-effect relationship exists. The intake of krill oil has no effect on the blood concentration of triglycerides.