Category: Q&A

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.

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.

A: Yep! It’s quite healthy too. But speak to your doctor before starting to take it because it could interact with some medications. And there are always exceptions. Better safe than sorry.

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.

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.

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.

A: In a cool, dry place protected from heat and light. Refrigeration is not required, nor is it recommended.

A: Not really enough to amount to anything. 5 or 6 calories per softgel – low enough for even a supermodel.

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.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.

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!

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.

A: Sorry, I’m a sea captain not a doctor. You’ll have to ask that question to yours.

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.

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.

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.