You’ve heard it before — taking fish oil may be one of the best things you can do to support both your short-term and long-term health. As a rich source of beneficial omega-3s, fish oil is considered the most popular natural product in the Western world.

While fish oil is making headlines, we have also seen some unfortunate research come out of the left field. Contrary to the mainstream wisdom that advises most people to take a fish oil capsule a day, pregnant women have been advised against taking fish oil as of 2016. A New Zealand study discovered that almost 30 percent of newborn rat pups died within two days after birth when pregnant mothers were fed an oxidised fish oil supplement that had gone rancid. 1 Another study led by University of Stirling researchers “busted” fish oil again in the same year saying that it does not provide an advantage for muscle growth as a sports performance supplement. 2

NOT THE ONLY FISH IN THE SEA

In reality, we’ve been looking at it all wrong. As popular as it may be, fish oil has its disadvantages. It can even be dangerous when it is fully oxidised. Krill oil, derived from the tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans found in the Southern Oceans, may provide a perfect alternative for those who are still hoping to regulate cholesterol, promote healthy liver function, strengthen the immune system, balance blood sugar levels, improve mood and curb whole-body inflammation.

When taken as a supplement, krill oil solves many of the problems that fish oil presents. l In comparison, plant-based omega-3s, lil.

Since Krill oil comes from the Southern Oceans, the only oceans in the world that happen to remain unpolluted by the toxic heavy metals found in many commercial fish oils, krill oil is extra-pure and safe to use. Let’s not forget about the poor rat pups in the New Zealand study who died after their mothers consumed rancid fish oil. To understand what really went wrong in this study, it helps to explore a distinct difference between fish oil and krill oil: even the highest quality fish oils are surprisingly low in antioxidants.

Pure krill oil is a naturally rich source of antioxidants, needed to support the body and protect against oil oxidation (or turning “rancid”) as you consume omega3s. Fish oil has such a short shelf life that it is more likely to oxidise, as we saw in the rat pup study. Fish oil is also lacking in the critical antioxidants needed to protect the body from this oxidised/rancid state. In contrast, a 1994 Lipids study confirmed that mice fed 10 percent krill oil had a higher expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes in the liver compared to corn-fed mice, demonstrating krill oil’s potential protection against harmful oxidative damage. ³

Because of its high fatty acid and antioxidant content, krill oil can also prove beneficial in the fight against inflammation. Krill oil is well-known for its ability to improve joint health and even ease the pain and symptoms often associated with arthritis. Women have likewise used krill oil as an anti-inflammatory to provide relief for painful periods and pressing symptoms of PMS. A 2003 study published in Alternative Medicine Review found krill oil to be significantly more effective in managing the emotional symptoms of PMS and painful menstruation compared to ordinary omega-3 fish oil’.

The omega-3s in krill oil may benefit another inflammatory condition too — dry eyes, by reducing tear evaporation rate and alleviating symptoms of computer vision syndrome known to cause dryness. After testing 478 symptomatic patients who used computers for more than three hours a day for a minimum of one year, researchers discovered that taking two omega-3 capsules, containing EPA and DHA, every day for three months could improve the symptoms of dry eyes. ⁵

A SMALL FISH IN A BIG POND

Considering that fish oil may be the most popular supplement in the Western world, it’s safe to say that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of products to choose from. In this “big pond” with limitless options from leading brands, a small but mighty supplement like krill oil is easy to overlook.

But, as the research has already shown us, krill oil outperforms fish oil in almost all cases. l<rill oil is also rich in the antioxidants needed to protect against the dangers that may come with fish oil — namely, oxidation and rancidity. When choosing a potent and safe krill oil for daily use, Superba ^TM Krill deserves our attention. As a “new generation” of omega-3 fatty acids, Superba ^TM Krill Oil can be found in supplements that are both naturally pure and environmentally-friendly.

Superba ^TM also contains the coveted  EPA and DHA fatty acids in large amounts that the body cannot adequately produce on its own. And yet, Superba ^TM differs from other fish oil supplements because it contains phospholipid omega-3s, as well as the critical antioxidant Astaxanthin. Phospholipid omega-3s are highly concentrated and better utilised by the body, while astaxanthin, responsible for the deep, red colour in krill, can suppress free radicals to safeguard omega-3 fatty acids against oxidation. In the biggest krill oil study conducted on humans to date, performed in 2014, researchers found that daily Superba ^TM Krill Oil supplements may reduce triglyceride levels and boost heart health after only 12 weeks. ⁶

The latest research on fish oil can be disheartening, but there is not a study that indicates you have to give up your daily dose of omega-3s. When something smells fishy, we know that it is best avoided. Instead, we can turn toward the safer, cleaner and often more effective alternative to commercial fish oils sold on store shelves — pure krill oil, naturally high in antioxidants and omega-3s.