Is krill oil better than fish oil?

Though it's not an easy question to answer, what we can do is compare the two sources of to help provide a bit of clarity.

Price and availability

Fish oil in salmon, herring, tuna, cod, mackerel, sardines and other fatty oily fish contain a fair amount of Omega 3s. Fish oil is also a readily available source since there are many types of fish from which fish oil is extracted. Due to fish oil's accessibility, it is a cheaper source of Omega 3 supplementation compared to krill oil.

As far as krill oil goes, though krill can be found anywhere in the world (making up the largest biomass on the planet), most commercial fishing of krill is done in the Antarctic and Japan. This makes krill a bit more expensive in terms of getting your source of Omega 3s.

Advantages and drawbacks

Again, fish oil is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. The fatty acids in fish oil play a big role in: cardiovascular health, brain development, liver & kidney function, maintaining cholesterol and blood sugar levels, balancing hormone levels, eye health, reproductive function along with plenty of other uses in the body. In addition, some types of fish (like salmon and cod) contain vitamin D which helps the body absorb calcium that's needed to form and maintain strong bones.

Krill oil is also a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids and can also provide the same benefits mentioned previously. Krill oil contains EPA and DHA like fish oil, however the chain of these essential fatty acids are linked in a different form. The Omega 3s in fish oil are found in triglyceride form. In krill oil the Omega 3s are linked in phospholipid form, the same structure as the fat cells in the human body. This makes absorption faster and easier as there are no conversions to be made unlike fish oil. To add, krill oil contains vitamins E, A and D along with astaxanthin, a highly effective anti-oxidant which protects the body from free radicals and cell damage.

Though there are fewer side effects with Omega 3 supplements when compared to prescription drugs there are still some things to consider if you're thinking of introducing Omega 3s as part of your daily regimen. While fish oil may be a decent source to get your dose of Omega 3s due to its accessibility and affordable price, many supplements tend to go rancid quicker compared to krill oil. Some people who've taken fish oil supplements experience a fishy aftertaste, gas (or fish burp), upset stomach and diarrhea. There is also the likelihood of experiencing an allergic reaction, particularly for those who have allergies to fish. On the other hand, the same can be said for krill oil as some people may be allergic to shellfish or seafood sources; however, there is less likelihood of gas, upset stomach or unpleasant aftertastes when taking a krill oil supplement. Moreover, since krill are at the bottom of the food chain, odds are there aren't as many toxins compared to some fish oil supplements that may contain traces of mercury, PCBs or other contaminants.

All in all, while it's always a good idea to incorporate Omega 3 supplements into your diet, krill oil may be the option to consider as it offers many health benefits with fewer side effects. Though krill may be a bit more expensive, perhaps what it could come down to is 'quality versus quantity' when you're shopping for your natural supplements.

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