While krill oil and fish oil have great health benefits, there are several factors that seem to make krill oil better with more health benefits than fish oil. Below, find out how these two compare on similarities and differences.

Krill oil and fish oil are both important sources of long chain omega 3 fatty acids- EPA and DHA. These however exist in different forms.

In fatty acids, omega 3 are found in the form of triglycerides- its structure contains 3 fatty acids bound to a glycerol. Krill oil however, is found in a different simpler form called phospholipid. This is just another type of fat that contains two fatty acids instead of three. The phospholipid structure of krill oil makes it more absorbable than fish oil making krill oil consumption more effective than fish oil.

On antioxidants, krill oil contains more antioxidants than fish oil. The antioxidant potency of krill oil is way better than fish oil. Astaxanthin found in krill oil provides excellent antioxidant properties that protect the phospholipid cell membrane from damage by free radicals. It helps the skin block the UV rays preventing against sun damage.

Most people do not like fish and even those who do, don’t like the bad aftertaste that comes with taking fish oil supplements. Krill oil is easily absorbable and does not have a particular taste making them more tolerable than fish oil.

While all nearly all types of fish contain harmful levels of mercury, Krill oil is better than fish oil because it is less contaminated with harmful toxins.

Compared to fish oil, krill oil has many health benefits. Krill oil is known to reduce inflammation which is the root of many diseases. It does not only help your heart, krill oil has been proven to benefit your brain by improving conditions such as ADHD, depression and inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.

One of the things that gives krill oil an added advantage over fish oil is because it does stay fresh for some time. Proper fish is required to keep the fish in its most effective form. Fish oil is more prone to oxidation which leads to formation of free radicals. This further increases the need for antioxidants

Fish oil is well known to reduce the level of bad cholesterol and raise the good cholesterol. Unlike fish oil, krill oil gives the same or even better results at a lower dose. This makes krill oil better at lowering the risk of heart diseases.

Krill oil is far more sustainable than fish oil. It is the largest biomass in the world- making krill oil harvesting one of the most sustainable practices in the world.

The harvesting, extraction and manufacture of krill oil is more complicated than fish oil. Its common sense that it takes more skill to fish in the Antarctica. The expensive processes undertaken to ensure quality and eco-sustainability of krill oil means that the end product is double the price of fish oil.

Fish oil and krill oil share many similarities - they effectively reduce the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids in the body. This is linked with lower levels of chronic inflammation. Both oils also increase the plasma and cell membrane concentration of omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit heart health by lowering plasma triglycerides, resting heart rate, and blood pressure; they also seem to have beneficial effects on myocardial filling and efficiency as well as vascular function.

Both fish oil and krill oil make the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids. Just like fish oil, krill oil is rich in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Omega-3 acid is also high in DHA and EPA. Deficiencies of both have been associated with depression, schizophrenia, memory loss and the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

Other than disease prevention, krill oil and fish oil have also been found to decrease inflammation which is the root cause of many chronic diseases, lower cholesterol resulting in reduced risk of heart disease.

Similar to fish oil, krill oil can cause allergies, bloating and stomach upsets especially in those with allergies to shellfish.