Power of krill oil: A sustainable and stable source of highly bioavailable omega-3 EPA and DHA

The global demand for omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is skyrocketing largely due to strong growth in aquaculture.​

However, the supply of these essential nutrients through traditional fish oil sources is facing challenges due to various factors such as pressure on fish stocks, seasonal fluctuations, unstable supply chains and concerns regarding sustainability and environmental impacts.

This, in turn, is impacting fish oil availability and cost stability within the dietary supplement industry and has already led to higher prices and longer lead times.

Figure 1: The development in cost of raw materials, crude omega-3 oil from fish oil in metric tonnes (MT)​​

As the demand for seafood continues to grow at rapid speed, the challenges experienced in recent years concerning fish oil supply for the supplement industry will only increase moving on. This inevitable and expanding supply-demand gap makes it clear that fish oil alone can no longer meet the increasing demands of omega-3 EPA and DHA. There is simply not enough fish in the ocean to sustain this growth in a sustainable way.

As a result, alternative sources of omega-3s must be explored. Krill oil is a game-changer in addressing these global challenges and krill oil from Aker BioMarine presents a compelling solution to the omega-3 shortage due to its abundance, its sustainability practices, its unique composition of essential nutrients, and its security and stability of supply.

Here is why Superba Krill Oil stands out:

1. Abundant species with a stable biomass
2. Sustainable and precautionary fishery
3. Omega-3s in a unique multi-nutrient composition
4. Omega-3s in the exact form our cells need allows for easy absorption, incorporation and digestion of essential nutrients
5. Unmatched purity and quality
6. Multiple health benefits
7. Resilient supply chain providing security and stability of supply at stable prices

Abundant species​

Krill oil comes from one of the most abundant species on Earth with a healthy and stable biomass, documented by science, making it an ideal source for meeting omega-3 needs without depleting marine sources.¹​

Sustainable and precautionary fishery​

The Antarctic krill fishery is likely the most precautionary and sustainable fishery in the world due to its low catch ratios and unique harvesting methods ensuring minimal unwanted catch. With only 1% of the total krill population fished compared to well over 20% in some fisheries, krill fishing stands out as an environmentally responsible choice ensuring the stable and sufficient supply of essential human health ingredients whilst protecting the ecosystem that we operate in.

The krill fishery operates under strict regulations set forth by CCAMLR (Commission For Conservation Of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), ensuring minimal environmental impact on the Antarctic ecosystem while maintaining healthy stock levels. Reputable certifications like Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Friends of the Sea endorse the Aker BioMarine krill fishery, and the fishery is also top rated by Sustainable Fisheries Partnership.

Omega-3s in a unique multi-nutrient composition ​

What makes krill oil truly unique is its natural multi-nutrient composition. Besides offering high-quality omega-3 EPA/DHA content crucial for heart health, brain function, joint support, and more, krill oil also provides phospholipids and choline, which are crucial for cellular function, along with the naturally occurring antioxidant astaxanthin which gives color to the oil, keeping it fresh and eliminating the need for additives or preservatives.

Omega-3s in the exact form our cells need allows for easy absorption, incorporation and digestion of essential nutrients​

One key advantage of krill oil lies in its phospholipid form. Phospholipids are an integral part of our cell membranes influencing cellular structure and function. Since our body’s cells contain phospholipids, phospholipid-bound omega-3s allow for easy absorption and incorporation of nutrients into tissues resulting in enhanced utilization and overall health benefits ​supporting optimal well-being, multiple studies have shown.²​

Unlike forms that are oil soluble and require conversion within our bodies, krill phospholipids are both oil and water based making it easy to digest without the unpleasant aftertaste.

Unmatched purity and quality​

Sourced exclusively from fresh Antarctic krill through sustainable practices, Superba Krill Oil offers unparalleled purity without any further processing or molecular modifications. Gentle extraction methods are being used to preserve freshness, maximize organoleptic properties, and maintain high levels of nutrients while meeting stringent quality standards. The result is a clean, natural and minimally processed product free from additives, preservatives or any unwanted substances while maintaining exceptional taste and freshness throughout consumption.

Multiple health benefits supported by science​

With over 50 human clinical trials conducted on Aker BioMarine Superba Krill Oil, this sustainable supplement has been clinically proven to support a wide range of health benefits. This includes heart health, joint support, cognitive performance, muscle health, dry eye, skin hydration among others.^3,4,5,6,7 ​Together, the studies provide compelling evidence that Superba Krill Oil with its unique natural nutrient composition is an effective and reliable choice for maintaining cellular wellbeing and overall health.

Furthermore, Superba Krill Oil, with its content of omega-3 EPA/DHA and choline, is endorsed by four European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) claims related to heart and liver health with another pending EFSA claim approval for prenatal health. In addition, approved health claims in Canada, Australia, South Korea and Japan all reaffirm krill oil’s efficacy as a unique nutrient-packed omega-3 source.

Security and stability of supply ​

Another key advantage of choosing krill oil is its transparent and resilient supply chain which guarantees reliable availability at stable prices. While the fish oil value chain in general is quite fragmented, with different owners and operators, Aker BioMarine’s krill value chain offers full transparency and control from harvesting to production to final product, securing continuity of supply at stable prices.

This means that Aker Biomarine’s customers can trace every batch of krill from exact harvesting position, and in turn provide their consumers with a product that is 100% traceable back to its origin.

Demand for sustainable krill oil practices​

As global demand surges ahead while traditional sources face limitations regarding availability, sustainability and price stability, exploring alternative solutions becomes imperative.

Krill oil offers the distinct advantage of tapping into an abundant species while maintaining strict regulations and ensuring minimal environmental impact. With its pure composition, favorable phospholipid formulation offering high absorption rate, easy digestibility, and multiple clinicals backed by research, krill oil strikes a balance between demand and sustainability, delivering essential omega-3 EPA and DHA requirements effectively.

As consumer awareness grows regarding sustainable practices across industries – including dietary supplements – krill oil presents itself as an attractive and differentiated choice aligned with environmental responsibility.

Alongside a secure and stable supply chain, Aker BioMarine takes pride in its total transparency offering 100% traceable products back to their origin.

Join the mission to unlock the power of krill oil – a unique, sustainable and nutrient-packed omega-3 source to support human health at the cellular level.

Reach out to Aker BioMarine’s team who is ready to support your omega-3 needs:​

References​

1.​ G, Skaret.; G, J, Macaulay.; R, Pedersen.; et al. (2023). Distribution and biomass estimation of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) off the South Orkney Islands during 2011–2020,​ ICES Journal of Marine Science, Volume 80, Issue 5, Pages 1472–1486.

Additional References​

2. ​Krill oil absorption studies

Ulven, S.M.; Kirkhus, B.; Lamglait, A.; et al.​ (2011). Metabolic Effects of Krill Oil are Essentially Similar to Those of Fish Oil but at Lower Dose of EPA and DHA, in Healthy Volunteers. ​Lipids 46, 37–46 (2011).

Schuchardt, J. P.; Schneider, I.; Meyer, H.; et al. (2011). Incorporation of EPA and DHA into plasma phospholipids in response to different omega-3 fatty acid formulations--a comparative bioavailability study of fish oil vs. krill oil.​ Lipids in health and disease, 10, 145.

Ramprasath, V. R.; Eyal, I.; Zchut, S.; et al. (2013). Enhanced increase of omega-3 index in healthy individuals with response to 4-week n-3 fatty acid supplementation from krill oil versus fish oil.​ Lipids in health and disease, 12, 178.  

Köhler, A.; Sarkkinen, E.; Tapola, N.; et al. Bioavailability of fatty acids from krill oil, krill meal and fish oil in healthy subjects–a randomized, single-dose, cross-over trial.​ Lipids Health Dis 14, 19 (2015).

Ramprasath, V. R.; Eyal, I.; Zchut, S.; et al. (2015). Supplementation of krill oil with high phospholipid content increases sum of EPA and DHA in erythrocytes compared with low phospholipid krill oil.​ Lipids in health and disease, 14, 142.

Sung, H. H.; Sinclair, A. J.; Lewandowski, P. A.; et al. (2018). Postprandial long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid response to krill oil and fish oil consumption in healthy women: a randomised controlled, single-dose, crossover study.​ Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2018;27(1):148-157.

Yurko-Mauro, K.; Kralovec, J.; Bailey-Hall, E.; et al. (2015). Similar eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid plasma levels achieved with fish oil or krill oil in a randomized double-blind four-week bioavailability study.​ Lipids in health and disease, 14, 99.

3. ​Heart studies

Mozaffarian, D.; Maki, K. C.; Bays, H. E.; et al. (2022). Effectiveness of a Novel ω-3 Krill Oil Agent in Patients With Severe Hypertriglyceridemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.​ JAMA network open, 5(1), e2141898.

Rundblad, A.; Holven, K. B.; Bruheim, I.; et al. (2018). Effects of krill oil and lean and fatty fish on cardiovascular risk markers: a randomised controlled trial.​ Journal of nutritional science, 7, e3.

Cicero, A. F.; Rosticci, M.; Morbini, M.; et al. (2016). Lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects of omega 3 ethyl esters and krill oil: a randomized, cross-over, clinical trial.​ Archives of medical science : AMS, 12(3), 507–512.

Lobraico, J. M.; DiLello, L. C.; Butler, A. D.; et al. 2015). Effects of krill oil on endothelial function and other cardiovascular risk factors in participants with type 2 diabetes, a randomized controlled trial.​ BMJ open diabetes research & care, 3(1), e000107.

Berge, K.; Musa-Veloso, K.; Harwood, M.; et al. (2014). Krill oil supplementation lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels.​ Nutrition research (New York, N.Y.), 34(2), 126–133.

Banni, S.; Carta, G.; Murru, E.; et al. (2011). Krill oil significantly decreases 2-arachidonoylglycerol plasma levels in obese subjects.​ Nutrition & metabolism, 8(1), 7.

Berge, R. K.; Ramsvik, M. S.; Bohov, P.; et al. (2015). Krill oil reduces plasma triacylglycerol level and improves related lipoprotein particle concentration, fatty acid composition and redox status in healthy young adults - a pilot study.​ Lipids in health and disease, 14, 163.

Bunea, R.; El Farrah, K.; & Deutsch, L. (2004). Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia.​ Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic, 9(4), 420–428.

4.​ Joint studies

Stonehouse, W.; Benassi-Evans, B.; Bednarz, J.; et al. (2022). Krill oil improved osteoarthritic knee pain in adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.​ The American journal of clinical nutrition, 116(3), 672–685.

Suzuki, Y.; Fukushima, M.; Sakuraba, K.; et al. (2016). Krill Oil Improves Mild Knee Joint Pain: A Randomized Control Trial.​ PloS one, 11(10), e0162769.

Deutsch L. (2007). Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms.​ Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(1), 39–48.

5.​ Cognitive health and healthy aging

SenGupta, T.; Lefol, Y.; Lirussi, L.; et al. (2022). Krill oil protects dopaminergic neurons from age-related degeneration through temporal transcriptome rewiring and suppression of several hallmarks of aging.​ Aging, 14(21), 8661–8687.

Konagai, C.; Yanagimoto, K.; Hayamizu, K.; et al. (2013). Effects of krill oil containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in phospholipid form on human brain function: a randomized controlled trial in healthy elderly volunteers.​ Clinical interventions in aging, 8, 1247–1257.

6.​ Muscle health

Alkhedhairi, S. A.; Aba Alkhayl, F. F.; Ismail, A. D.; et al. (2022). The effect of krill oil supplementation on skeletal muscle function and size in older adults: A randomised controlled trial.​ Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), 41(6), 1228–1235.

7. ​Dry eye

Deinema, L. A.; Vingrys, A. J.; Wong, C. Y.; et al. (2017). A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Two Forms of Omega-3 Supplements for Treating Dry Eye Disease.​ Ophthalmology, 124(1), 43–52.