Side effects of krill oil

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Side Effects of Krill Oil

Introduction to Krill Oil and Its Uses

Krill oil, derived from tiny crustaceans called krill, is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is often marketed as a superior alternative to fish oil due to its higher bioavailability and potential health benefits. However, like any supplement, krill oil may have side effects that users should be aware of.

Metabolic Risks and Insulin Sensitivity

One significant side effect of krill oil, particularly when combined with salmon oil, is its potential impact on insulin sensitivity. A study involving overweight men found that supplementation with a blend of krill and salmon oil resulted in a 14% reduction in insulin sensitivity compared to a control group . This decrease in insulin sensitivity could increase the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, especially in individuals who are already overweight.

Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Health

Krill oil has been shown to have lipid-modifying effects, similar to fish oil. However, a network meta-analysis revealed that while krill oil significantly lowers triglyceride levels, its effects on other lipid parameters such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and total cholesterol are not significantly different from those of fish oil . This suggests that while krill oil can be beneficial for managing triglyceride levels, its overall impact on cardiovascular health may not be superior to that of fish oil.

Potential Cognitive Benefits and Risks

Krill oil has been studied for its effects on brain function, particularly in elderly individuals. A randomized controlled trial found that krill oil supplementation improved cognitive function, as evidenced by increased oxyhemoglobin concentrations in the cerebral cortex during memory and calculation tasks . However, while these cognitive benefits are promising, the long-term safety and potential side effects of krill oil on brain health require further investigation.

Anti-Cancer Properties and Safety Concerns

Krill oil has shown potential anti-cancer properties, particularly in inhibiting the migration of colorectal cancer cells and downregulating key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression . While these findings are encouraging, the safety and efficacy of krill oil as an adjunctive cancer therapy need to be thoroughly evaluated in clinical settings to ensure it does not cause adverse effects or interact negatively with conventional cancer treatments.

Conclusion

Krill oil offers several health benefits, including improved bioavailability of omega-3 PUFAs, potential cognitive enhancements, and anti-cancer properties. However, it also poses risks, particularly concerning insulin sensitivity and metabolic health in overweight individuals. As with any supplement, it is crucial to weigh the benefits against the potential side effects and consult healthcare professionals before incorporating krill oil into your regimen. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety and efficacy of krill oil supplementation.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Comparison of bioavailability of krill oil versus fish oil and health effect

Krill oil appears to have higher bioavailability of EPA and DHA than fish oil, but more studies are needed to confirm their beneficial health effects and their potential differences in biological effects.

Systematic ReviewHighly Cited

2015·

75citations

·S. Ulven et al.

Krill oil extract inhibits the migration of human colorectal cancer cells and down-regulates EGFR signalling and PD-L1 expression

Krill oil may be a potential therapeutic agent for colorectal cancer due to its anti-migratory effects and downregulation of EGFR signaling and PD-L1 expression.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2020·

8citations

·A. Jayathilake et al.

Supplementation with a blend of krill and salmon oil is associated with increased metabolic risk in overweight men.

Supplementation with a blend of krill and salmon oil is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity, potentially increasing the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in overweight adults.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2015·

36citations

·B. Albert et al.

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

Krill oil, rich in n-3 PUFAs incorporated into phosphatidylcholine, improves cognitive function in the elderly more effectively than sardine oil.

RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2013·

101citations

·Chizuru Konagai et al.

Lipid-modifying effects of krill oil vs fish oil: a network meta-analysis.

Krill oil and fish oil both have lipid-modifying effects, with triglyceride reduction depending on the dose of n-3 fatty acids consumed.

Meta-Analysis

2020·

19citations

·M. Kim et al.

Krill oil improved osteoarthritic knee pain in adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis: a 6-month multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Krill oil is a safe and effective alternative treatment for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, improving knee pain, stiffness, and physical function without causing side effects.

RCTVery Rigorous Journal

2022·

7citations

·W. Stonehouse et al.

Krill oil extract suppresses the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells through activation of caspase 3/9

Krill oil extract shows comparable anti-proliferative effects on colorectal cancer cells as Oxaliplatin, with its anti-proliferative property linked to the activation of caspase 3/9 in the mitochondrial death pathway.

In Vitro StudyRigorous Journal

2019·

24citations

·A. Jayathilake et al.

Krill oil supplementation lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels.

Krill oil supplementation significantly lowers serum triglyceride levels without increasing LDL-C levels in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk factors.

RCTLarge Human TrialHighly Cited

2014·

91citations

·K. Berge et al.

Krill oil supplementation increases plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in overweight and obese men and women.

Krill oil supplementation increases plasma EPA and DHA levels in overweight and obese individuals without adverse effects on safety parameters or metabolic parameters.

RCTHighly Cited

2009·

182citations

·K. Maki et al.

Krill Oil Inhibits Cholesterol Synthesis and Stimulated Cholesterol Excretion in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Krill oil supplementation reduces LDL-cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic rats by stimulating uptake and excretion, while inhibiting cholesterol synthesis.

RCTAnimal Study

2022·

8citations

·O. Kim et al.

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