Krill oil is a type of small crustacean consumed by whales, penguins and other sea creatures.

1. Excellent Source of Healthy Fats

Both krill oil and fish oil contain the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. However, some evidence suggests that the fats found in krill oil may be easier for the body to use than those from fish oil, since most omega-3 fats in fish oil are stored in the form of triglycerides.

2. Can Help Fight Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids like those found in krill oil have been shown to have important anti-inflammatory functions in the body.

In fact, krill oil may be even more effective at fighting inflammation than other marine omega-3 sources because it appears to be easier for the body to use.

What’s more, krill oil contains a pink-orange pigment called astaxanthin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

3. Might Reduce Arthritis and Joint Pain

Because krill oil seems to help reduce inflammation, it may also improve arthritis symptoms and joint pain, which often result from inflammation.

In fact, a study that found krill oil significantly reduced a marker of inflammation also found that krill oil reduced stiffness, functional impairment and pain in patients with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis

4. Could Improve Blood Lipids and Heart Health

A recent review of seven studies concluded that krill oil is effective at lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and may increase “good” HDL cholesterol, too.

Another study compared krill oil to olive oil and found that krill oil significantly improved insulin resistance scores, as well as the function of the lining of the blood vessels.

5. May Help Manage PMS Symptoms

Several studies have found that taking omega-3 or fish oil supplements can help decrease period pain and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), in some cases enough to decrease the use of pain medication.

It appears that krill oil, which contains the same types of omega-3 fats, may be just as effective.

One study found that while both supplements resulted in statistically significant improvements in symptoms, women taking krill oil took significantly less pain medication than women taking fish oil.

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