Super Krill Oil, 90 softgel capsules

Super Krill Oil 590 mg from Vitals, made from Euphausia superba, a small, shrimp-like crustacean

Krill lives in vast shoals in the clear waters of the Antarctic. Krill feeds on the algae that grow beneath the Antarctic ice. The long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are found in krill and fish, originate from algae. Krill oil is characterised by the fact that it contains EPA and DHA in phospholipid form, which can be absorbed particularly easily by the body. At an appropriate EPA and DHA dosage, krill oil has higher bioavailability than fish oil. Furthermore, unlike fish oil, krill oil contains natural choline, which, amongst other things, benefits the liver and helps maintain the structure of cell membranes. Astaxanthin is naturally present in krill, albeit only in small quantities. This contributes to the beautiful, deep-red colour of krill oil.

Heart health

The two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, work together to have a beneficial effect on the heart. It is not without reason that the consumption of particularly oily fish species, which are naturally rich in EPA and DHA, has always featured in official dietary recommendations for a healthy diet. In practice, however, most people do not eat enough (oily) fish to reach the recommended daily intake of EPA and DHA. There are various reasons why these people do not reach the recommended daily intake. This can be problematic, as fish remains our main source of EPA and DHA. The same official recommendations also point out that it is better not to eat fish too often. This is due to the contaminants that fish may contain as a result of environmental pollution (in particular dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals such as methylmercury). High-quality, purified fish oil and krill oil supplements, which contain only small amounts or none at all of these contaminants, do not pose a problem in this regard. To make the most of the health-promoting properties of these polyunsaturated long-chain fatty acids, more and more people are turning to daily supplementation with fish oil and krill oil supplements.

Phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids

The difference between krill oil and fish or algae oil lies in the form of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Long-chain fatty acids are present in fish and algae oil as triglycerides, whilst krill oil contains them in the form of phospholipids. (EPA and DHA are long-chain fatty acids.) Phospholipids form the main component of all cell membranes in our body. Because EPA and DHA in krill oil are already bound to phospholipids, they are more easily absorbed into the cell membranes. To achieve the same effect, krill oil supplements can use a slightly lower dose of EPA and DHA than fish oil or algae oil preparations. In situations where the requirement for EPA and DHA is substantial, it is advisable to choose a product with a higher dosage, given the comparatively high price of krill oil.

Choline and astaxanthin

An additional advantage of krill oil compared to fish oil is that it naturally contains choline and a small amount of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin, a unique carotenoid with a distinctive red colour, is produced by krill and certain species of algae, amongst others.

As the body cannot produce sufficient amounts of choline – an important nutrient – on its own, it must be obtained primarily through the diet. Choline is an essential component of cell membranes, as it is found in phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. It also plays a role in fat metabolism: phosphatidylcholine, a choline derivative, is a component of VLDL cholesterol and is involved in the conversion and removal of fats from the liver. Choline is therefore important for a healthy and properly functioning liver. Choline is also necessary for betaine synthesis, as it acts as a methyl donor in the liver during the remethylation of homocysteine. A healthy homocysteine metabolism helps to maintain normal homocysteine levels in the blood.

Superba Boost™ from Aker Biomarine

is the brand name for the krill oil contained in Vitals’ Super Krill Oil (590 mg). Aker Biomarine is one of the world’s leading specialists in dietary supplements containing krill oil. It is the only manufacturer of krill oil that controls the entire harvesting and production process itself. A key advantage is that Aker Biomarine can exercise strict control over the harvesting and processing of the krill to ensure that both are carried out as sustainably as possible. The krill is purified and concentrated using a proprietary process. This enables the production of a krill oil supplement with a consistently uniform composition and high quality. In addition, Superba Boost™ krill oil is tested for impurities and is characterised by its exceptional freshness. This guarantees that it meets the highest standards. It is not without reason that Vitals’ product bears the name Super Krill Oil!

Permitted health claims:

• EPA and DHA contribute to normal heart function when 250 mg of EPA and DHA are taken daily.
• Choline supports normal fat and homocysteine metabolism.
• Choline has a positive effect on liver function and helps maintain the structure of cell membranes.

Key ingredients

* No reference amount specified under the Food Information Regulation (LMIV). Superba Boost is a brand of Aker Biomarine.

Ingredients

Lipid extract from Antarctic kr ill(Euphausia superba), softgel capsule (fish gelatine), humectants (glycerol, sorbitol), purified water.

Recommended intake

Take 2 softgels daily with a meal containing fat, washed down with water. For pregnant women: 1 or 2 softgels per day, depending on diet and omega-3 status. Breastfeeding women and adults aged 50 and over: 2 softgels per day.

Note

This food supplement is not suitable for children under 3 years of age (statutory notice for food supplements containing astaxanthin). Do not use in combination with other products containing astaxanthin.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place away from light (not in the fridge).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily intake. Food supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of the reach of young children.