Look At Krill Oil A Deeper - Understanding the unique benefits and sustainability of this omega-3 supplement
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A Deeper
Look At Krill Oil
Understanding the unique benefits and
sustainability of this omega-3 supplement
brought to you by and
“I truly believe that where science leads, the market follows. If you look at the
science of omega-3s you have to look at krill oil, because the science is strong. And if you look
into krill oil, then you have to look at Neptune. Neptune has a great story by being the
pioneers in the krill business. The company’s science and IP estate is powerful.”
—says Jim Hamilton, a 30-year industry veteran, formerly the President of
DSM Nutritional Products USA, Inc., who took the helm of Neptune on Feb. 1, 2015
Introduction
With a new state-of-the-art plant, three new research-backed formulations,
and a new CEO, krill oil pioneer Neptune Technologies and Bioressources Inc. is
staging an aggressive comeback in the wake of the November, 2012 explosion
which suspended production at its Sherbrooke, Quebec facility for almost 2
years. “Neptune is back,” says CFO Andre Godin. We are looking forward to
reestablishing ourselves as the leader in this industry.”
Founded in 1998, the Canadian biotech company conducted some of the first
research on the health benefits of krill oil and the unique, more-easily-absorbed
“phospholipid” molecular structure of the fats contained within it. Neptune
What’s Inside
secured a family of patents - for an extraction process as well as composition
and method of use. In 2003, it launched its flagship product, NKO®, creating a
new Omega 3 fatty acid market which has enjoyed meteoric growth ever since.
The Power Of Phospholipids.....................3
By 2014, the market was worth $112 million in annual retail sales and
Krill Vs. Fish........................................................3
growing at a 7 percent clip, representing 29 percent of total Omega-3 sales.
Why NKO?.........................................................4 In the mass market, krill oil was the number one dietary supplement on the
NKO For Health...............................................5 shelves. Fast forward to today, even as consumers appear to be shying away
from some marine-based Omega 3s, krill oil is growing fast and expected
A Sustainable Source Of Omega 3s.........8 to keep gaining popularity as supplement-makers, retailers, and consumers
Why Everyone Needs Omega 3s..............9 discover its unique qualities.
To serve the growing market, in the Fall of 2014, Neptune opened a new and
improved 46,000-square-foot facility able to produce more than 150 metric
tons of krill oil annually. It has also ramped up its Research and Development
efforts, rolling out three new branded ingredients (NKO Beat for heart health,
NKO Flex for bone and joint health, and NKO Focus for brain and vision health) .
Neptune’s subsidiary, Acasti Pharma recently completed phase 1 clinical trials for
an investigational new triglyceride-lowering drug made of krill oil.
What’s so great about krill, and how is NKO different? Here’s a primer:
2 A Deeper Look At Krill Oil | neptunekrilloil.com
The Power Of
Phospholipids
Most fish oil comes in fat-soluble “triglyceride form” —
essentially three parallel strings of fats (EPA, DHA, and
sometimes other fats like Omega 6) strung together along
a molecular backbone. Krill oil is different. It comes in
“phospholipid form,” — a water-soluble backbone linked to two
strings of fatty acids on one side and a package of other health-
promoting compounds, including brain-boosting choline, on
the other. “This unique structure makes a huge difference,” says
Tina Sampalis, MD, PhD, a Canadian researcher and Neptune’s
through-out the body as well as through the blood-brain barrier
Medical Science Liaison who identified this molecule in krill
to the brain. In fact, every cell membrane in the human body is
and participated in bringing krill oil to market in 2003. “Before
made of phospholipids. When we eat it, “the cell recognizes it as
Neptune, krill oil did not exist,” says Sampalis.
its own so it can use it more efficiently,” she says. The amount of
Because phospholipids dissolve easily in both fat and water, fatty acids absorbed from phospholipid supplements is always
they are digested more easily than triglycerides which don’t more than the amount absorbed from other supplements
dissolve in water, she says. And unlike triglycerides, which with higher levels of free fatty acids or triglycerides. It is also
the body rushes to store in fatty tissue (leaving less Omega very important to note that the omega-3 on the phospholipids
3s to roam the body performing beneficial functions), after will help shift the fatty acid ratio of the cell membrane to a
absorption phospholipids are directly used as building blocks healthier omega-3 predominance versus omega-6 or shorter
for cell membranes where they facilitate fatty acid transport chain and saturated fat.
Krill Vs. Fish
Not all Omega 3s are created equally. Here’s what’s different about krill.
No fish burps: Because Omega 3s from phospholipids are Contains astaxanthin: Shown to be 300 times more potent
water soluble, they don’t pool on top of the stomach, prompting than Vitamins E and A as an antioxidant, astaxanthin helps
reflux and fishy aftertaste, like some fish oil supplements can, protect cell membranes from free-radical damage, thus serving
says Sampalis. as a natural preservative in krill oil, keeping it fresher longer. It
is also important to note that astaxanthin is one of only two
Smaller dose required: While few studies have directly
antioxidants that cross the blood brain barrier to the brain.
compared fish oil to krill oil, some suggest Omega 3s from
krill are used more efficiently in the body. One 2009 study Contains choline: Choline is a key building block for the
found that when 48 people took 100 mg of EPA/DHA for 112 neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps support memory
days, those getting it from NKO® saw their Omega 3 Index (a and communication between brain cells and supports breast
measure of levels in red blood cells) jump 2.5 times as much and colorectal cellular health. Because choline is typically found
than those getting it from fish oil. Another looked at 113 people in beef, liver, and chicken, those who don’t consume a lot of
over seven weeks and found that those taking krill oil could take meat often lack it.
63 percent less EPA/DHA as those taking fish oil, and get the
Lower in Omega 6: While fish oil tends to contain some Omega
same boost in EPA/DHA in their blood.
6 fats (pro-inflammatory fats which, in excess can counteract the
benefits of Omega 3s), krill oil contains almost none.
3 A Deeper Look At Krill Oil | neptunekrilloil.com
Why NKO ? ®
Neptune’s flagship ingredient, NKO®,
created the krill oil market. Here’s what’s
unique about it:
Proprietary extraction process: Neptune makes NKO® krill oil using its very
own extraction process based on patented technology and trade secrets. The
Neptune process allows the extraction of oil without breaking down the active
ingredients while at the same time filtering out impurities and evaporating off
any trace of solvent. This gentle, patented process results in an oil with higher
concentrations of EPA, DHA, astaxanthin, and choline, with less than 0.001%
solvent residue, and a mild aroma. Many other companies use ethanol and
heat to extract oil from already-processed krill, leaving behind as much as 3
percent traces of solvents and an ammonia-like odor that must be masked
with vanilla or other extracts. Meanwhile, the heat tends to degrade levels of
astaxanthin in the oil which explains why NKO® has higher astaxanthin than
other leading krill oil brands.
More astaxanthin: Studies show NKO® has up to 7 times more astaxanthin
content (minimum of 50 micrograms per gram) than other krill oils.
More phospholipids: At 40 percent phospholipids, NKO® oil is a highly
concentrated source of these healthy, easily digested fats.
EPA/DHA: With on average 150mg per gram EPA and 90mg per gram DHA,
NKO contains high concentrations of these good fats in an easily digestible,
more bio-available form than triglyceride-based Omega 3 supplements like
those that come from fish oil.
Sustainably sourced: Neptune is certified for sustainability by the nonprofit
marine conservation group Friend of the Sea.
Longer shelf-life: NKO has a 2-year-shelf life.
4 A Deeper Look At Krill Oil | neptunekrilloil.com
NKO For Health? ®
In 2014, Neptune rolled out three research-
backed, condition-specific varieties of NKO
designed to provide krill’s proven benefits
for heart, brain, and joint health alongside
other nutrients shown to address those
same conditions. Here’s a look at how they
work and the science behind them.
HEART HEALTH: People with high cholesterol, high triglycerides and
other forms of cardiovascular risk also tend to have poor circulation,
says Dr. Tina Sampalis, Md, PhD, Medical Science Liaison for Neptune. So,
the company set out to create an all-in-one formula to address numerous
cardiovascular issues. Alongside heart-healthy EPA/DHA phospholipids and
astaxanthin, NKO Beat contains circulation-promoting Coenzyme Q10 — a
molecule that tends to be depleted by people taking cholesterol-lowering
statin drugs. Studies show combining it with krill oil, makes CoQ10 25 times
better absorbed. Other added vitamins help support red blood cells and
vascular health.
Is Krill oil better than fish oil for heart health? EPA and DHA have long
been shown to lower blood pressure, prevent clotting and abnormal heart
rhythm, and slash risk of fatal heart attack. But for improving cholesterol and
decreasing triglycerides, research suggests krill oil has an edge over fish oil. One
12-week study published in the journal Alternative Medicine Reviews looked
at 120 people with high cholesterol and high triglycerides and found those
taking 1.0 g of krill oil per day had twice the reduction in total cholesterol than
those taking 3 g of fish oil. The krill oil group also saw bad cholesterol and
triglyceride levels plummet while the fish oil group saw no significant change.
5 A Deeper Look At Krill Oil | neptunekrilloil.com
BRAIN AND EYE HEALTH: Targeted for women and men 40 years
and older, NKO Focus addresses the often co-occurring health goals of
supporting healthy brain function and maintaining healthy vision. It includes
the eye-health supplement lutein, which studies show is absorbed as much as
8 times more when combined with NKO, along with the powerful phospholipid
fats and neuron-protecting antioxidant astaxanthin naturally found in krill oil.
Why is krill oil good for your brain? The brain is made up of roughly 70
percent fat, and DHA in “phospholipid” form is the most abundant fatty acid in
the brain. When we ingest fat in that form, Sampalis says, it more easily makes
its way across the blood brain barrier into our neurons. One recent study in rats
found that DHA is absorbed in the brain more than twice as efficiently when
it comes in phospholipid form than in triglyceride form. NKO® also naturally
contains the neurotransmitter building block choline, believed to support a
healthy nervous system and makes up for 30% of all the phospholipids in
the brain. When it comes to DHA in general, numerous clinical trials show
it helps maintain cognitive function, and promotes the flow of feel-good
neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin.
Why is krill oil good for your eyes? EPA and DHA have been shown to
maintain healthy structure and function of the ocular tissue, keep membranes
in the retina fluid healthy, support tear production and protect cells in the
eye from damage from sun, light, oxygen, and age. An added benefit of krill:
It contains astaxanthin, which has been shown to reduce eye fatigue and
boost visual function. One study of 32,000 women showed that those who
consumed more Omega 3s had less dry eye. Another, of 3,000 people over the
age of 49, found those who consumed more Omega 3s were less likely to suffer
age-related diminished vision health or function.
JOINT AND BONE HEALTH: NKO Flex pairs NKO with other
joint and bone health nutrients, including vitamin D3. One study
demonstrated pairing krill oil with vitamin D3 improved vitamin D3
absorption up to two times.
Why is krill oil good for your joints? Inflammation can lead to the
breakdown of cartilage and tissue in the joints, resulting in pain and stiffness.
Omega 3s found in krill oil can fend off that inflammatory process quickly. One
study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition looked at
90 patients with arthritis and found that after just 7 days, those taking krill
oil saw inflammation decline 19.3 percent, pain decline 29 percent, stiffness
decline 20 percent, and function improve 23 percent.
6 A Deeper Look At Krill Oil | neptunekrilloil.com
GENERAL HEALTH: Omega 3 fatty acids found in krill oil have been
associated with a host of general health benefits:
MOOD & COGNITIVE HEALTH: One May, 2014 review of 19 studies
looking at people needing to address mood and emotional health found
those who took EPA/DHA alone or alongside medication felt significantly
better than those taking a placebo. Another pilot study looked at 30 individuals
addressing attention, age 10 to 32, and found that those who took 500 mg of
krill oil daily showed a “significant improvement” on measures of self-control
and executive function.
PMS: Omega 3s EPA and DHA trigger the secretion of anti-
inflammatory prostaglandins and muscle-relaxing hormones and
decrease uterine contractions that can cause menstrual pain. One study
published in Alternative Medicine Review looked at 70 women suffering
from PMS and found those who took krill oil before and during menstruation
cut their use of pain medications in half – a significantly greater reduction
than those taking fish oil. Krill oil also worked better to manage emotional
symptoms and breast tenderness.
SKIN HEALTH: Omega 3s plump and hydrate skin cells, dampen down
inflammation and redness, and may hasten wound healing. One 2014
study of 45 participants with acne found those who took 2,000 mg EPA/DHA
for 10 weeks saw lesions reduced significantly. Another examined the skin of
2,919 people and found those with the highest intake of EPA had significantly
fewer signs of aging. Astaxanthin, which is present in krill oil, has been shown to
protect against sun damage.
BLOOD SUGAR HEALTH: The science is young, but some research
suggests that, because of its ability to positively affect blood sugar levels,
krill oil could play a role in normalizing blood sugar imblances. One small, recent
study found that patients taking 1-1.5 grams of krill oil saw blood sugar levels
drop 6.3 percent — twice as much as those taking 3 grams of fish oil. Another
2013 study of 2,200 men followed for 19 years found that those with the highest
blood levels of EPA/DHA had a 33 percent lower risk of getting diabetes.
7 A Deeper Look At Krill Oil | neptunekrilloil.com
A Sustainable Source
Of Omega 3s
Is krill oil sustainable? The question has been a hot topic in
recent years as demand for Omega 3 fatty acids has soared, and
concerns about overfishing have followed. But even watchdog
groups created to protect marine ecosystems say they see
nothing to worry about with krill in the near future.
HERE’S WHY:
STRONG REGULATIONS: The vast majority comes
from the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, which is controlled
by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine
Living Resources (CCAMLR). The 25-member-country convention
requires every fishing boat to be licensed, and sets strict limits on
how they fish and how much they catch. “It is the most regulated
fishery in the world,” says oceanographer Luc Rainville, director of
scientific and regulatory affairs for Neptune Technologies.
LOTS OF KRILL: Between 420 million and 700 million
metric tons of krill inhabit Antarctic waters, making it one
of the largest collections of plankton in the world. Each spring
“People have been warning of a during spawning season it re-populates that which was fished
out or eaten by whales, penguins, seals and birds.
massive increase in the krill fishery
LOW CATCH LIMITS: The CCAMLR allows licensed krill
since the 1990s and it still hasn’t operators in the Antarctic to collectively catch a limit of
happened…it is simply not plausible, 620,000 tons of krill (around 1 percent of the total biomass)
The krill is in very safe hands .” annually. That limit has never been reached, with annual
catches remaining around 200,000 tons annually for the last
— Blog from David Agnew, PhD, standards director for the
several years.
Marine Stewardship Council on its website
Few operators: “Getting a boat to the Antarctic is
incredibly expensive,” says Agnew. Only about 7- 8
operators currently fish krill in Antarctica each year and financial
barriers to entry are likely to keep that number from growing.
8 A Deeper Look At Krill Oil | neptunekrilloil.com
Why Everyone
Needs Omega 3s
With 8,000 human studies behind them, the Omega 3 fatty acids
found in krill are already among the most-researched nutritional
compounds in the world. Yet researchers say we’re only beginning
to understand their full role in human health. Omega 3s like
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
give cell membranes their structure, enabling them to hold in
fluid and nutrients and usher out waste. They also serve as
roaming chemical messengers, dampening down inflammation,
switching on production of beneficial hormone-like compounds,
and facilitating transmission between nerve signals. More than
80,000 premature deaths could be prevented annually if people
consumed more Omega 3s, Harvard research shows. Still, 91
percent of Americans are deficient.
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