MegaKrill

Generic Name: Mega Krill oil

Brand Names:Berkley Jensen Extra Strength Mega Krill, Mega Red Omega 3 Krill Oil, Nature’s Own Mega Krill Oil 2000, OneLife Mega Krill , Smartsense Mega Krill, Wonder Mega Krill Oil, and others

What is MegaKrill?

MegaKrill is a form of krill oil that claims to be more potent or purer than regular krill oil. However, because supplements are unregulated, there is no guarantee that this holds true for all brands of MegaKrill.

Krill oil is extracted mainly from Antarctic krill, specifically a species called Euphausia superba. Krill are small shrimp-like crustaceans which represent an important dietary link in the global food chain, being the main staple of hundreds of different animals, including fish, birds, and whales. Harvesting of krill oil is not without controversy and studies have suggested Antarctic krill stocks have fallen by 80% since 1970, which is a serious cause for concern.

MegaKrill is a source of EPA and DHA omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but at a different ratio than fish oil. Krill oil has a ratio of 2:1 EPA to DHA, whereas fish oil has a ratio of 1:1 EPA to DHA. EPA is more effective than DHA at reducing cellular inflammation, and the more EPA in the diet, the less arachidonic acid there is available to produce proinflammatory cytokines such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Unlike omega-3’s found in fish oil which are bound to triglycerides, the omega-3’s in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, which reportedly improve absorption by 30 to 100%. Research has not yet determined if this conveys more health effects. However, more effective absorption does appear to reduce the incidence of side effects such as a fishy after taste or fishy burps, a common complaint with fish oils.

Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a brightly colored carotenoid (a pigment that conveys color) that occurs naturally in algae, shrimp, lobster, crab, wild salmon, and krill. Astaxanthin provides an interface between water and fats and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; although there have been few high-quality trials to test its benefits in people. Because it is so deeply colored, astaxanthin can make testing for contaminants or spoilage in krill oil difficult.

Important Information

Take MegaKrill exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

MegaKrill should not be used in patients with a fish or shrimp allergy, or probably any other type of seafood allergy.

People with coagulopathy or taking anticoagulants or other medications should notify their physician prior to taking dietary supplements, including MegaKrill.

Stop taking MegaKrill at least two weeks prior to any scheduled surgery or procedure.

Swallow the MegaKrill capsule whole. Do not puncture or open the capsule.

If you are taking MegaKrill to improve cardiovascular function, then it should be part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, and weight control. Follow your diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely.

There may be other drugs that can interact with MegaKrill. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

Stop using MegaKrill and get emergency medical help if you think you have used too much medicine, or if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may have none at all. T...