Welcome to today's Krill Oil Special podcast! Today’s recording is special because I am not alone; I am joined by Susanne Wohlfelder, a vital substance expert. Susanne is a graduate engineer in food technology and a vital substance expert. Her personal passion for healthy nutrition and micronutrients makes her the perfect person to address all the questions we have received in the meantime.
Krill oil and health
Medicom podcast host: Well, I am looking forward to the enlightening answers from Susanne and ten exciting questions from our listeners. Now, I hope I have introduced you correctly. Susanne?
Susanne: Yes?
Medicom podcast host: Are you ready? Then let’s get started with the questions right away. A customer is asking critically once again: “How healthy is krill oil really?”
Susanne: Well, krill oil is considered very healthy! It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are good for the cardiovascular system and can reduce inflammation. Furthermore, it contains astaxanthin, a strong antioxidant that protects against free radicals and is important for a healthy immune system.
Finally, krill oil also contains choline, to which many health-promoting effects are attributed. Among other things, it can support fat metabolism, homocysteine metabolism, and liver function. So, krill oil has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system in many ways.
Krill oil and blood thinners
Medicom podcast host: A topic that is certainly of concern to some of our listeners is compatibility with certain medications, so here is the question: “Is krill oil a blood thinner?”
Susanne: I am very glad this question is being asked so I can help clarify. No, krill oil does not act like a typical blood thinner or a so-called antiplatelet agent such as aspirin. So, as the question is phrased, the answer is clearly no.
However, high-dose intake of omega-3 fatty acids can influence blood clotting and make the blood slightly thinner. Anyone already taking blood-thinning medication or antiplatelet agents should speak with their doctor before additionally taking high-dose omega-3 fatty acids. A low intake—similar to fish consumption—is generally well tolerated.
Antarctic krill
Medicom podcast host: A young, interested listener is asking here once again: “Is krill an animal?”
Susanne: Yes, exactly! Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that live in the ocean. They are an important food source for many marine animals and are found in the cold waters of the Antarctic.
Medicom podcast host: Yes, super fascinating little creatures. And in general, it's fascinating how everything is connected, from microscopic algae to whales weighing hundreds of tons.
Susanne: I believe the largest Antarctic blue whale documented to date even weighed 190 tons.
Medicom podcast host: 190 tons? And 35 meters long. Amazing.
Susanne: What nature brings forth. It is a true miracle.
Medicom podcast host: Yes, absolutely. I would also like to recommend something to our young listener, if I may.
Susanne: Of course. What is it?
Medicom podcast host: Be sure to listen to our very first Krill Oil Special episode. In it, I explain everything in great detail that you would want to know about the fascinating little krill. The first episode is titled Fascination Krill. Insights into the life of Antarctic crustaceans.
Susanne: Yes, definitely. Yes, really a very exciting episode. I think so too.
Medicom podcast host: Yes, so Susanne, we still have a lot to do.
Susanne: Yes, that’s right.
Medicom podcast host: Ready for the next question?
Susanne: Of course. Shoot!
Omega-3 effect on the body
Medicom podcast host: Okay, then here is question 4. What does omega-3 do to the body?
Susanne: The effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the organism are incredible! They support heart health by assisting in a cholesterol-conscious and blood-pressure-regulating diet. Furthermore, they possess anti-inflammatory effects and even support brain function and vision. It is no wonder they are considered essential for our health!
Omega-3 fatty acids and blood pressure
Medicom podcast host: Question 5: Are omega-3 fatty acids good for blood pressure?
Susanne: Yes, omega-3 fatty acids can have a positive effect on blood pressure. They can help regulate blood pressure. However, it is important to know that omega-3 fatty acids alone may not be enough. A healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and physical exercise is just as important.
Losing weight with krill oil
Medicom podcast host: We have dedicated an entire episode to this question, but perhaps you would like to explain in your own words whether you can lose weight with krill oil?
Susanne: Yes, that is a question that is often asked. Krill oil alone is not a miracle cure for weight loss. However, it is part of a healthy diet that can support weight loss. The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil can improve metabolism and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to better body composition. Nevertheless, it is important to consider a balanced diet and regular exercise to lose weight successfully.
Krill oil and skin
Medicom podcast host: We also have a great episode on the topic of skin health, and here is the question for you: Is krill oil good for the skin?
Susanne: Actually, yes. A series of recent studies has shown that krill oil can have a positive effect on the skin. The omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants it contains can support skin health by soothing inflammation and protecting the skin against free radicals. This can lead to an improved skin texture and a healthier complexion.
Omega-3 fatty acids and mental health
Medicom podcast host: Are omega-3 fatty acids good for mental health?
Susanne: A very relevant question! Omega-3 fatty acids are important for brain health and can promote mental well-being. Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve cognitive functions and protect the brain against age-related damage.
Krill oil and omega-3 index
Medicom podcast host: Let's move on to practical application: "How much krill oil should I take per day?", asks a customer.
Susanne: Yes, very nice question. I would like to elaborate on this a bit. The recommended dosage of krill oil can vary depending on individual health status, needs, and the concentration of omega-3 fatty acids in the product. There is actually a way to determine personal omega-3 needs, namely with the so-called Omega-3 Index Test.
The Omega-3 Index test measures the concentration of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the blood. An optimal omega-3 index, which is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, is generally around 8 percent or higher.
A low omega-3 index, on the other hand, can be an indication that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids should be improved. In our Western world, the average is 4 to 6 percent. In other words, too low.
Omega-3 index and dosage recommendation
The tests are carried out by certified laboratories, and the good thing is that they also provide the result of how much krill oil or other omega-3 sources are needed to achieve an optimal omega-3 status. In this way, an individual dosage recommendation can be given to optimize omega-3 intake and promote health.
Otherwise, for orientation and as a general benchmark, the recommended daily dose is about 500 to 1,000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids and should be permanently integrated into one's diet.
Medicom podcast host: Okay, Susanne, all of what you are sharing with us is super interesting.
Susanne: I am glad to hear that.
Medicom podcast host: But I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way; I certainly can't remember all of it.
Susanne: That is normal.
Medicom podcast host: I was starting to think I should be worried.
Susanne: For heaven's sake, no, nobody can remember all of this after hearing it once.
Medicom podcast host: True, I can listen to it again. Can I read it somewhere again?
Susanne: Yes, of course. A transcript of our show will appear on medicom.de, and you can request a PDF with a summary via WhatsApp.
Medicom podcast host: That is good to know. Dear Susanne, then we are slowly coming to an end.
Susanne: What, already?
Taking krill oil
Medicom podcast host: Yes. So, to finish, we have one last question, which I'm sure you are asked very often: What should one keep in mind when taking omega-3 fatty acids?
Susanne: Yes, very important question, and yes, it is asked regularly. So, omega-3 fatty acids are generally well tolerated. Occasionally, however, mild stomach discomfort can occur. This can often be avoided by taking it with a meal or after a meal (lunch or dinner) and not on an empty stomach at breakfast.
Krill oil is inherently advantageous because omega-3 phospholipids are better tolerated than omega-3 triglycerides from fish oil. People who take blood-thinning medication should be careful, as high-dose omega-3 fatty acids have a blood-thinning effect and can amplify the effect of the medication.
As always, it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking dietary supplements to clarify possible interactions or individual health concerns. For allergy sufferers: Anyone with allergies to fish or shellfish should refrain from taking krill oil entirely.
Medicom podcast host: Thank you, Susanne, and thank you for listening! We hope that with our answers to the questions about krill oil, we could shed some light on the subject. For future questions or topics that you would like to have covered in our podcast, please do not hesitate to contact us. We always look forward to your feedback and suggestions.
Stay well informed, and dear Susanne, thank you again and see you very soon.
That is it for today. Look forward to our next podcast on the topic of krill oil, which will appear here next week. Your Medicom team.
• Are you familiar with the Medicom WhatsApp channel? Here you can receive personal vital substance advice from our experts. WhatsApp: 0152-587 587 54. More information on this can be found here.
• The entire episodes of the Medicom Health Podcast Krill Oil Special can be heard here.
