Krill oil
Krill oil is an
Euphausia superba. Processed krill oil is commonly sold as a dietary supplement. Two components of krill oil are omega-3 fatty acids similar to those in fish oil, and phospholipid-derived fatty acids (PLFA), mainly phosphatidylcholine (alternatively referred to as marine lecithin).[1] Fishing for krill where previously the focus was on marine life of higher trophic level is an example of fishing down the food web
.
Safety and regulation
Although there may be toxic residues present in Antarctic krill and fish,
Krill oil is listed among authorized European novel foods by meeting specification limits.[6]
Difference between krill oil and fish oil
Krill oil and oceanic fish oil are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). While both contain some EPA and DHA as free fatty acids, krill oil contains particularly rich amounts of choline-containing phospholipids and a phosphatidylcholine concentration of 34 grams per 100 grams of oil.[7][8]
Krill oil also contains appreciable content of astaxanthin at 0.1 to 1.5 mg/ml, depending on processing methods, which is responsible for its red color.[9]
References
- PMID 20359272.
- PMID 16183185.
- PMID 17822085.
- ^ CFSAN/Office of Food Additive Safety (July 22, 2011). "Agency Response Letter GRAS Notice No. GRN 000371". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
- ^ CFSAN/Office of Food Additive Safety (January 3, 2008). "Agency Response Letter GRAS Notice No. GRN 000226". U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
- ^ "Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470 of 20 December 2017 establishing the Union list of novel foods in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council on novel foods". Eur-Lex. 20 December 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
- PMID 19545117.
- PMID 20848234.
- S2CID 95331882.