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Krill Oil vs Fish Oil for lowering cholesterol

All oils are not created equal. There may be subtle or major differences between them, resulting in distinctively diverse therapeutic uses. Krill oil and fish oil are good examples of this when it comes to managing healthy cholesterol and lipid levels.

Krill oil is far more effective in reducing LDL cholesterol and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels when compared with fish oil. The omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFA’s), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) found in Krill oil are naturally bound to phospholipids whereas the omega-3 EFA’s found in fish oil are naturally bound to triglycerides*.

Omega-3 EFA’s attached to phospholipids have better absorption and delivery than their triglyceride or ethyl ester counterparts. Phospholipids facilitate the passage of EFA’s through the intestinal wall, increasing bioavailability and therefore improving omega-3 stores.

Evidence suggests that it’s the form of EPA and DHA that’s important in lowering cholesterol levels. Phospholipid forms of EPA and DHA help to reduce deposition of LDL cholesterol in body tissues and increase HDL activity to transport cholesterol away from body tissues for disposal via the liver.

Krill Oil

Independently improves LDL:HDL ratio
Lowers triglyceride levels
Contains the antioxidant astaxanthin
Reduced reflux & burping

Fish Oil

Does not independently** improve LDL:HDL ratio
May increase LDL levels
Lowers triglyceride levels
**Lowers cholesterol levels if used in conjunction with statins

*Some pharmaceutical fish oils are bound to ethyl esters which differ in molecular structure to triglycerides where the glycerol backbone has been replaced with ethanol.