Fish oil vs. krill oil?

Rhonda Patrick provides a detailed comparison between fish oil and krill oil, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each:

Krill Oil Advantages

1. Bioavailability: The EPA and DHA in krill oil are more bioavailable due to their phospholipid form, which enhances absorption and utilization by the body 1.
2. DHA Phosphatidal Choline: Krill oil contains DHA phosphatidylcholine, which is preferred by the brain and may contribute to better cognitive health 1.
3. Astaxanthin: Krill oil includes astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that helps fight diseases associated with aging 1.
4. Phospholipids: It provides phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, crucial for cell and mitochondrial membranes, and their decline is linked to neurodegenerative diseases 1.

Krill Oil Disadvantages

1. Dosage and Quality: Krill oil supplements typically come in low doses, making it challenging to get adequate omega-3 amounts. Furthermore, many krill oil supplements are prone to rancidity, affecting their quality and safety 2.

Fish Oil

1. Form and Bioavailability: Fish oil primarily comes in triglyceride form, which, while less bioavailable than krill oil phospholipids, is still superior to the ethyl ester form often found in lower quality supplements 2.
2. Dosage: Fish oil supplements are more commonly available in higher doses which can help meet daily omega-3 fatty acid requirements more easily 2.

Takeaway

• Krill oil is considered more bioavailable and beneficial for brain health due to its phospholipid content and additional antioxidants.
• Fish oil is easier to find in higher quality and higher doses but may not be as bioavailable as krill oil.

Rhonda Patrick herself supplements with both fish oil in triglyceride form and krill oil to maximize her intake of omega-3 fatty acids 1.