Krill 60's

NEW Krill Oil
Code: 1163 - 60 Capsules

New Cytoplan Krill oil is part of our Evidence-based range which contains products supported by research and studies with recognised physiological action.

Ongoing clinical trials will ensure this product remains on an ever-increasing evidence based platform.

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a small shrimp-like crustacean that exists in large swarms. It attains an individual maximum size of 2 inches and feeds mainly on phytoplankton or sea ice algae. Krill is the staple food of many mammals, fish, and sea birds in the Southern Oceans. These creatures are natural sources of EPA, DHA, astaxanthin, and choline. According to recent reports, the total krill biomass is estimated at over 500 million tons. This is estimated to be roughly twice the weight of all 6.7 billion humans on the planet.

The vast majority of krill are harvested for use in the aquaculture and pet food industries. Krill for direct human consumption, in the form of krill oil supplements, amounts to less than 0.1% of the precautionary catch limit set by CCAMLR. (The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources)

Sustainable Use

Cytoplan customers can be assured that its providers harvest within the strict guidelines of CCAMLR. Our suppliers are committed to maintaining the sustainability of krill and to preserving the ecosystem of the Antarctic Ocean in which krill now thrive.

Benefits of Omega-3 Enriched Krill Phospholipids

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most important of all dietary molecules. This is because they are central components of almost all cell membranes - forming the bricks and mortar of the body’s entire architectural system. To put this in perspective, consider the total surface area of some of the body structures:

Skin  two square meters (roughly two square yards)
Lungs 100 square meters
Intestines 300 square meters

If we laid out all our cell membranes side to side, they would cover an area equivalent to roughly ten football fields. If we zoomed in closely, we would find that this surface covering several city blocks is comprised of phospholipids, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is these phospholipid membranes that control the transport of all  molecules in and out of cells. Vary the omega-3 content of the diet and we vary the composition, integrity, and function of our cell membranes. In addition to their structural roles, omega-3 fatty acids help regulate a vast signaling network, the inflammatory system, and our repair functions.

This is why omega-3 fatty acids have been found beneficial in so many conditions. Heart disease, arthritis, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, skin conditions, and many other disorders have been shown to be associated with omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. This is not unexpected when we realise that omega-3 fatty acids are structural molecules in almost all tissues.

In short, we are shaping and building our cell membranes by the food and supplements we consume each day. Optimizing our omega-3 fatty acid intake ensures that the structural and functional attributes of our cells are prepared to meet any physiological challenge.

Clinical Trials

The clinical  benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated in thousands of clinical  trials conducted over the past 10 years. In 2008 alone, there were 1000  published papers and over 140 randomized clinical trials on omega-3  fatty acids. During this same period, there were some 15,000 media stories on omega-3 fatty acids. This makes omega-3 fatty acids among the most critically documented nutrients of all  those currently under investigation.

Several groups have chosen to position krill oil as “better than  fish oil.” We recognise the tremendous  rigor of the science of omega-3 fatty acids. Most of this work has been built on fish oil, while additional work has been built on algae oil, flax oil, krill oil,and other oils. We take the position that fish oil has tremendous benefits—this has been clearly demonstrated over many years of research by many highly qualified investigators.

Additional Attributes

Having noted this, we have also closely examined the unique properties of  krill oil and the potential  to provide benefits  that  include those found in fish oil, plus those that are unique to krill oil. For this reason, we prefer the phrase “beyond fish oil.” Beyond fish oil  means that the inherent benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are well documented and worthy of our respect. Beyond this, the composition of krill oil affords health benefits that are also rooted in sound scientific principles. For this reason, krill oil can be seen as a category of omega-3 fatty acids unto itself. It is these additional  attributes that have many customers now looking to krill oil as a value-added component of a healthy lifestyle.

1) Krill omega-3 fatty acids are bound to phospholipids, as opposed to triglycerides;
2) Krill PL contain choline, a neurotransmitter precursor important to brain and muscle tissue;
3) Astaxanthin, a naturally-occurring carotenoid molecule with powerful antioxidant activity.

Choline and Its Many Health Benefits

Choline is found in krill phospholipids as part of the phosphatidylcholine molecule. Choline is not found in fish triglycerides. Choline has critical functions as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that is probably most well known for its  involvement in Alzheimer’s disease. If  we have adequate levels of choline, we support the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system, which protects attention, focus, memory, and even muscle function. Choline is also one of the body’s most important methyl donors, contributing one-carbon units much like folic acid and vitamin B12.

Astaxanthin

Krill oil contains high levels of one of the most powerful natural anti-oxidants called Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid molecule from the same family as beta-carotene, lycopene, and zeaxanthin, though astaxanthin appears to be more active in quenching superoxide, hydroxyl, and other radical species. Recent studies suggest that astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory action, inhibiting cytokine cascades involving  NFkB and TNFalpha. This has led to the use of astaxanthin in a number of ongoing trials of cardiovascular health, respiratory health, joint health, athletic performance, and others.

Astaxanthin is what gives salmon its red color. Krill get their astaxanthin from small phytoplankton, their primary source of food. While krill contain natural levels of astaxanthin, we provide additional astaxanthin to our omega-3 krill phospholipid products. Cytoplan Krill oil contains1500 ppm astaxanthin. This is in recognition of the tremendous antioxidant value astaxanthin adds to both product stability and clinical outcomes.

Ingredients

Suggested Intake: 1-2 capsules daily, or take as directed by a practitioner.
Avoid if there is any deficiency of the liver, or if you are on antithrombotic drugs (e.g. Warfarin or Heparin). Please consult a doctor first.
This product is derived from shellfish and thereford should not be taken by people with sensitivities to shellfish or fish.
Storage: Keep cool, dry & out of direct sunlight.