Supplement Comparison: Omega-3 vs Krill et al

Omega 3 vs Krill Oil vs Cod Liver Oil

On the Surface, both, Omega-3 and Krill oils, supply Omega-3 fatty acids, HOWEVER, the source fish are different, and more importantly, the potency of EPA and DHA differs MARKEDLY.  There are claims online that Krill oil “typically contains more EPA,” However, I did not find this to be true (see chart).

Krill oil contains fatty acids similar to fish oil, and these fats are thought to be beneficial in helping decrease swelling, lower cholesterol, and make blood platelets less sticky, and less likely to form clots.

Omega-3 and cod liver oil are two different oils even though they both come from fish and have a similar fatty acid profile. Fish oil is extracted from the flesh of tuna, herring, cod and other deep-sea oily fish species. Cod liver oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA but doesn't have much (if any) in the way of omega-3 fatty acids.

I’m not going to devote any more time to cod liver oil—as that wasn’t part of the original discussion (which I had with my chiropractor), but thought I didn’t want to exclude it from the entire discussion.

I found that the Mega Red Advanced 4-and-1 which contains both, fish oil and krill oil to be lacking, despite its high regard in its reviews (as well as great marketing); however, that might be related more to the antioxidant astaxanthin which is in the krill oil rather than than the EPA/DHA that their source fish, pollock, provides.

My theory/hunch is: whatever benefit people MIGHT get from a krill oil supplement isn’t due to the EPA/DHA, but actually from the astaxanthin.

• Marine Bioactives: Pharmacological Properties and Potential Applications against Inflammatory Diseases:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3366677/ 
•  A worthy mention regarding astaxanthin and cancer: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515619/

To cover all bases, I’m ALSO going to contrast/compare that Omega XL supplement that Larry King promotes on TV into my analysis. 

Despite the fact it has “Omega” in the name, my theory/hunch is:  whatever benefit people might derive from that (VERY EXPENSIVE) supplement actually comes from the Green Lipped Mussel extract, which is high in boron.

SPOILER ALERT: At $1.11 per pill (PER PILL!), rather than buying the Omega XL, perhaps it would be more economical to consider buying a good quality omega-3 fatty acid supplement, and then buy a separate and less expensive boron supplement.

•  Nothing Boring About Boron:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712861/

I *thought* I did a thorough contrast/compare, though I think I should have added how many pills make up the dose, as each manufacturer has different # of pills to make up the totals listed below.

Brand	# Pills	$ Per Pill	EPA (mg)	DHA (mg)	Total # Fish Oil (mg)	Source Fish	Notes:	Purified/Distilled
PacificCoast NutriLabs 2000mg Fish Oil	60	$0.17	800	600	2000	Herring, Mackerel, Salmon, Sardines		YES
Nordic Naturals - Ultimate Omega	90	$0.33	650	450	1280	Anchovies, sardines	"Other" Omegas: 180 mg	YES
Mega Red Advanced 4-in-1	80	$0.36	314                               (combined)		339	Krill, pollock	Total Fish Oil + Krill = 500 mg (Krill contains astaxanthin)	YES
Omega XL	60	$1.11	12	7		?	Green Lipped Mussel Extract (high in Boron)	?
Carlson Super Omega-3	120	$0.12	300	200	600	Macerel, sardines	"Norwegian Fish Oil 1,000 mg"	?
Carlson Lightly Lemon Cod Liver Oil	300	$0.07	85	100	1000	Cod liver	"Norwegian Cod Liver Oil, 1000 mg"     "Other" Omega-3: 45 mg	?

I, myself, have been on 3 mg of boron for a month or two now, and I originally started it out of concerns for bone density, as I'm getting older, plus I had gastric bypass six years ago. However, I might have a chat with my nephrologist (who treats me for hypertension), as the boron might impact my kidney function. I also started my husband on it due to his periodontal issues which have morphed into perio & endodontal issues. 

Astaxanthin tibit: From what I can find online, astaxanthin is derived from krill or shrimp or salmon.  And this site (while I don't know if it's credentialed) has some interesting information on the merits of consuming shrimp.  Cliffnotes: 4 oz of shrimp contains about 1-4 mg of astaxanthin--the true amount of astaxanthin in shrimp pretty much vascillates depending on if it's wild caught vs farmed, as the whatever farmed shrimp is fed impacts the astaxanthin levels, whereas wild caught shrimp feeds off of kelp and other sea vegetation.  Just a hunch here, but when buying shrimp or salmon, you want it to look as pinkish-orange as possible (I suppose this is why some farmed shrimp or salmon looks dull in comparison to wild caught).  

Just sharing my notes and take-away a-ha! information I've culled thus far, and by no means am I suggesting someone use my information INSTEAD of talking with their doctor FIRST before starting these supplements. I've made up my own mind with what information I have on hand, and making judgment calls for MY OWN health; however, I do think that someone interested in adding astaxanthin (or boron, for that matter), SHOULD run it by their doctor first, to see if it's a good fit for them.

A preliminary caution on astaxanthin (in supplement form) can be found on this site.  Again, that, too, is just a website, and not a replacement for talking to a doctor, but I think reading and thinking and wanting to be an advocate for your own medical care is KEY to optimal health. At best, the doctor might agree it should be included in your daily regimen, and at worst, the doctor would say to avoid it entirely (and hopefully provide a couple of reasons, too).