The Depressing Fact About Fish Oil Versus Krill Oil

Fish Oil Versus Krill Oil

The effects of omega 3 on depression have been studied for many years and the benefits of omega 3 for treating as well as preventing the condition are irrefutable.

In study published by the “American College of Neuropsychopharmacolgy” scientists concluded that:

“Omega 3 is more effective than placebo in treating depressive illness, although there is some variability in results. We explored whether the composition of the omega-3 administered is important, finding that EPA predominant formulation is necessary for the full therapeutic antidepressant action with a large effect size, with little variability. The DHA predominant formulation has little antidepressant efficacy.”

Fish Oil Versus Krill Oil Supplements – Which Do You Choose?
Most krill oil supplements are harvested from krill caught in the icy waters off the Antarctic coast. These shrimp-like creatures are part of the bottom of the food chain and as such they offer a number of benefits including:

• Little or no risk of contamination
• Very high concentrations of omega 3s in the form of EPA and DHA
• Added benefits of anti-oxidants contained within the krill oil as well

Fish oil supplements are made from various sources of oily fish. The supplements therefore vary however a good fish oil supplement from a good source (for example a supplement produced from Salmon and Tuna caught off the coast of New Zealand) offers the following benefits:

• Little or no risk of contamination
• Fairly high concentrations of both EPA and DHA
• No anti-oxidants

Although on the face of it, the krill oil seems to have more to offer, the added benefits of anti-oxidants, are not really benefits at all when it comes to the treatment of, or the prevention of depression.

The anti-oxidants contained by Krill oil are Astaxanthin and Phosphatidylcholine and whilst these ingredients do have powerful anti-oxidant properties, they are contra indicated for patients already taking antidepressants.

In an article published by the “WebMD” scientists concluded that:

“Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interact with PHOSPHATIDYLCHOLINE. Some drying medications include atropine, scopolamine, and some medications used for allergies (antihistamines) and for depression (antidepressants).”

Overall, knowing the difference between fish oil and krill oil will benefit you, when it comes time that you buy your omega 3 supplement.