Krill oil research shows benefits to athletes

Exercise takes many forms, varying from person to person. From dedicated athletes and bodybuilders to frequent and even infrequent gym goers, the sports nutrition market is on the move, rapidly changing to meet the needs of every type of active lifestyle. Personalized nutrition is not new; in fact, it’s a topic that continues to reign. The “one size fits all” approach is out. Consumers can choose from tailor-made products and programs that fit their needs and preferences, and that is true for the sports nutrition space.

Consumers (and athletes) are savvier when it comes to supplements, and they are becoming more educated on nutritional values, ingredient makeup and dosage rates. Companies that operate in the natural products space need to innovate regularly and offer invaluable and unique products. Standing out in the heavily saturated sports nutrition market is not easy. The sports nutrition market is competitive.

Omega-3s are essential for maintaining and supporting cardiovascular,1 brain,2 eye,3 and more,4 but they also provide health benefits for sports nutrition. Having optimal omega-3 levels (8 percent or higher as assessed by the Omega-3 Index method) is particularly important for athletes since they are already at higher risks for health issues due to their intense physical activity.5

Krill oil power

Omega-3 supplements are plentiful in today’s market, but krill oil, an increasingly popular option, is a unique omega-3. Krill oil is gentler on the stomach and doesn’t produce fishy burps like other omega-3 options.6 Combined with a better delivery method, the bio-efficiency and stability of krill oil supplements allow for smaller, easier to swallow pills with less daily dosage requirements.

Krill oil comes from the Southern Ocean and occupies a low level in the food chain. It is also minimally processed and doesn’t contain additives or preservatives.

From a health benefits standpoint, krill oil is an interesting omega-3 option because its fatty acids are largely bound to phospholipids, which are integral to the body’s cells and cell membranes. Phospholipids are structurally different than omega-3 triglycerides, which are found in fish and algal oils, and this difference is crucial because it dictates how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are delivered in the body. Omega-3s that are carried by triglycerides require a conversion in the liver to enter the bloodstream, according to Dr. Anne Carol Goldberg, professor of medicine, Washington University in St. Louis. Krill oil’s omega-3s, on the other hand, enter the bloodstream directly by phospholipids, speeding their availability for use in the body.

Furthermore, krill oil contains choline and astaxanthin. Often considered an underrated nutrient, choline is crucial for cell structure, function and signaling. Choline contributes to cardiovascular, liver and cognitive health and may help aid in sports performance.7

Astaxanthin, on the other hand, helps keep omega-3s fatty acids naturally fresh and stable, eliminating the need for added antioxidants or stabilizers. Krill oil’s astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.8

High-intensity training has an impact on immune function and inflammation, making athletes especially vulnerable to illness and infection, as well as directly impacting the athlete’s physical recovery and performance. Cellular function is essential for maintaining optimal sports performance. Intense physical activity challenges our cellular functions. Excessive radical formation and trauma to the muscles during high-intensity exercise can lead to inflammation.

The EPA and DHA found in krill oil are associated with a reduction in levels of inflammation and have been shown to strengthen markers of immune function following maximal exercise.9 Therefore, krill oil may help reduce the risk of infections and potentially impact race performance and help to accelerate post-race physical recovery.

Recent research conducted by Aker BioMarine’s Pure Science Research Program team found that athletes experience a severe drop in DHA levels after competing in a high-intensity race such as a triathlon. Supplementation with krill oil restored the DHA drop and significantly increased the athletes’ Omega-3 Index.

To date the research shows promising for krill oil and the sports nutrition market. Study results are expected later this year.

Katrin Berntsen is director communication at Aker BioMarine.

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