Krill

Name: Krill — tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans, a few centimetres long, that swarm in huge numbers in the cold oceans, notably Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). They are a key food for whales, seals, penguins and fish, and are harvested mostly for oil, fish feed and supplements.

Description

Antarctic krill are among the most abundant animals on Earth, with, by some estimates, a total weight greater than that of all humans. They are harvested commercially in the Southern Ocean, mainly by Norway, China and Korea, under international rules, and most are made into krill oil, meal for fish farms and pet food. In Japan, smaller Pacific krill, called okiami, are also eaten, mostly as a salted or boiled product.

Krill oil has become popular as an omega-3 supplement, in which the omega-3 fats are carried in phospholipids, and it contains the red pigment astaxanthin. There are concerns about the effect of fishing on penguins, whales and other predators that depend on krill, and on climate change affecting the krill habitat.

Main nutrition value

Krill oil provides the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA in phospholipid form, plus the carotenoid antioxidant astaxanthin, and whole krill are high in protein.

How best to be consumed

Krill is mainly taken as an oil supplement, and rarely eaten whole.

1. Take krill oil capsules with food, following the label dose.
2. Check the label for EPA and DHA content, which varies, and for sustainability certification such as MSC.
3. Eat whole krill, where available, as a salted or cooked product in small amounts, as in Japan.
4. Compare the cost and omega-3 content with fish oil and with eating oily fish.
5. Store capsules in a cool, dry place.

Overconsumption could cause…

Krill is used in small amounts, and supplements need care.

1. Shellfish allergy, which can be severe and is usually lifelong, so anyone allergic must avoid shellfish and check labels. Krill is a crustacean, so those allergic to shellfish should avoid krill oil.
2. Increased bleeding risk from omega-3 supplements in high doses, so people on blood-thinning medicines or before surgery should check with a doctor.
3. A fishy aftertaste, belching or stomach upset from capsules, in some people.
4. Environmental concerns about harvesting krill, which many shoppers weigh.

GroupsCrustaceansCrustaceansFresh

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Wikipedia — Krill, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krill