There’s a worldwide deficiency that people don’t talk about much most likely because they don’t know it’s happening – even to themselves.
Although an omega-3 deficiency can show up in many ways, when people suffer with achy joints, sleep issues, cardiovascular and cognitive concerns, dry skin, brittle nails or lackluster hair, a lack of omega-3 fatty acids is usually the last thing on their minds.
Unlike cholesterol or iron, omega-3s aren’t something your health care provider typically measures, so it’s near impossible to know if you’re deficient. The only way to find out is to measure your omega-3 levels with either a home test kit or a special test through your provider, if available.
According to GrassrootsHealth, a nonprofit public health research organization, the typical diet for as many as 80 to 90% of individuals in some countries (shown in red in the map below) does not provide enough essential omega-3 fats, leaving a majority of the population deficient.
Coupled with a growing excess of omega-6 fats in the western diet, omega-3 deficiency has become a life-threatening, widespread epidemic.
Western countries, such as the U.S., tend to consume high levels of omega-6 fats from processed foods and vegetable oils, and less omega-3 fats from sources like wild-caught (not farmed) Alaskan salmon, herring, anchovies and sardines.
As you can see below, the red zones represent regions where the average blood levels of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), fall below 4% - a severe level of deficiency. Ideal, healthy levels are greater than 8%, represented by the green regions in the map.
Are You Deficient in Omega-3?
If your levels of omega-3s aren’t at least 6% or above (preferably 8%), your body and brain are likely suffering from a deficiency in the essential fats DHA and EPA.
Just as with vitamin D, a deficiency in omega-3s can put you at risk for chronic disease. Both are essential to your everyday health.
A lower omega-3 index is associated with an increased risk for:
- Cardiac concerns.
- Cellular aging.
- Cognitive and mood concerns.
- Eye issues.
To help you determine your levels, we offer the opportunity for you to participate in a consumer-sponsored research project, directed by GrassrootsHealth and D*action.
The best way to measure omega-3s is by looking at your red blood cells. EPA and DHA are found in the red blood cell membranes in your organs and tissues, and the levels detected in your blood directly reflects levels in your brain.
Grassroots Health’s Vitamin D & Omega-3 Test Kit measures the levels of vitamin D3 and omega-3 fatty acids in your blood. Two things make this test kit ideal - you don’t need a doctor’s prescription and you can take the test right in the comfort of your own home.
And because this test measures your serum vitamin D3 levels at the same time as your omega-3 levels, you save time and money doing one essential test instead of two.
If you wish to also find out your levels of magnesium (another common deficiency) as well as selenium and zinc, in addition to omega-3 and vitamin D, you can select the Vitamin D, Magnesium & Omega-3 PLUS Elements Test Kit. The Vitamin D, Magnesium & Omega-3 PLUS Elements Test Kit tests for all these as well as unwanted heavy metals like mercury, lead and cadmium.
For your convenience, we offer these GrassrootsHealth test kits on Mercola Market.
My Recommended Strategy for Correcting an Omega-3 Deficiency
The first thing I recommend doing is to eat less foods high in omega-6 fats, such as processed foods and vegetable oils.
After you do that, consume more foods high in omega-3s. Eating wild-caught (not farmed) Alaskan salmon, herring, sardines and anchovies are my preferred way to get sufficient omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA to help raise your levels.
However, to get enough DHA and EPA, you must eat these fish regularly – something not everyone is able or willing to do.
If you are deficient (as most people in the U.S. are), you’ll also need to take supplemental omega-3s.
How much you will need depends on several factors – your current condition of health, digestive health, co-nutrient status, medications, genetics and more. Testing and re-testing six months later is the only way to know if you’re achieving your desired levels.
More than 23,000 published research papers support the positive health benefits of high blood levels of omega-3s, specifically:
- An excess of 6,000 supporting cardiovascular benefits.*
- Over 1,000 showing respiratory benefits.*
- And more than 2,000 showing metabolic health benefits, including healthy, normal blood sugar levels.*
Higher levels of omega-3s are associated with optimal cognitive function, cellular health, vision, skin health, immune health, normal liver function, joints and muscles, maternal health and overall longevity.*
This Little-Known Crustacean Oil Outperforms Fish Oil in Many Ways
When choosing an omega-3 supplement, many make the mistake of taking fish oil.
Regular fish oil has several pitfalls. It tends to be contaminated with mercury and other toxic heavy metals. Plus, because fish oil is low in naturally occurring antioxidants, it is highly susceptible to spoilage and can go rancid quickly.
Rancid, or oxidized oil, is one of your body’s worst enemies. It can ignite inflammation and place your organ and cellular health at risk, especially your brain and heart health.
Instead of regular fish oil, I recommend getting the DHA and EPA you need from a much more reliable source - krill oil from krill, or tiny shrimp-like creatures that live in frigid Northern waters.
When you compare krill oil to regular fish oil, the differences are overwhelming. Studies suggest that krill oil:
- Is as much as 48 times more effective, meaning you need less of it.
- Is more absorbable since its omega-3 fats are attached to phospholipids for easy transport into your cells, including your brain cells.
- Contains phosphatidylcholine, which improves krill’s bioavailability, and contributes choline, which is important for brain development, learning and memory.*
- Naturally contains astaxanthin, nature’s most potent antioxidant, to help maintain its stability and resistance to oxidation and spoilage.
- Isn’t prone to contamination from mercury and heavy metals, like fish oil, because the krill feeds on phytoplankton instead of contaminated fish.
- Is environmentally sustainable because krill makes up the largest biomass in the world – only 1 to 2% of the total krill biomass is harvested each year.
Krill oil solves the common fish oil dilemma by containing both antioxidants and easily absorbable omega-3s. And because krill is only harvested from the pristine waters of Antarctica, they are largely free from pollution and contamination.
Unlike Fish Oil, Krill Oil Controls the “Switches” to Your Vital Biochemical Processes
Studies show krill oil offers all the many health benefits of omega-3 fats and more, including benefitting your genetic expression and metabolism.*
Genes control nearly every biochemical process, and any gene can be switched on or off.
DHA and EPA control these crucial “switches” for your genes and the healthy biological function throughout your body and brain.
These essential fats support your heart and cellular health, immune function, mood and cognitive well-being.
Researchers recently compared the effects of krill oil and regular fish oil on gene expression in the livers of mice. When mice were fed the two different types of oil, only krill oil (and not fish oil) was shown to:
- Support glucose metabolism in the liver.*
- Support already healthy lipid metabolism.*
- Support mitochondrial and cellular energy production.*
- Support already normal cholesterol synthesis.*
- Help regulate the mitochondrial respiratory chain, thereby supporting overall mitochondrial and cellular health.*
The Total Package – Krill Oil Contains Powerful Antioxidants and Essential Omega-3 Fats
Krill oil contains naturally occurring astaxanthin and a flavonoid, or powerful antioxidant with a novel molecular structure.
Before now, this novel flavonoid hadn’t been found in anything except plants, such as vegetables, fruits and algae.
Astaxanthin and this unique marine-source flavonoid create a special bond with EPA and DHA, allowing direct metabolism of the antioxidants.*
Plus, unlike with regular fish oils, which can quickly go rancid, astaxanthin helps maintain the freshness of the krill oil.*
Here’s a quick glance at some of the major benefits of krill oil:
- Supports a healthy heart*
- Supports cellular and mitochondrial health*
- Helps maintain blood sugar levels already in the normal range*
- Supports healthy joints and overall joint comfort*
- Supports a healthy brain and nervous system function and development*
- Helps maintain cholesterol levels already in the normal range*
- Supports your immune system*
- Supports a healthy mood*
Krill’s Secret Weapon for Getting the Omega-3s Into Your Cells
Unlike regular fish oils, with the exception of herring caviar oil, krill oil carries omega-3s in the form of phospholipids – little packages that deliver the fatty acids directly across your cell membranes and into your body's cells.
Scientific evidence shows the safest and most effective carriers of EPA and DHA are these phospholipids. Unfortunately, standard fish oils lack this phospholipid complex. Instead, they only contain omega-3 fatty acids in the less-beneficial forms of ethyl esters or triglycerides.
So, why are phospholipids so important?
- They provide the building blocks for your cell membranes.*
- They regulate cellular transport by functioning as “gate-keepers” *
- They help protect your cell membranes from free radicals.*
This unique relationship between the phospholipids and omega-3 fatty acids greatly facilitates the passage of the fatty acid molecules through your intestinal wall.* This makes the omega-3 fats in krill oil more bioavailable than those in fish oil and allows the DHA and EPA to directly enter your cells.*
Although some omega-6 fats are good for your health, most people consume far too many in processed foods and vegetable oils. A healthy balance of omega-6s to omega-3s is crucial. The phospholipids in krill oil can provide you with more omega-3 fats to help balance this important ratio.*
This krill oil phospholipid complex is one of many reason why krill and herring caviar oils should be your first choice for correcting omega-3 deficiencies and maintaining adequate levels.
We’ve even taken our krill oil formulas to the next level with a very special formulation…
As a Bonus, You Receive Extra Organic Astaxanthin With All Our Krill Oil Formulas
When it comes to antioxidants, it’s hard to beat astaxanthin for all it offers.
Astaxanthin is different from other antioxidants in that it can cross your blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers and actually becomes part of your cell membranes. It reaches just about every cell in your body and acts on at least five different inflammation pathways.*
These unique features allow astaxanthin to offer you a full array of potential benefits, as it:
- Supports your body’s already healthy normal inflammatory response.*
- Helps protect your cells from free radical damage.*
- Supports eye, brain and nervous system health.*
- Helps maintain a youthful appearance by promoting skin elasticity and helping to reduce damage from the elements.*
- Aids immune function.*
- Supports cognitive and psychomotor function.*
- Promotes comfort and flexible movement, especially after exercise.*
Because astaxanthin helps protect your mitochondria’s membranes, it may be especially beneficial to the parts of your body with the greatest concentrations of mitochondria, like your heart, brain, liver and muscles.*
Source Matters When It Comes to Astaxanthin
One of the best sources (if not the best) of naturally occurring astaxanthin is a very unique type of microalgae called Haematococcus pluvialis. Sea creatures, like salmon and krill, get their brilliant red pigmentation by eating this microalga.
Unfortunately, over 95% of the astaxanthin on the market today is produced synthetically, much of it for feeding to farmed salmon. Petrochemical-derived astaxanthin is much less expensive than astaxanthin from H. pluvialis, but there’s no comparison in its value for your health.
The H. pluvialis we source for our Organic Astaxanthin is grown in glass tubes connected with special non-plastic hoses, unlike the PVC hoses other growers use. Flexible PVC contain phthalates – toxic chemicals and endocrine disruptors – that can leach into the astaxanthin oils.
Plus, our grower carefully controls what is fed to the astaxanthin-producing algae. All the nutrients are organic compliant and includes only those allowed by the National Organic Program to meet USDA organic certifications.
The whole growing process is audited to the USDA National Organic Program. Third party auditors check all nutrients used and audit the complete process on a yearly basis so you can be assured you receive nothing but Certified Organic Astaxanthin.
Krill oil naturally contains astaxanthin, but because it is such a vital nutrient, we’ve added extra Organic Astaxanthin from microalgae to our entire line of Krill Oil .
Our Commitment to Quality and Species Sustainability
Harvesting krill in the Antarctic can be challenging and expensive. This can lead some manufacturers to take shortcuts at the expense of the ecosystem and the quality of the krill oil product.
In fact, a recent sustainability report of 24 fisheries by NGO Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) found one-third or 3.5 million tons of fish stocks destined for fish oil supplements are “poorly managed.”
Fortunately, we found a supplier that takes a whole different approach, with a focus on high-quality practices and sustainability.
The 24 fisheries in SFP’s recent report received one of four ratings for sustainability: A, B1, B2, or C.
The results?
- 12 of the 24 fisheries received “C” ratings (and one was shut down).
- 11 received B1 or B2 ratings.
- Only one fishery received an “A” rating – and it was ours.
I’m proud to announce that the fishery that supplies the krill for our Krill Oil was awarded the only “A” rating for sustainability and management strategy.
In addition to taking the appropriate environmental steps to protect the krill species, the patented technology that this fishery uses helps make the difference:
- They use a direct hose connection mechanism to help ensure unwanted by-catch are singled out and released unharmed during harvesting.
- They keep the krill live and fresh by bringing them directly into the harvesting vessel using a continuous flow of water.
The bottom line with this type of specialized harvesting is it not only helps ensure high-quality krill goes into Krill Oil, but it also minimizes environmental impacts and helps ensure the sustainability of Antarctic krill and other marine species.
Plus, we support The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). CCAMLR was established in 1982 with the objective of conserving Antarctic marine life. To further support CCAMLR, vessels typically have a part-time observer on board to scrutinize harvesting limits.
With our Krill Oil, there is an independent observer on board 24/7 who reports back to CCAMLR on a daily basis.
Traceability – A Rare Find in Krill Harvesting
We have adopted The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) “boat to plate” mentality and adhere to MSC’s Chain of Custody standard.
With MSC certification, every company that handles the product (from harvesting to encapsulation):
- Has been independently audited to make sure the MSC eco-label is only used on certified sustainable products.
- Stores MSC-certified items separately.
- Keeps effective records of MSC-certified products.
Traceability of krill oil ensures that the krill are sourced from a MSC-certified fishery and protects buyers, like you, and fisheries from fraudulent labeling. It also avoids risk of fisheries carrying products from illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
The fishery supplying our krill oil was the first krill harvesting company to gain MSC certification – and still remains one of the only two to be certified.
In essence, we provide 100% traceability of the krill from sea to shelf in a controlled value chain: from harvesting, processing, and logistics, to final processing, product specs as well as internal and external audits.
That means we’re able to trace all krill back to the exact location of harvest (through GPS systems aboard each vessel). Each bottle is traceable back to the Antarctic location where the krill was actually harvested.
For Your Protection, Our Krill Oil Is Consistently Tested for Purity
Our Antarctic krill source meets the strictest quality standards when it comes to contaminants. In fact, regular testing is performed to ensure our krill oil meets extremely demanding specifications for a broad range of potential contaminants.
As mentioned earlier, heavy metals are always a concern when it comes to fish and seafood products.
Fish and seafood have the potential to contain high levels of heavy metals such as lead and mercury. We test each lot of our krill for these and the levels found in our krill oil are so low, they even test well below California’s Prop 65 limits, which are much more stringent than federal guidelines.
Most of our major waterways are contaminated with hormone disrupting chemicals such as dioxins and PCBs. Because our krill is harvested in the pristine Antarctic waters, this concern is virtually eliminated. The levels of these chemicals found in our krill oil are nearly undetectable compared to the limits set forth by the World Health Organization.
PAHs, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are carcinogenic compounds found in cigarettes and also in crude oil. With the prevalence of offshore oil drilling across the globe, it is important to ensure the seafood you consume has not been contaminated by oil spills. Our krill oil is also tested for eight different PAHs commonly found in crude oil.
Consistent monitoring to guarantee our krill oil is meeting the strictest guidelines further ensures its purity.
Unique Encapsulation System Helps Prevent Leakage and Spoilage
Without a superior delivery and encapsulation system, all the innovation and technology that goes into producing Krill Oil could be a waste.
Fortunately, our formula is delivered in a hard capsule instead of a softgel or other type of capsule technology.
This liquid capsule technology provides many beneficial advantages over others, as it:
- Reduces oxidation potential by flushing the liquid formulation with nitrogen during the capsule-filling process – creating a “freshness bubble.”
- Ensures two-piece capsules are banded to significantly reduce the potential for leakage – yields a precisely tight, one-piece capsule.
- Enhances shelf-life through exemplary filling and sealing processes.
Plus, because the capsules are so tightly sealed, you won’t even smell the krill oil.*
We’re proud to bring you authentic Antarctic Krill Oil along with this advanced delivery system in four different formulas for your entire family: Krill Oil, Krill Oil Double Strength, Krill Oil for Women and Krill Oil for Kids.
Need to Raise Your Levels Quickly? Krill Oil Double Strength Can Save You Time and Money
If you need to quickly raise your serum levels of DHA and EPA, you may need to double your dose of Krill Oil until you reach your desired levels.
We’ve formulated Krill Oil Double Strength to help you raise your omega-3 levels quickly, with both convenience and cost in mind.
With Krill Oil, each 2-capsule serving provides 1,000 mg Krill Oil and 2 mg Organic Astaxanthin. Krill Oil Double Strength provides 2,000 mg Krill Oil and 4 mg Organic Astaxanthin per three-capsule serving.
With Krill Oil Double Strength, you only need three capsules to get twice as much Krill Oil and Astaxanthin – a potential cost savings and increased convenience. And because you get both Krill Oil and a full 4 mg of Organic Astaxanthin in each serving, it’s like getting two supplements for the price of one.
Other than dosage levels of Krill Oil and Astaxanthin, both products contain the same high-quality Antarctic Krill Oil and are packaged using our advanced delivery system.
Depending on your personal needs, Krill Oil and Krill Oil Double Strength can help you achieve and maintain your ideal level of omega-3s without the shortcomings of regular fish oils.
Krill Oil for Women With Evening Primrose Oil to Support a Woman’s Special Needs*
Regardless of your gender, getting adequate amounts of DHA and EPA is crucial to maintaining your overall health.*
For women, there’s another essential fatty acid that can be particularly beneficial – and that’s gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).* GLA supports the normal function and growth of cells, nerves, muscles and organs throughout your body, to potentially help:*
- Ease normal symptoms of PMS.*
- Support your healthy mood and memory.*
- Maintain blood pressure levels already in the normal range.*
- Enhance calcium absorption that can lead to strong bones.*
Where can you find GLA?
Evening primrose is a wildflower that opens up in the evening time, as its name suggests.
The evening primrose lends some of its beauty to women in the form of oil from its seeds. The seeds are rich in an essential fatty acid profile of 65% linoleic acid and 8 to 10% GLA.
Of the few available sources of GLA, evening primrose oil seems to deliver the best results, compared to borage oil and other sources, and is thought to support female health and vitality in many ways.*
So, when we set out to create our line of premium krill oil formulas, we wanted to be sure we also included one that met the specific needs of women.
With our Krill Oil for Women, you receive not only the special benefits of 500 mg of Organic Evening Primrose Seed Oil but also 1,000 mg Krill Oil and 2 mg Organic Astaxanthin to help you experience radiant health from the inside out.
Krill Oil for Kids for Your Child’s Mental Health and Behavior?
Because children’s mental, emotional and behavioral health directly influence their well-being and happiness in life, we’ve formulated Krill Oil for Kids just for them.
A growing number of studies suggests supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may provide support for optimal quality of life and mental health status, especially in children with emotional and behavioral challenges.*
In one recent review of 16 studies, omega-3 fatty acids improved children’s ability to function, learn and interact with peers. Another controlled, double-blind study showed omega-3 supplementation led to an improvement in mood, compared to the placebo. *
Making sure your child receives enough omega-3 fatty acids each day is vitally important – no less than it is for you.
In a perfect world, your child would get all the DHA and EPA he or she needs through their diet, especially from fish. But many kids have an aversion to fish, even if it’s regularly on the menu in your home.
However, studies show that eating certain fish can potentially expose your child’s developing brain to industrial pollutants and toxins like mercury, PCBs, heavy metals, and radioactive poisons.
Our Krill Oil for Kids is made with all the same high-quality ingredients of our Krill Oil for adults but in a smaller dose and smaller-sized capsule. Each serving of Krill Oil for Kids provides 320 mg Antarctic Krill Oil and 2 mg Organic Astaxanthin.
Because the tiny capsules are much smaller than the regular-sized Krill Oil ones, they’re much easier for young users to swallow.
And here’s another plus that’s sure to be a hit with your child...
The capsules prevent any krill oil smell from escaping the capsule, unlike most other fish oil and krill oil supplements.
Take Control of Your Health® With the Best in Krill Oil
Isn’t it time you took charge of increasing your intake of health-supporting omega-3 fats and crucial antioxidants?*
Our Krill Oil stands out from any other krill or fish oil on the market because it is:
- MSC-certified to reassure you we harvest krill according to strict sustainability standards.
- Produced using extraordinary efficient Eco-Harvesting technology that supports sustainability of Antarctic krill and marine species.
- Delivered by a protective encapsulation system second to none so you can be assured of freshness and little-to-no smell.
- A formula that guarantees at least 2 mg of Organic Astaxanthin per serving of Krill Oil, Krill Oil for Women and Krill Oil for Kids, and 4 mg per serving of Krill Oil Double Strength.
Krill Oil is one of the smartest ways to increase your intake of DHA and EPA and antioxidants like astaxanthin without risking exposure to mercury and other heavy metals as well as hormone-disrupting plasticizers.*
Also available in special formulas specifically designed for women, kids and pets, our Krill Oil is the ideal source of omega-3s for the whole family. Order your supply today.