Emotional arguments have driven concerns about the use of krill as an omega-3 source, when compared to the ready-acceptance of fish as that source.
While some oils may be prone to oxidation, krill oil has its own built-in astaxanthin antioxidant. We worry about contamination of fish oil - krill is at the bottom of the food chain and has none of those issues.
The whales? They do OK! The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources estimates the total annual krill catch is a mere 0.14% of the krill consumed by whales. Krill harvesting could increase by 50-fold and still be within safe harvesting guidelines.
Fish stocks on the other hand are falling. Overfishing is occurring, and fishing nets catch everything, including crustaceans. On average, fishing fleet quotas are 15 to 30% higher than scientifically recommended safe limits. Fish farming isn't an ideal solution. Local environments are threatened.
Statistics aside, the arguments favouring krill over fish oil are logical and environmentally sensible.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 24 Apr 17
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