Krill Oil | Omega-3 Psoriasis Treatment

Krill Oil is similar to fish oil, but is derived from a species of Krill. Krill is a small, 1-6 centimeter long, shrimp-like animal. The oil extracted from these crustaceans is called Krill Oil.

Krill feed primarily on phytoplankton and are on the low end of the food chain. It is the main food source for whale sharks, mantas, and whales such as the Baleen whale. It is also eaten by other sea animals such as seals, squid, and even penguins.

Like fish oil, krill oil is rich in beneficial fatty acids. Most notably, omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 are considered essential fatty acids. This is because they are vital for a normal metabolism in humans, but we can not produce them by ourselves. In addition to your metabolism, Omega-3 has shown substantial benefits for your skin. These fatty acids help nourish and support healthy skin production which is very important to psoriasis sufferers. Krill Oil contains higher levels of omega-3 than many fish oils making it a beneficial supplement to add to your regimen. The omega-3 will help psoriasis flare-ups go away, and help prevent psoriasis lesions from developing. This alone makes krill oil a great psoriasis treatment.

Krill Oil also contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin, produced from the algae they eat. That is what causes the bright red pigment in krill and other crustaceans like lobster. This particular antioxidant has shown to reduce inflammation which is of great significance to people with psoriasis. Antioxidants help protect our bodies from free radicals. They help us prevent two causes of psoriasis. Antioxidants help support a healthy immune system and prevent toxins from leaching through our skin. Assisting your immune system and ridding your body of toxins will help prevent psoriasis flare-ups from occurring.

There are several other benefits of the fatty acids and antioxidant found in Krill Oil. Some research suggests that a specific krill oil product, Neptune Krill Oil, reduced pain and stiffness and allowed for better joint function in people suffering from arthritis. Results were seen after 30 days in patients who took 300 mg of this specific krill oil.

The study was done on rheumatoid arthritis patients, but studies show that treatment for this type of arthritis often work with psoriatic arthritis as well.

I am not a representative of any type of krill oil. The particular study above was done using a specific brand. There are other brands that would likely work just as well. You just need to be careful, as with any supplement, not all are created equal.

Some Independent studies have shown that some krill oil, and fish oil for that matter, do not contain the potency they advertise. I have listed a few products that pass inspection by one such study.

Krill oil is still being studied to confirm its benefits. Due to the fatty acids and antioxidant found in krill oil, it is believed it will help some other ailments as well as psoriasis and arthritis. Some of these include:

• High Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Stroke
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
• Cancer
• Depression

There is not significant research done with krill oil to give specific recommendations for use. As such it is better to be careful, and always consult a doctor if there is any question.

• Shellfish Allergies: If you are allergic to shell fish you should avoid krill oil as it may cause a reaction. There is not enough testing to determine whether or not shell fish allergies are effected by krill oil.
• Long Term Use: There is not significant testing on long term use. Most testing was done on a three month basis. It is believed that extended use of krill oil could have similar side-effects as fish oil: bad breath, heartburn, nausea, loos-stools etc. It may be best to help you get through those winter months when psoriasis seems to be at it's worst.
• Before Surgery: Krill oil effect clotting of your blood. There for you may want to avoid taking krill oil before or directly after surgery. Again it is best to discuss with your doctor.
• Medications: It is best not to combine krill oil with other medications that affect blood thinning or clotting. These can include commonly used pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen etc. Again when you take any supplement discuss it with you doctor if you have any questions.