Shrimp krill oil – a wise nutritional recovery strategy

A new study published in the scientific journal PLoS One reveals new beneficial effects of krill oil, this time for the recovery of athletes after exercise.

In the study, 37 subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups: the first received 2 g of krill oil daily (Superba^TM Krill) while the other received a placebo. The authors of the study examined the effect of the preparations on the immune function of subjects who cycled intensively for 1 hour every day for 6 weeks.

According to the results, intake of krill oil significantly increased the omega-3 index (the content of beneficial EPA and DHA in erythrocytes) in the test subjects, as well as the production of interleukin 2, a molecule that plays an important role in the activity of immune cells. Additionally, krill oil increased the activity of natural killer cells during the post-exercise recovery period.Natural killer cells are the first line of defense against bacteria and viruses, which led the authors of the study to the conclusion that krill oil can protect us from infections after intense physical activity.

The results of the study are in line with previous research where fish oil has shown similar benefits. Interestingly, a quarter of the dose of EPA and DHA from krill oil was required for a positive effect compared to fish oil, confirming the superior bioavailability of omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil.

The authors of the study conclude that regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil can serve as a wise nutritional strategy for recovery after intense exercise.