Answer :Krill are tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that whales feed upon. Its true that krill oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration, relief for rheumatoid arthritis and possibly even protection against cognitive decline and Alzheimers disease. (See our Special Report on omega-3s in the July 2007 Healthletter.) But krill-oil pills may actually be lower in omega-3s than regular fish-oil capsules.
Boosters say krill oil is special because, beside containing omega-3s, its high in the antioxidant astaxanthin. There is virtually no evidence, however, for claims that krill oil therefore helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and relieve menstrual and arthritis symptoms, with only a single human trial supporting each of these purported benefits.
One company, Neptune Krill Oil, goes further and claims it sells the only krill oil with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)approval as a new dietary product with worldwide regulatory approval. In fact, the FDA cannot approve dietary supplements, only acknowledge the receipt of a notification of a new ingredient, such as krill oil. As noted in 2002 FDA correspondence with Neptune, such a procedural matter does not constitute a finding by the FDA that the ingredient or supplement is safe or that the product has been approved or authorized by the agency.