Do you often experience brain fog? Trouble focusing? Memory problems? If so, you may be low in omega-3s. Krill oil is a great source of omega-3s, and can help improve brain health. Keep reading to learn more about krill oil and how it can benefit your brain.
Have you ever had one of those “tip-of-the-tongue” moments - those frustrating mental lapses when you can't quite recall a word or a name…
These mental misfires are the result of cognitive aging.
Aging is inevitable, and with it comes the decline in our body’s physical and mental integrity.
While there’s no fountain of youth to reclaim what age took from us, there are things we could do to maintain, or better yet, improve our brain health amidst age-related cognitive decline. And our Arctic Advantage krill oil supplements could do that for you!
Here, we’ll describe the relationship between the brain and krill oil, then discuss the benefits of krill oil for a healthy brain.
Krill Oil and the Brain
Krill oil is an Omega-3-rich source of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) which are both essential fatty acids found in the brain.
How essential?
If we try to dissect the human brain, we’ll find that 60% of its dry weight is made up of fat, and essential fatty acids account for about 20% of the total volume. And if we try to dig in closer to the junctions between each of our nerve cells, we’ll find even more abundant concentrations of essential fatty acids that amount to approximately 60% DHA.
Countless studies cement DHA and EPA as important components for cognition, behavior, and mood, specifically, DHA for pre- and post-natal brain development and EPA for behavior and frame of mind.
That said, if you’re looking for a brain boost, you have great odds of betting your money on krill oil because you get the following benefits for a healthy brain…
Benefits of Krill Oil for Brain Health
1. Counteracts Cognitive Decline
It’s no secret that the elderly are more susceptible to cognitive impairment and age-related cognitive decline. But the Omega-3s found in krill oil show positive effects in slowing down these age-related cognitive problems.
In a double-blind randomized control trial of 86 elderly with cognitive impairment, those who received DHA and EPA supplementation performed better in basic cognitive aptitude tests. This supports the efficacy of DHA and EPA, which are abundant in krill oil, to improve cognitive function and brain performance.
2. Enhances Learning and Memory
One of the risk factors associated with age is impaired memory, as observed with people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, and difficulty in acquiring new information or learning.
Krill oil helps protect the brain and improve mental function, even helping to prevent cognitive diseases such as Alzheimer's.
In fact, an analysis of studies observing the effects of Omega-3s on Alzheimer's has been quite positive. Another study involving 485 healthy elderly discovered that DHA supplementation for 24 weeks can help improve learning and memory, indicating its supportive effect on cognitive health amidst aging.
3. Improves Mood
Depression has been one of the most prevalent illnesses after the second world war. There are a lot of solutions researchers looked into to fight major depressive disorders, including Omega-3 fatty acids.
A study on understanding the effects of Omega-3 supplementation on cognition and physiology revealed that mood profile improves with Omega-3. Participants exhibited increased vigor and reduced anger, anxiety, and depression states.
In another study, researchers learned that inflammatory cytokines, which are responsible for inducing inflammatory responses, can access the brain and alter behavior that negatively impacts the central nervous system. This results in a lower synthesis of essential neurotransmitters that predisposes people to states of depression. Some essential neurotransmitters include:
- Dopamine (“The reward center”)
- Serotonin (for mood, sleep, sexual desire)
- Norepinephrine (for alertness, arousal, and attention)
- Glutamate (for learning and memory)
- gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA (for calming effect)
- Acetylcholine (for muscle contraction)
The high amount of DHA found in krill oil helps in the synthesis of essential neurotransmitters. Thus, regular supplementation supports the inhibition of pro-inflammation cytokines which improves mood while also counteracting the prevalence of depression as a whole.
4. Reduces Symptoms of Mental Disorders
Research has linked omega-3 fatty acid consumption with a reduction of symptoms of various mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder.
In a double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of patients with bipolar disorder, Omega-3 supplementation significantly prolonged remission times between bipolar episodes.
Deficiencies in omega-3s have also been associated with negative emotions like anger and anxiety. In a double-blind clinical trial where a mixture of EPA and DHA was given, anxiety and anger levels significantly decreased with supplementation of these fatty acids compared to the control group.
5. Improves ADHD-type Behavior
Clinical findings suggest that ADHD children and adults have Omega-3 deficiency which correlates to behavioral and learning problems like hyperactivity-impulsivity, anxiety, temper tantrums, and sleep difficulties.
One study on providing Omega-3 fortified food to 40 ADHD-type children showed improved outcomes on combined teacher and parent ADHD symptom ratings. This study was supported by another paper where the administration of Omega-3-rich supplements to 50 ADHD children improved their attention and behavior.
Finally, a study demonstrated improved ADHD symptoms in75 ADHD children after 6 months of Omega-3 supplementation.
This pool of studies suggests that Omega-3-rich krill oil can be used as a tool to improve behavior problems among children and adults.
Krill Oil and A Healthy Brain are Two Peas in A Pod
Several studies suggest that Omega-3-rich supplements, such as krill oil, are beneficial for brain health.
Whether you’re already dealing with the sting of age or experience some cognitive challenges, taking krill oil is a great way to support brain function and slow down the inevitable cognitive decline.
If you're looking for the best krill oil supplements, you don't have to look far. Check out our Arctic Advantage to get pure, clean and pristine Omega-3s!
