Features

Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (Neptune) is the pioneer and has always been worldwide leader of the Omega-3 Krill Oil market. In fact, Neptune has single handedly created this market ever since its inception more than a decade ago. Neptune Krill Oil (NKO®) is a whole lipid oil extract of Antarctic krill (Euphausia Superba), a shrimp-like creature inhabiting cold waters of the ocean. Antarctic krill have a life span of about 5 to 10 years and are considered to be a keystone species.

NKO® is distinct from every other marine oil due to the fact that the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are attached to and carried by phospholipids. Phospholipids are a major component of all biological membranes and contribute to the membrane’s permeability and fluidity. Due to their amphipathic nature, having both lipid soluble and water soluble, phospholipids act as superior delivery systems. Most phospholipids in NKO® also contain choline, a small amine known as a component of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. By weight, NKO® is comprised of at least 30% EPA and DHA and 40% phospholipids. Most of the EPA and DHA in NKO® are structurally intermingled with phospholipid molecules mimicking the way these nutrients occur naturally in cell membranes. In addition, NKO® contains a powerful antioxidant known as astaxanthin which has been shown to be up to 300 times more powerful than Vitamin E. The market has experienced a great increase in consumer awareness about Omega-3 and more recently this awareness has been directed towards the added health benefits from consuming omega-3 from krill oil. To this date NKO® remains to be the only krill oil with clinically proven human health benefits in cardiovascular, cognitive, joints and women’s health.

This article is available in full in the Autumn 2010 issue of Nutraceuticals Now