Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a species of shrimp that lives in the waters around Antarctica in the Southern Ocean. Foods made from krill contain high concentrations of proteins and vitamins and are therefore extremely valuable for consumption and feeding. A particularly interesting product made from krill is krill oil, which has an extremely high content of omega-3 phospholipids.
Phospholipids are of central importance for the construction of cell membranes. The phospholipid phosphatidylcholine is an essential nutrient needed for the transport of fats in the body and supports liver health. Phosphatidylcholine forms a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in so-called cholinergic synapses. Studies show that there is an inverse connection between choline supply and the occurrence of dementia in old age.
Compared to synthetic sources of choline, such as choline bitartrate, choline from phosphatidylcholine (lecithin) is more bioavailable and does not lead to the formation of potentially vascular-damaging degradation products (trimethylamine).
Compared to lecithins, krill oil is particularly distinguished because it does not contain omega-6 fatty acids, but omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids promote cardiovascular health and are being studied in clinical settings for their antidepressant effects. There are studies that show that the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) has an antidepressant effect comparable to that of pharmacological active ingredients without causing corresponding side effects.