Have you ever taken a supplement and noticed a change in the smell of your urine?
If you’re taking krill oil, you may have experienced this firsthand. While krill oil is known for its potential health benefits, some users have reported an unpleasant odor in their urine after taking it.
But is this a common side effect, and should it be a cause for concern?
In this article, we’ll explore the link between krill oil and smelly urine, and what you need to know before adding this supplement to your routine.
Does Krill Oil Cause Smelly Urine?
According to a phase IV clinical study conducted by eHealthMe, 0.22% of people who take krill oil reported urine odor abnormal as a side effect. This may be due to the breakdown of nutrients in the supplement, which can result in a higher concentration of breakdown products in the urine.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone who takes krill oil will experience this side effect. It appears to be more common in females over the age of 60, but individual factors such as diet and hydration levels may also play a role.
What Is Krill Oil And How Does It Work?
Krill oil is an oil that is extracted from small, shrimp-like crustaceans called krill, which are primarily found in the Antarctic and North Pacific Oceans. Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, which are known to have many health benefits.
One of the unique properties of krill oil is that the omega-3 fatty acids are hooked up in a double chain phospholipid structure. This structure makes them much more absorbable than the triglyceride form found in fish oil. Additionally, krill oil contains marine lecithin and phospholipid-derived fatty acids, which may help the body absorb the contents in krill oil more efficiently than fish oil.
Krill oil also contains a complex phospholipid profile including phosphatidylcholine, a potent source of choline. Choline acts as a natural emulsifier and can reduce oxidative stress. Attached to the EPA leg of the phospholipid is a molecule of astaxanthin, an extremely potent anti-oxidant.
The phospholipid structure of the EPA and DHA in krill oil allows for a much easier entrance into the mitochondria and the cellular nucleus, making them more bioavailable than fish oil. Additionally, phospholipids protect the cellular membrane, helping it to better absorb nutrients and accelerate waste expulsion.
The Potential Health Benefits Of Krill Oil
Krill oil has been shown to have numerous potential health benefits. One of the most notable benefits is its ability to support heart health. Krill oil contains essential omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which have been shown to reduce LDL-cholesterol, raise HDL-cholesterol, and lower triglyceride levels. In fact, a study showed that krill oil was more effective in reducing LDL, glucose, and triglyceride levels than fish oil.
Krill oil has also been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other general aches and pains. It has also been found to be helpful in reducing symptoms of PMS and dysmenorrhea. Additionally, krill oil has been studied for its potential benefits in treating adult ADHD.
One reason why krill oil may be more effective than fish oil is due to its high bioavailability. The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are stored as phospholipids, which are believed to be more easily absorbed by the body than the triglycerides found in fish oil. Krill oil also contains marine lecithin and phospholipid-derived fatty acids, which may help the body absorb the contents more efficiently.
What Causes The Smell In Urine After Taking Krill Oil?
The smell in urine after taking krill oil may be due to the presence of certain breakdown products. Krill oil contains omega-3 polyunsaturated fats, which can cause GI disturbances such as diarrhea. Enteric-coated forms of fish oil are designed to dissolve distal to the stomach, reducing the potential for these problems. However, taking krill oil supplements can still cause the skin, breath, and urine to have a fishy smell.
It’s important to note that this smell is usually temporary and easily remedied. In some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying condition that requires more advanced treatment. Urine is made up of water and a small concentration of waste products, so changes in odor can occur for a number of reasons. For example, eating certain foods like asparagus or beets can cause temporary changes in urine color and odor.
If you are concerned about the smell in your urine after taking krill oil, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed or if the smell is simply a side effect of the supplement. Additionally, staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet may help reduce the likelihood of experiencing this side effect.
Is Smelly Urine A Cause For Concern?
In most cases, smelly urine is not a cause for concern and can be attributed to factors such as dehydration, diet, or medication use. However, if the smell persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, cloudy urine, or an urgent need to urinate, it may be a sign of a urinary tract infection or another underlying medical condition.
For example, strong sweet-smelling urine can be a sign of advanced diabetes, while foul-smelling urine may be a symptom of a urinary tract infection. In some cases, genetic conditions or kidney disease may also be responsible for an abnormal urine smell.
If you are experiencing persistent smelly urine or any other concerning symptoms, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment. They can perform a urinalysis to determine the underlying cause of the odor and provide appropriate medical care if necessary.
Tips For Minimizing Smelly Urine While Taking Krill Oil
If you are experiencing smelly urine while taking krill oil, there are some tips that may help minimize this side effect:
1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help dilute the concentration of breakdown products in your urine, reducing the odor.
2. Take krill oil with food: Taking krill oil with a meal can help slow down the absorption of the supplement and reduce the concentration of breakdown products in your urine.
3. Consider switching brands: Some krill oil supplements may contain higher levels of astaxanthin, which has been shown to reduce the production of certain compounds that contribute to urine odor. Consider trying a different brand or formulation of krill oil.
4. Talk to your doctor: If you are experiencing persistent or bothersome urine odor while taking krill oil, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They may be able to recommend additional strategies or treatments to help manage this side effect.
