Krill oil is a popular supplement that is known for its numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
However, like fish oil, krill oil can easily become rancid and lose its effectiveness. Rancid krill oil can also cause more harm than good to your body.
So, how do you tell if your krill oil is fresh or rancid?
In this article, we’ll explore the signs of rancidity in krill oil and provide tips on how to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality product.
How To Tell If Krill Oil Is Rancid?
The first sign of rancidity in krill oil is a strong fishy smell and aftertaste. Fresh krill oil should have a mild aroma and taste, similar to fresh seafood. If your krill oil has a pungent smell or taste, it’s likely that it has gone bad.
Another way to tell if your krill oil is rancid is by its appearance. Fresh krill oil should be clear and have a light golden color. If the oil appears cloudy or splotchy, it may be spoiled.
If you’re taking krill oil capsules, you can break them open to check for signs of rancidity. Fresh krill oil should have a clear and even coating that is springy but not soft. If the coating is soft or the oil inside appears cloudy or splotchy, it’s time to throw away the capsules.
It’s also important to check the expiration date on your krill oil. Expired krill oil can become rancid and lose its effectiveness. If your krill oil is past its expiration date, it’s best to discard it.
What Causes Krill Oil To Become Rancid?
Krill oil contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, which are highly reactive with oxygen molecules in the air. This reactivity can lead to a chemical process called oxidation, which causes the krill oil to become rancid over time. The double bonds between the carbon atoms in the fatty acid molecule make them flexible and responsive to the cell, but also makes them unstable and prone to reacting with other molecules. When oxygen molecules react with EPA and DHA, it initiates a series of undesirable chemical reactions that produce rancidity, a fishy taste and odor, and essentially makes the krill oil go off.
Krill oil supplements are supposed to be protected from rancidity by the natural antioxidant astaxanthin. However, astaxanthin is very sensitive and quickly degrades, leaving the krill oil exposed to oxidation and rancidity. This process is inevitable, but it’s important to delay it long enough so that the krill oil is still fresh when consumed. During the oxidation process, harmful by-products can be created that not only reduce the positive effects of the krill oil but can also lead to side effects like heartburn or increased cholesterol levels. It’s essential to store krill oil properly in a cool, dark place away from heat or light to prevent oxidation. Once krill oil has started to oxidize, there’s no going back, and it’s only a matter of time before it goes rancid and counteracts the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.
The Importance Of Freshness In Krill Oil
Freshness is crucial when it comes to krill oil. Krill oil, like fish oil, contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for reducing inflammation, improving cardiovascular health, and boosting memory. However, krill oil is also prone to rancidity due to its exposure to light, heat, and oxygen. Once oxidation occurs, krill oil can cause more harm than benefit.
Consuming rancid krill oil may be harmful as it can increase bad cholesterol levels, cause organ damage, inflammation, and atherosclerosis. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the freshness level of your krill oil supplement.
Krill oil supplements are supposed to be protected from rancidity by the natural antioxidant astaxanthin. However, astaxanthin is very sensitive and quickly degrades to almost nothing. This leaves krill oil exposed to oxidation and rancidity.
To ensure that your krill oil is fresh, choose a product that is packaged in UV-blocking glass and that is tested for oxidation. You can also smell the product to check for any signs of rancidity. Fresh krill oil should have a mild aroma and taste similar to fresh seafood.
It’s important to note that expired krill oil can also become rancid and lose its effectiveness. Therefore, it’s crucial to check the expiration date on your krill oil and discard it if it’s past its expiration date.
Signs Of Rancidity In Krill Oil
Krill oil, like fish oil, is prone to oxidation and can easily become rancid. There are several signs of rancidity to look out for when assessing the quality of your krill oil.
Firstly, a strong fishy smell and aftertaste are the most common signs of rancidity in krill oil. Fresh krill oil should have a mild aroma and taste, similar to fresh seafood. If your krill oil has a pungent smell or taste, it’s likely that it has gone bad.
Another way to tell if your krill oil is rancid is by its appearance. Fresh krill oil should be clear and have a light golden color. If the oil appears cloudy or splotchy, it may be spoiled.
If you’re taking krill oil capsules, you can break them open to check for signs of rancidity. Fresh krill oil should have a clear and even coating that is springy but not soft. If the coating is soft or the oil inside appears cloudy or splotchy, it’s time to throw away the capsules.
It’s also important to check the expiration date on your krill oil. Expired krill oil can become rancid and lose its effectiveness. If your krill oil is past its expiration date, it’s best to discard it.
How To Check For Rancidity In Krill Oil
To check for rancidity in krill oil, you can use the same methods as those for fish oil. The first step is to smell and taste the oil. Fresh krill oil should have a mild aroma and taste, while rancid oil will have a strong fishy smell and aftertaste.
You can also inspect the appearance of the oil. Fresh krill oil should be clear and have a light golden color. If the oil appears cloudy or splotchy, it may be spoiled.
If you’re taking krill oil capsules, you can break them open to check for signs of rancidity. Fresh krill oil should have a clear and even coating that is springy but not soft. If the coating is soft or the oil inside appears cloudy or splotchy, it’s time to throw away the capsules.
Additionally, it’s important to check the expiration date on your krill oil. Expired krill oil can become rancid and lose its effectiveness. If your krill oil is past its expiration date, it’s best to discard it.
It’s worth noting that some krill oils may undergo steam deodorization, which can mask signs of rancidity. To ensure that your krill oil is fresh and high-quality, choose a product from a reputable supplier that is tested for oxidation levels. Third-party testing services like IFOS can provide an objective assessment of the quality of your krill oil.
Tips For Choosing High-Quality Krill Oil
When choosing krill oil, it’s important to look for high-quality products that are less likely to become rancid. Here are some tips for selecting high-quality krill oil:
1. Look for a reputable brand: Choose a brand that has a good reputation and is known for producing high-quality supplements. A reputable brand will often have third-party testing to ensure purity and potency.
2. Check the label: Check the label for the amount of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, as well as the phospholipid content. High-quality krill oil should contain at least 200mg of EPA and DHA per serving and a phospholipid content of at least 40%.
3. Choose sustainable sources: Look for krill oil that is sustainably sourced, preferably from the Antarctic Ocean. Krill oil from this region is less likely to contain contaminants and pollutants.
4. Packaging: Choose krill oil that is packaged in dark, opaque bottles that protect it from light exposure. Light can cause oxidation, which can lead to rancidity.
5. Astaxanthin content: Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant that helps protect krill oil from oxidation. Look for krill oil with a high astaxanthin content.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you are choosing high-quality krill oil that is less likely to become rancid and lose its effectiveness.
Proper Storage And Handling Of Krill Oil To Prevent Rancidity
Proper storage and handling of krill oil is essential to delay the process of oxidation and prevent rancidity. Krill oil contains biologically active polyunsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA, which can react with oxygen molecules in the surrounding air, leading to oxidation and rancidity. To prevent this, store your krill oil in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. High temperatures can accelerate the oxidation process, leading to rancidity.
It’s also important to choose a high-quality krill oil product that is packaged in airtight containers to prevent exposure to air. Avoid purchasing krill oil products that come in clear plastic bottles or containers, as these are more susceptible to oxidation due to exposure to light.
When taking krill oil supplements, make sure to follow the recommended dosage instructions on the label. Taking too much krill oil can lead to an increased risk of oxidation and rancidity. It’s also important to take your krill oil supplements with meals that contain healthy fats, as this can help slow down the oxidation process.
Lastly, if you notice any signs of rancidity in your krill oil, such as a strong fishy smell or cloudy appearance, it’s best to discard it immediately. Using rancid krill oil can cause more harm than benefit and may lead to adverse health effects. By properly storing and handling your krill oil, you can ensure that it remains fresh and effective for longer periods.
