Are you taking krill oil capsules for their health benefits, but wondering if they should have a fishy smell?
The answer is no! Just like fresh seafood, fresh krill oil should not have a fishy odor or taste.
In fact, krill oil is known to be more stable than fish oil and lacks the unpleasant smell and taste that some people associate with fish oil.
However, it’s important to ensure that your krill oil capsules are fresh and not rancid, as this can affect their effectiveness and even make you sick.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of freshness when it comes to krill oil capsules and how to tell if your supplements are still good.
Should Krill Oil Capsules Smell Fishy?
As mentioned earlier, fresh krill oil capsules should not have a fishy smell. If you notice a strong odor, it could be a sign that the oil has started to oxidize and spoil.
It’s important to note that oxidation happens when the supplement comes into contact with oxygen. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your krill oil capsules as air-tight as possible. Capsules are already a step towards protecting the oils from exposure to oxygen compared to liquid fish oils that come in bottles.
To ensure the freshness of your krill oil capsules, keep them in a cool, dark place in an air-tight container. A fridge is ideal, but do not freeze them. If you suspect that your product might be off, check for the expiry date and if the oil looks cloudy within the capsule or if it smells “fishy”. If so, you have to throw them out and open a new batch.
The Benefits Of Krill Oil Capsules
Krill oil capsules are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. These essential fatty acids cannot be produced by the body, so it’s important to get them through diet or supplements. Krill oil capsules are an excellent alternative to traditional fish oil supplements for those who dislike the taste or smell of fish.
One of the benefits of krill oil capsules is that they are more stable than fish oil. This means that they have a longer shelf life and are less likely to spoil or become rancid. Additionally, krill oil capsules do not have a strong fishy odor or taste like fish oil capsules often do.
Krill oil capsules also appear to be better absorbed by the body than fish oil capsules. This is because krill oil contains phospholipids, which help the body absorb the omega-3 fatty acids more efficiently. This efficient absorption may result in greater health benefits, although more research is needed to confirm this.
In addition to omega-3 fatty acids, krill oil capsules also contain vitamin A, vitamin E, and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. Astaxanthin can protect the body from cell damage and combat toxins that lead to cognitive decline. It’s 54 times more powerful than the antioxidants found in fish oil supplements.
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil capsules can reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and other joint problems. They may also improve bone strength and flexibility in joints. Additionally, omega-3s may help lessen mood symptoms associated with PMS and depression while improving focus in children with attention problems.
What Causes Fishy Smells In Supplements?
Fishy smells in supplements are a result of oxidation, which occurs when the supplement comes into contact with oxygen. This process breaks down the fatty acids in the oil, causing it to become rancid and produce a strong fishy odor. The oxidation process can be accelerated by exposure to heat and light, so it’s important to store your supplements properly in a cool, dark place.
Another factor that can contribute to fishy smells in supplements is the use of low-quality fish or krill oil. Some manufacturers may use fish or krill that is not fresh or has been exposed to contaminants, which can affect the quality of the oil and lead to unpleasant odors.
It’s also worth noting that some people may be more sensitive to the smell of fish oil supplements than others. This can be due to individual differences in taste and smell perception or underlying health conditions that affect the digestive system.
To avoid fishy smells in your supplements, choose a high-quality product from a reputable manufacturer with good quality control measures. Look for products that have been tested for purity and freshness and come in air-tight packaging. If you do notice a fishy odor or taste in your supplements, it’s best to discard them and purchase a fresh batch to ensure maximum potency and effectiveness.
How To Ensure Your Krill Oil Capsules Are Fresh
Here are some specific steps you can take to ensure that your krill oil capsules stay fresh:
1. Keep them air-tight: As mentioned earlier, oxidation happens when the supplement comes into contact with oxygen. Keeping your krill oil capsules in an air-tight container is crucial to avoid exposure to oxygen.
2. Store them in a cool, dark place: Heat and exposure to light can accelerate the oxidation process. The best option is to keep your krill oil supplement in a cool, dark place in an air-tight container. A fridge is ideal, but do not freeze it.
3. Check for signs of spoilage: If you suspect that your product might be off, check for the expiry date and if the oil looks cloudy within the capsule or if it smells “fishy”. If so, you have to throw them out and open a new batch.
4. Consider a subscription service: To always have fresh krill oil capsules at hand, consider using a subscription service that delivers small amounts of supplements to your home on a regular basis.
5. Seek medical advice: To calculate how many capsules you should take per day, it is best to seek medical advice.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your krill oil capsules stay fresh and provide you with the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids without any unpleasant odor or taste.
Signs Of Rancid Krill Oil Capsules
There are a few signs to look out for when checking if your krill oil capsules have gone rancid. One of the most obvious signs is a strong fishy smell. Fresh krill oil should not have a fishy odor, and if it does, it could be an indication that the oil has started to spoil.
Another sign to look out for is cloudiness within the capsule or splotchiness on the coating. This could be an indication that the oil has oxidized and is no longer fresh. The coating of the capsule should be clear and even, and the oil should have a light golden color.
If you notice that your krill oil capsules are sticky or tacky, this could also be a sign that they have gone rancid. When the oil starts to oxidize, it can become sticky or tacky, which is not normal for fresh krill oil capsules.
It’s important to note that if you experience any unpleasant aftertaste or fish-flavored burps after taking your krill oil capsules, this could also be a sign that they have gone rancid. Rancid fish oil breaks down quickly, increasing acidity in the stomach, commonly leading to those fishy-tasting burps.
The Dangers Of Taking Rancid Krill Oil Capsules
Taking rancid krill oil capsules can have negative effects on your health. When the oil becomes oxidized, harmful by-products can be created which not only reduce the positive effects of the krill oil but can even lead to side effects like heartburn or increased cholesterol. The capsules will also leave a strong fishy aftertaste, because the product is not fresh anymore.
In addition to the unpleasant taste and smell, animal studies have shown that oxidized fatty acids may cause organ damage and inflammation. Furthermore, two recent studies comparing unoxidized and oxidized oil found that oxidized krill oil had a negative effect on cholesterol levels and could be linked with Alzheimer’s disease. In comparison, unoxidized oil provided expected health benefits.
It’s important to note that not all krill oil supplements are created equal. Some forms of krill oil contain altered forms of Omega-3s and can actually contribute to inflammation in the body. Certain types of krill oil supplements are in ethyl ester form, which is an altered form created when ethanol is fused with the krill oil. This creates an extremely pure krill oil concentrate, but not one that is very bioavailable. These types of krill oils are often hard to digest and can oxidize easily.
To avoid taking rancid krill oil capsules, it’s important to only buy from reputable, high-quality suppliers. Additionally, it’s crucial to check for the freshness level of your krill oil supplement before consumption. If you experience any unpleasant aftertaste or smell, it’s best to discard the capsules and purchase a new batch.
