Omega-3 from Krill Prevents Heart Attack Consequences
Krill oil: excellent for improved recovery after a heart attack
The Omega 3 in krill can improve heart function by preventing damage to the heart muscle caused by a heart attack. This is the conclusion of a study conducted by researchers at the University Hospital of Oslo (Norway) on rats affected by a heart attack, published in the journal BMC Lipids in Health and Disease. The results showed that the benefits of krill oil are evident when this supplement is taken before a possible heart attack. Only in this case does the heart attack not cause enlargement of the heart muscle or increase in heart weight, typical manifestations found in heart attack patients.
Krill: what it is and its health benefits
Krill consists of small shrimp-like animals living in Antarctic seas. Rich in phospholipids and Omega-3, these animals are harvested to produce supplements based on these precious fatty acids. Several studies and clinical trials have revealed that consuming krill oil offers significant health benefits. This supplement can increase levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in heart tissues.
Krill to prevent heart attack damage
The Norwegian researchers' study demonstrated for the first time that krill oil can prevent the damage caused by heart attacks to heart tissue. The discovery comes from experiments conducted on 53 male rats, initially divided into 2 groups. One group was given krill oil during the 14 days prior to the induction of a myocardial infarction. Seven days after this induction, the hearts of all animals were analyzed by echocardiogram. Subsequently, the rats that had not received krill oil were further divided into two groups, one of which received the supplement for the following 7 days. The echocardiogram was then repeated. The researchers observed a reduction in left ventricular dilation only in rats that had taken krill oil before the heart attack induction. Heart and lung weights, expression of some genes involved in stress associated with the left ventricle, and inflammation were also lower in animals that had been given the supplement.
Omega-3, the secret ingredient of krill
According to the authors, the observed effect may be related to the replacement of saturated fatty acids present in heart tissue with the Omega-3s contained in krill oil. Alternatively, increased EPA and DHA levels in the heart muscle could promote the production of anti-inflammatory compounds. This is another piece of scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits of Omega-3 for heart health.
Source
1. Fosshaug LE, Berge RK, Beitnes JO, Berge K, Vik H, Aukrust P, Gullestad L, Vinge LE, Oie E. “Krill oil attenuates left ventricular dilatation after myocardial infarction in rats”, Lipids Health Dis. 2011 Dec 29;10(1):245
