There are numerous studies out there going back at least to the 1990’s showing the combination of gamma-linolenic acid (evening primrose, black currant and borage seed oils) combined with the long-chain fatty acids in fish oil (EPA and DHA) results in superior anti-inflammatory results than either by themselves.

Probably the latest study:

Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2009 Sep;247(9):1191-203.
A dietary combination of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids is more efficient than single supplementations in the prevention of retinal damage induced by elevation of intraocular pressure in rats.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19437028

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that a 6-month supplementation with a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs is more effective than single supplementations, since the EPA + DHA + GLA dietary combination prevented retinal cell structure and decreased glial cell activation induced by the elevation of IOP in rats.

Note the 6-month horizon, which mirrors exactly the human study findings showing dramatic reductions of inflammatory cytokine levels (60-80%) in human subjects subject to the oxidative stress of colorectal cancer and its treatment.

Clin Sci (Lond). 1994 Dec;87(6):711-7.
Modulation of cytokine production in vivo by dietary essential fatty acids in patients with colorectal cancer.

” Essential fatty acids, at the dose and duration (6 months) used in this study, reduced total serum interleukin-1 beta levels by 61% (P = 0.044), interleukin-2 by 63% (P = 0.05), interleukin-4 by 69% (P = 0.025), interleukin-6 by 83% (P = 0.030), tumour necrosis factor-alpha by 73% (P = 0.040) and interferon-gamma by 67% (P = 0.050). 6. Three months after cessation of essential fatty acid intake, however, these cytokine levels returned to presupplementation values.”

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7874864

A recent review of why and how this combination works:

Am J Clin Nutr. 2008 Feb;87(2):498S-503S.

Mechanisms by which botanical lipids affect inflammatory disorders.

http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/full/87/2/498S

Although I have never tried the krill / evening primrose oil combination, it is at least theoretically interesting, although probably best accomplished with EPO extraction methods that best retain the oil’s protective natural antioxidants.

Thanks!

P.S. I have Type 1 diabetes – love your books!!

I don’t think the krill oil has the same amount of vitamin D as does the cod liver oil, so I would up my intake a little. And you’re right, the krill oil will provide more benefit.

Sounds like it may have in your case, but I wouldn’t take it specifically for that.

I recently started taking “Health Resources” Brand Super Krill-Omega. I purchased three bottles, and got one free. I noticed the capsules are hard and not spongy as you mentioned about another brand. Should I be concerned? The expiration date is 2011, so they should be fine, and they have a slight fishy odor, but it’s not overbearing.

They’re probably okay as far as being fresh.

Just wondering if there is any concern about Mercury and any other dangerous metals or chemicals with Krill Oil?

Thank you

Rod

No, not in the NKO brand. I can’t speak to the others.

I would use the krill oil because it is more potent and absorbs better. Plus it contains some useful antioxidants. There are multiple krill oil products out there, but all the studies have been done with krill oil produced by Neptune Technologies, so I would get one made by that company. You can find them multiple places. Just look for the NKO on the bottle.

I see that this post closed on 16/07, but I hope it reaches you anyway! I would appreciate an email response if that is possible. I have read all the comments on this post and am very interested in trying Krill oil capsules to help with what is becoming a quite serious arthritis, affecting feet, knees and hands. I am a woman, 68, still working and I trek/climb in the Himalayas and want to be able to continue. I take 75 mg of Hjertemagnyl (acetylsalicylic acid) because of a possible blood clot (could not be confirmed) which may have hit a channel to my left ear. I had an ‘incident’ where I lost my hearing in the left ear quite suddenly some years ago. Would you anticipate any problems with a combination of Krill oil and the anti-coagulant I am taking? As 75mg is quite a low dose, could the Krill oil capsules replace the necessity for the Hjertemagyl because of its blood-thinning attributes?

Hoping to hear from you. Joanna-Maria

It might be able to replace the anti-coagulant, but I wouldn’t switch without consulting your doctor. I don’t think the krill along with the anti-coagulant would be problematic, but, again, you should check with your doctor.

My dad is 78 and has Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus with the associated symptoms of dementia/difficulty walking/incontinence. He also has very itchy skin and of course, times his confusion is worse than others. His doctor said that sometimes dementia patients are itchy or have perceived itchiness. I will certainly discuss krill oil with her but wanted to get your opinion on whether you thought the krill oil could be beneficial to his itchiness and dementia?

Thank you,

It certainly couldn’t hurt, and it may well help.

Any time is fine. You can take it with your multi.

I have been researching different brand of NKO krill oil. Could you tell me what brand you are using?

Thanks,

Ting

I use Neptune Technologies krill oil, usually branded NKO.