NutriNZ Maxi OMEGA-3 Krill is a pure and undiluted source of krill oil which is a natural powerhouse of highly bioactive Omega-3s, triglycerides, and antioxidants. Red Krill Oil is an extract prepared from a species of Antarctic krill called Euphausia Superba.
But what is the relationship between autoimmune conditions and Maxi Omega-3 Krill?
Krill is a small marine animal that looks like shrimp and is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Red krill oil supplements have become immensely popular today for many reasons.
The consumption of this supplement is associated with diabetes management, skin health, cardiovascular health, and many other benefits, including the management of autoimmune conditions.
What is an Autoimmune Disease?
Autoimmune conditions affect millions of people across the world, and although they are common, these conditions are still poorly understood. An autoimmune disease is defined as a condition wherein a person’s immune system starts attacking healthy cells and tissues. The immune system is supposed to defend the body against diseases, infections, and “foreign” invaders, but in case of these conditions, the immunity considers a patient’s own cells and tissues to be intruders and starts attacking them.
An autoimmune condition can attack one tissue/organ or more of them. When this type of health condition occurs, it affects the way a person’s body functions and opens the door to many other health problems.
The exact cause of autoimmune conditions is unknown, but many theories point out to the role of bacteria, viruses, drugs, and environmental and chemical irritants. Heredity also plays a role in the development of autoimmune conditions. There is also evidence that the modern or Western diet contributes to autoimmunity[1] too.
Most Common Autoimmune Diseases
Before we discuss red krill oil’s role in managing autoimmune diseases, it is important to mention the most common conditions. They are:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints. Although RA can affect any joint in the body, it most commonly affects the joints in the hands, wrists, and feet. Clinical trials show that the symptoms of RA can vary from person to person, but they typically include pain, stiffness, inflammation, and fatigue. RA is a progressive disease, meaning that it gradually gets worse over time. In some cases, RA can lead to joint damage and disability.
Lupus
Lupus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease incidence that can affect any part of the body. The most common symptoms of lupus include fatigue, joint pain, muscle pain, skin rashes, and fever. Lupus can also cause kidney problems, lung problems, and central nervous system problems. Lupus is a progressive disease, meaning that it gradually gets worse over time. In some cases, lupus can lead to organ damage and disability.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease affects the digestive system. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of the small intestine. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Celiac disease can also cause anemia and osteoporosis. Left untreated, celiac disease can damage the nervous system and increase the risk of certain cancers.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two main types of IBD are ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. IBD is considered an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues by mistake. IBD can be debilitating and even life-threatening. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, weight loss, and fatigue.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the body produces antibodies that attack and damage the thyroid gland. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is considered an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues by mistake. The symptoms of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis can vary from person to person, but they typically include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation. In some cases, goiters or enlarged thyroid glands show you are developing autoimmune disease like Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Graves’ Disease
Graves’ disease results in the overproduction of thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a small gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, and when functioning properly, it helps to maintain a healthy weight, energy levels, and mood. However, in Graves’ disease, the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to become enlarged and overactive. As a result, patients may experience a number of symptoms, including weight loss, fatigue, anxiety, and tremors.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the body produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can occur at any age. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong treatment with insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Without treatment, type 1 diabetes can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, kidney disease, and blindness.
Nephropathy
Nephropathy is a general term for kidney disease. The term comes from the Greek word “nephros,” meaning kidney, and “pathos,” meaning suffering or disease. There are different types of nephropathy, but all involve some level of damage to the kidneys. The most common type of nephropathy in the United States is diabetic nephropathy, which affects around one in four adults with diabetes. Nephropathy can also be caused by high blood pressure, certain medications, and other medical conditions. Symptoms of nephropathy can include swelling in the feet and ankles, fatigue, difficulty urinating, and more. If left untreated, nephropathy can lead to kidney failure.
How does Red Krill Oil Help?
Red krill oil helps to treat autoimmune diseases or show autoimmune disease reduction effect because of the following three reasons:
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Red krill oil is one of the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids can help manage a number of autoimmune conditions.
Studies show that the consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids is incredibly effective in the management of lupus. In one study, Omega-3s had a better effect in lupus patients than placebo, while copper supplements had no effect at all[2].
In addition, Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation proves to be effective for persons who are dealing with ulcerative colitis[3], too. Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-lasting inflammation or ulcers in the digestive tract.
A growing body of evidence confirms that regular intake of Omega-3 fatty acids improves joint pain intensity, fatigue, duration of morning stiffness, and other parameters associated with rheumatoid arthritis[4].
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition indicated by red skin patches and it is a major source of poor confidence for affected patients. Fortunately, consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids reduces scaling, irritations, and severity of the condition[5].
Evidence shows that regular intake of these vital fatty acids suppresses inflammatory and/or immunologic responses in patients with nephropathy. Omega-3 fatty acids prevent progression of renal disease without inducing side effects[6].
Antioxidants
Apart from being an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, red krill oil is also a natural antioxidant.
Krill oil contains two unique compounds – astaxanthin and canthaxanthin. These are natural antioxidants that scavenge harmful toxins and by-products from the body, reducing oxidative stress.
These natural antioxidants can help to reduce the severity of autoimmune disease symptoms by fighting inflammation. A combination of high-quality Omega-3 and antioxidants go a long way in developing retention against autoimmune conditions and also provide relief against Crohn’s disease, and cancers of the colon and prostrate. According to the research results of The Lupus Foundation of America, krill oil provides a consistent supply of Omega-3, which prevents annihilation of the body’s organs and tissues through antibodies in the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids present in red krill oil can help to reduce the severity of autoimmune diseases like lupus, psoriasis, and nephropathy. The natural antioxidants present in krill oil can also help to reduce inflammation and provide relief against Crohn’s disease and cancers of the colon and prostate.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that the body needs for a number of reasons. It helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus, two minerals essential for strong bones. It also strengthens the immune system, which is important in protecting the body against infections and diseases, including autoimmune disorders.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of autoimmune conditions, including lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), type 1 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and rheumatoid arthritis.
A number of studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation can help to improve the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. One study showed that vitamin D3 supplementation improved the quality of life in patients with lupus while another study found that vitamin D3 and omega-3 supplementation together improved the symptoms of MS.
Red krill oil is a good source of vitamin D, providing approximately 20% of the daily recommended intake in just one teaspoon (5ml). This makes it an excellent supplement for people with autoimmune diseases, particularly those who are deficient in vitamin D.
Here are the health benefits of krill oil.
Who Should Not Take Krill Oil?
Krill oil is generally considered safe for most people, but there are a few exceptions. Pregnant women and young children should not take krill oil, as it may contain harmful contaminants. People with seafood allergies should also avoid krill oil, as it can cause an allergic reaction. Lastly, krill oil may interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to a doctor before taking this supplement. Overall, krill oil is a safe and effective way to get omega-3 fatty acids, but it is not suitable for everyone.
Is Fish Oil Good for Autoimmune Disease?
Fish oil supplements are popular for many health benefits. One of the purported benefits of fish oil is that it can help to reduce inflammation throughout the body. This anti-inflammatory effect is thought to be beneficial for those suffering from autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.
While there is some evidence to support this claim, more research is needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn. Additionally, it is important to remember that fish oils are not a cure-all and should be used in conjunction with other treatment methods prescribed by a healthcare professional.
NutriNZ’s Maxi OMEGA-3 Krill
A potent natural supplement that supplies a high level of Omega-3 fatty acids. Daily consumption of the supplement proves to be beneficial for overall health and it helps patients to manage and combat autoimmune conditions.
Numerous studies have confirmed that regular intake of vital fatty acids reduces the severity of autoimmune conditions and symptoms associated with them. They do so in a natural manner, thus fitting perfectly into a holistic approach toward a good health.
Furthermore, our NutriNZ Maxi OMEGA-3 Plus is certified to be free from heavy metals such as mercury, dioxins and pesticides and sustainably harvested from the southern Antarctic Ocean under strict regulation for a traceable and conscious product.
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References
[1] Manzel A, Muller DN, Hafler DA, Erdman SE, Linker RA, Kleinewietfeld M. Role of “Western Diet” in Inflammatory Autoimmune Diseases. Current allergy and asthma reports. 2014;14(1):404. doi:10.1007/s11882-013-0404-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4034518/
[2] Duffy EM, Meenagh GK, McMillan SA, et al. The clinical effect of dietary supplementation with Omega-3 fish oils and/or copper in systemic lupus erythematosus. Journal of Rheumatology 2004 Aug;31(8):1551-6 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15290734
[3] Papadia C, Coruzzi A, Montana C, Di Mario F, Franzè A, Forbes A. Omega-3 fatty acids in the maintenance of ulcerative colitis. JRSM Short Reports. 2010;1(1):15. doi:10.1258/shorts.2010.010004. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2984332/
[4] Berbert AA, Kondo CR, Almendra CL, et al. Supplementation of fish oil and olive oil in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Nutrition 2005 Feb;21(2):131-6. Doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2004.03.023 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15723739
[5] Balbas GM, Regana MS, Millet PU. Study on the use of Omega-3 fatty acids as a therapeutic supplement in treatment of psoriasis. Clinical, Cosmetic, and Investigational Dermatology 2011;4:73-7. Doi: 10.2147/CCID.S17220 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21760742
[6] Donadio JV, Grande JP. The role of fish oil/omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of IgA nephropathy. Seminars in Nephrology 2004 May;24(3):225-43 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15156528