Calanus oil, a product of the marine copepod Calanus finmarchicus, is gaining popularity as a nutritional supplement because to its potential health advantages. Calanus oil, which has a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and is often compared to fish oil, has several distinctive qualities that set it apart from other sources of omega-3 and may give it an advantage.
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Calanus Oil: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions, and Other Important Information is an original (NootropicsPlanet) article.
The Nature of Calanus Oil
Small, shrimp-like zooplankton known as Calanus finmarchicus is widely distributed in the North Atlantic Ocean. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular, are abundant in the oil obtained from this species. These fatty acids are essential for maintaining human health because they help the heart, brain, and eyes work properly.
Contrary to fish oils’ triglyceride or ethyl ester forms, fatty acids in calanus oil are mostly found in wax ester form. This wax ester matrix gives the oil improved stability, shielding the omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation and extending the shelf life of the product.
Health Benefits of Calanus Oil
Calanus oil’s high omega-3 fatty acid concentration is principally responsible for its beneficial effects on health. The contribution of omega-3 fatty acids to cardiovascular health, including the lowering of triglycerides, blood pressure, and inflammation, is consistently supported by research. Interestingly, current study raises the possibility that Calanus oil may provide advantages beyond those connected with conventional omega-3 supplementation.
The possible effect on metabolic health is one of these advantages. In mice given a high-fat diet, Höper et al.’s (2013) research revealed that Calanus oil might decrease the buildup of belly fat and enhance glucose tolerance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), nuclear receptors that control fatty acid metabolism, were said to be responsible for this action.
Additionally, the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin found in calanus oil provides further health advantages. Astaxanthin defends against oxidative stress and could be good for your skin, eyes, and brain.
Chemistry of Calanus Oil
As was already noted, Calanus oil is unique among omega-3 sources due to its chemical makeup. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, in the form of wax esters, is its defining feature. Long-chain fatty acid and long-chain alcohol esters combine to generate wax esters, which have a non-polar structure that is very stable and oxidation-resistant.
Calanus oil includes astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid in addition to omega-3 fatty acids. This strong antioxidant, which gives the oil its red hue, is well-known for its ability to prevent oxidative damage.
Physiological Mechanisms of Action of Calanus Oil
The special makeup of Calanus oil is what gives it its physiological advantages. The functions of the omega-3 fatty acids in the body are well known, especially those of EPA and DHA. They are essential parts of cell membranes and function as the building blocks for bioactive lipids called eicosanoids, which are critical for many biological processes, including inflammation and immunological response.
By preventing the formation of omega-6 fatty acid-derived pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, EPA and DHA have been demonstrated to lessen inflammation. They may also result in specific pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), which actively treat inflammation and encourage tissue healing.
These fatty acids are present in Calanus oil in the wax ester form, which may alter their physiological effects. Wax esters are gradually degraded in the digestive tract as opposed to triglycerides, which are quickly digested and absorbed. This gradual release may result in EPA and DHA being incorporated into cell membranes for a longer period of time and having a longer-lasting anti-inflammatory impact.
Calanus oil’s health advantages are further enhanced with astaxanthin. As a powerful antioxidant, astaxanthin scavenges free radicals and stops them from harming cells and tissues in the liver via oxidation. Additionally, astaxanthin has shown anti-inflammatory capabilities by preventing nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-B), a crucial regulator of inflammatory response, from being activated.
In conclusion, the unique combination of omega-3 fatty acids in wax ester form and the antioxidant astaxanthin, which together contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, is responsible for the health advantages of Calanus oil.Â
Optimal Dosage of Calanus Oil
Given that Calanus oil is a relatively new product, the ideal dose is not yet well-established. However, the majority of commercially available Calanus oil supplements suggest consuming 1-2 grams of it daily, which is in accordance with the recommendations for daily consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.
It is important to remember that each person’s needs for omega-3 fatty acids may change depending on things like age, sex, health, and dietary consumption. To find the ideal dose, a healthcare professional should be contacted.
Side Effects of Calanus Oil
Although most people tolerate calanus oil well, some people may develop negative effects that are comparable to those that have been associated with other omega-3 supplements. Gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, diarrhea, or nausea, may be one of them.
Potential Substance Interactions with Calanus Oil
Calanus oil, like other omega-3 supplements, may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs, thus making bleeding more likely. Therefore, before beginning Calanus oil supplementation, those who are taking such drugs should speak with a healthcare professional. Before beginning Calanus oil intake, it is important to take the possibility of drug interactions into account, just as with other dietary supplement. The interaction of omega-3 fatty acids, such as those in calanus oil, with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs is one of the main issues.
Omega-3 fatty acids might lessen the likelihood that blood will clot since they have minor anticoagulant qualities. This typically improves cardiovascular health since it may lessen the risk of dangerous blood clots forming. However, the risk of bleeding may be enhanced when used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin, warfarin, or clopidogrel.
The use of blood pressure medicines is another possible interaction. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce blood pressure, which is often beneficial for health. However, in those who are already taking blood pressure-lowering medicine, this might result in hypotension, or extremely low blood pressure.
Additionally, anyone with diabetes or hypoglycemia should be cautious. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce blood sugar levels, which may interact with antidiabetic drugs and call for dosage modifications.
While these possible interactions do occur, they are often not a problem unless a person is taking large dosages of omega-3s or has a pre-existing medical condition that necessitates treatment. Before beginning any new supplement regimen, it is always advised to speak with a healthcare professional, particularly if you are on any other drugs or have a chronic health condition.
Responsible Use of Calanus Oil
Calanus oil, or any nutritional supplement, should only be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and never as a replacement for good eating habits. Additionally, before beginning supplementing, if you have any pre-existing medical issues or are using any prescription drugs, you should speak with a healthcare professional owing to the possibility of substance interactions.
The health advantages of calanus oil go beyond those of conventional omega-3 sources, making it a viable dietary supplement. Its unique composition, which combines powerful antioxidant astaxanthin with omega-3 fatty acids in a stable wax ester form, makes a strong case for its application in boosting cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological health. It should be taken carefully, along with a balanced diet, and after seeking the proper medical advice, as with any supplement.
Calanus Oil:
Conclusion
Beyond its high omega-3 fatty acid concentration, Calanus oil boasts a unique wax ester form that not only enhances stability but also extends its shelf life. This is a game-changer in the world of nutritional supplements, ensuring that those essential fatty acids are at their peak when they reach your body.
The marriage of omega-3s in wax ester form and astaxanthin’s antioxidant prowess paints a compelling picture of enhanced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
In the end, Calanus oil stands as a unique and promising dietary supplement, offering a blend of elements that could elevate your cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological health. As with any nutritional journey, tread wisely, seek professional guidance, and let the extraordinary qualities of Calanus oil unfold their full potential in your pursuit of well-being.
References:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Retrieved from:https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-HealthProfessional/
- What You Need To Know About Omega-3s. American Heart Association. Retrieved from:https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/fish-and-omega-3-fatty-acids
- What Is Calanus Oil? Here are 5 Health Benefits. Retrieved from:https://www.iherb.com/blog/calanus-oil/1605
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
