Vetra Health OmeGard™ capsules consist of the softgel capsules containing 500mg of krill oil. Top quality krill oil in top quality softgel capsules!
Superior source of unsaturated omega-3, omega-7 and omega-9 fatty acids
Krill oil is harvested from Antarctic ‘krill’, small crustacean living in the clean, cold Antarctic waters. Krill oil is a rich source of the so-called unsaturated fatty acids, of which the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are best known. But krill also contains other unsaturated fatty acids that gain more and more scientific attention, such as omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid) and omega-9 fatty acids (olei acid).
A striking difference with fish oil is, krill oil fatty acids are bound as so called ‘phospholipids’.
Phospholipids are the building blocks of cell walls in the human body. Phospholipids do not have to be broken down first before they can be used by the body. Krill oil unsaturated fatty acids are absorbed and utilized by the body in a fast and effective way.
Contrary to krill oil, fatty acids from fish oil are bound as so called ‘triglycerides’ . These triglycerides first have to be broken down which makes absorption less efficient. (See Background Information for more details).
OmeGard™ capsules provide a rich blend of 100% natural unsaturated fatty acids guaranteed harvested from a clean environment and obtained through to ecological fishery. The fish gelatin Licaps® capsules contain the most clean, efficient and stabile unsaturated fatty acids available.
Gene Expression
By way of influencing gene expression, krill oil affects different molecular pathways to a much greater extend than fish oil. These pathways include fatty acid and lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism and mitochondrial energ production. (See Background Information for more details).
Each capsule contains:
| Krill Oil |
500 mg |
| • Total Phospholipids |
>200 mg |
| • Total Omega-3 |
>110 mg |
| • C20:5n-3 (EPA) |
>60 mg |
| • C22:6n-3 (DHA) |
>30 mg |
| • Total Omega-6 |
>5 mg |
| • C18:2n-6 (LA) |
>3 mg |
| • Total Omega-7 |
>30 mg |
| • C16:1n-7 (Palmitoleic Acid) |
>20 mg |
| • Total Omega-9 |
>40 mg |
| • C18:1n-9 (Oleic Acid) |
>30 mg |
| • Astaxanthin |
>70 mcg |
Other ingredients: bovine gelatin, glycerin, water (capsule)
Cats and small dogs: 1 capsule per 2 days, or as recommended.
Medium sized and large Dogs: 1 capsule per 15 kg body weight per day.
Use as long as needed. Give as a treat or mix the capsule content with food.
Ingredient composition: Krill oil (Euphausia superba), bovine gelatin, glycerin, water (capsule)
Free of soy, lactose, yeast, sugar, starch, gluten, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
Allergen information: Contains crustacean oil
Analytical constituents: Crude protein 2%, crude oils and fat 80%, crude ash 1%.
Omegard™ is an advanced complementary feed for dogs and cats (contains krill oil).
Do not deviate from recommended dosage.
Storage: Store in a dark, dry place at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
Obligatory statement: A dietary supplement cannot be considered a replacement for a well-balanced meal.
ORIGIN
Fish populations are overfished all over the world, and the origin of fish oil often is difficult to determine. However, we know exactly where krill oil comes from, and we know krill is fished in a sustainable way. Rimfrost® krill oil is produced by the Norwegian company Rimfrost. Krill fishery takes place in the clean waters of the Antarctic, and is under superficion of the Commision for the Conservation of the Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Krill fishery is sustainable and eco-friendly, using a patented fishing methods that avoids unnecessary by-catch.
WHY IS KRILL OIL SUPERIOR TO FISH OIL?
Important fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are also found in fish oil, but there is a major difference. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are bound as triglycerids, connecting three fatty acid chains to one molecule glycerol. In krill oil however, one of the three fatty acids have been replaced by a phosphate group that is hydrofylic. Because of the phosphate group, we call the fats in krill oil 'phospholipids'.
When put in water, fish oil forms large droplets that keep on floating on the water (glass right in the image) When krill oil is put in water, the oil forms microscopic small droplets that mix with the water (glass left in the image). Something similar happens in the stomach, preventing a bad aftertaste and burping. The small droplets are easily and quickly absorbed from the intestine into the blood.
Triglycerides from fish oil however, first need to be broken down into glycerol and separate chains fatty acids. This happens in the intestine under influence of the bile and the enzyme lipase. After absorption the fatty acid chains are reconnected to a glycerol molecule, and reconstructed into triglycerides or phopholipids.
BETTER STABILITY
Phospholipid are far more stable than triglycerids, making krill oil a stable oil whereas fish oil easily oxidates and gets rancid (and even toxic). Krill Oil has another enormous advantage: it contains natural astaxanthin, an extraordinary caretonoid produced by certain micralgae and plankton. It is interesting to know astaxanthin gives salmon meat it's pink color. There is a reason for astaxanthin to accumulate in salmon muscles: it allows salmons to make their energy-consuming runs to the upstream spawning grounds, preventing muscle break down by excessive free radical production.
ABSORBANCE AND AVAILABILITY
A double blind, placebo-controlled study involved 120 test persons. One group took one gram of krill oil per day (equivalent to 140 mg EPA and 80 mg DHA). The second group took three grams of fish oil per day (equivalent to 540 mg EPA and 360 mg DHA), the third group took a placebo.
In spite of the much lower dosage (4-4,5 x less EPA/DHA), the measured effect of krill oil was 44%, against 4% by fish oil. Another indication was lowered by krill oil with 32%, against 4,6% by fish oil (Bunea et al, Altern Med Rev 2004;9(4):420-428).
This study shows krill oil supplies omega-3 fatty acids with a very high biological efficacy.
This is important for two reasons:
1. First, it saves you a lot of money, as you need much less krill oil than fish oil.
2. Second, there is no risk of overdosing with omega-3 fatty acids. Though fish oil producers hardly ever mention it, several studies show too much EPA en DHA may be harmful for the body, by raising the blood glucose level and suppressing the immune system. The high dosages of fish oil recommended may sometimes come close to the dosages that have been proven to be harmful. Instead of taking high dosages of fish oil, it is more effective and safer to take a much lower dosage krill oil.
EPIGENESIS
Our genes determine the structure and functioning of our body. However, environmental influences may switch ‘on’ or ‘off’ our genes, and decide, which metabolical processes may be activated or suppressed. We call this process Epigenesis: how may environmental influences affect the expression of our genes?
Rodent studies have shown, krill oil influences gene expression to a much greater extend than fish oil. Suppletion of krill oil to the diet, affected approximately 4880 genen positvely, against not more than 192 genes after suppletion of fish oil (at equal dosages of EPA and DHA). Altered gene expression positively influenced 52 metabolic processes in mice fed krill oil, against 4 metabolic processes in mice fed fish oil. Pathway analysis suggested that glucose, fatty acid and lipid metabolism were positively affected, and energy production by mitochondria was higher.
| Metabolic Pathway |
Krill Oil |
| High-fat diet |
Low-fat diet |
| Lipid synthesis |
↓ |
↓ |
| Cholesterol metabolism |
↓ |
↓ |
| ß-oxidation (fatty acid catabolism) |
↑ |
↓ |
| Mitochondrial respiration |
? |
↑ |
| Amino acid catabolism |
? |
- |
| Glucose synthesis |
↓ |
↓ |
Table: Altered gene expression after suppletion of krill oil to mice on high-fat and low-fat diet. (↑) Increase in pathway or gene expression/enzyme activity. (↓) Reduction in in pathway or gene expression/enzyme activity (-) No change in in pathway or gene expression/enzyme activity. (?) No data available. (Burri L. en Johnsen L. 2015: Krill Products: An Overview of Animal Studies. Nutrients 2015, 7, 3300-3321)
Vetra Health OmeGard™ capsules consist of the softgel capsules containing 500mg of krill oil. Top quality krill oil in top quality softgel capsules!
Superior source of unsaturated omega-3, omega-7 and omega-9 fatty acids
Krill oil is harvested from Antarctic ‘krill’, small crustacean living in the clean, cold Antarctic waters. Krill oil is a rich source of the so-called unsaturated fatty acids, of which the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are best known. But krill also contains other unsaturated fatty acids that gain more and more scientific attention, such as omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid) and omega-9 fatty acids (olei acid).
A striking difference with fish oil is, krill oil fatty acids are bound as so called ‘phospholipids’.
Phospholipids are the building blocks of cell walls in the human body. Phospholipids do not have to be broken down first before they can be used by the body. Krill oil unsaturated fatty acids are absorbed and utilized by the body in a fast and effective way.
Contrary to krill oil, fatty acids from fish oil are bound as so called ‘triglycerides’ . These triglycerides first have to be broken down which makes absorption less efficient. (See Background Information for more details).
OmeGard™ capsules provide a rich blend of 100% natural unsaturated fatty acids guaranteed harvested from a clean environment and obtained through to ecological fishery. The fish gelatin Licaps® capsules contain the most clean, efficient and stabile unsaturated fatty acids available.
Gene Expression
By way of influencing gene expression, krill oil affects different molecular pathways to a much greater extend than fish oil. These pathways include fatty acid and lipid metabolism, glucose metabolism and mitochondrial energ production. (See Background Information for more details).
Each capsule contains:
| Krill Oil |
500 mg |
| • Total Phospholipids |
>200 mg |
| • Total Omega-3 |
>110 mg |
| • C20:5n-3 (EPA) |
>60 mg |
| • C22:6n-3 (DHA) |
>30 mg |
| • Total Omega-6 |
>5 mg |
| • C18:2n-6 (LA) |
>3 mg |
| • Total Omega-7 |
>30 mg |
| • C16:1n-7 (Palmitoleic Acid) |
>20 mg |
| • Total Omega-9 |
>40 mg |
| • C18:1n-9 (Oleic Acid) |
>30 mg |
| • Astaxanthin |
>70 mcg |
Other ingredients: bovine gelatin, glycerin, water (capsule)
Cats and small dogs: 1 capsule per 2 days, or as recommended.
Medium sized and large Dogs: 1 capsule per 15 kg body weight per day.
Use as long as needed. Give as a treat or mix the capsule content with food.
Ingredient composition: Krill oil (Euphausia superba), bovine gelatin, glycerin, water (capsule)
Free of soy, lactose, yeast, sugar, starch, gluten, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors.
Allergen information: Contains crustacean oil
Analytical constituents: Crude protein 2%, crude oils and fat 80%, crude ash 1%.
Omegard™ is an advanced complementary feed for dogs and cats (contains krill oil).
Do not deviate from recommended dosage.
Storage: Store in a dark, dry place at room temperature. Keep out of reach of children.
Obligatory statement: A dietary supplement cannot be considered a replacement for a well-balanced meal.
ORIGIN
Fish populations are overfished all over the world, and the origin of fish oil often is difficult to determine. However, we know exactly where krill oil comes from, and we know krill is fished in a sustainable way. Rimfrost® krill oil is produced by the Norwegian company Rimfrost. Krill fishery takes place in the clean waters of the Antarctic, and is under superficion of the Commision for the Conservation of the Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Krill fishery is sustainable and eco-friendly, using a patented fishing methods that avoids unnecessary by-catch.
WHY IS KRILL OIL SUPERIOR TO FISH OIL?
Important fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are also found in fish oil, but there is a major difference. Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are bound as triglycerids, connecting three fatty acid chains to one molecule glycerol. In krill oil however, one of the three fatty acids have been replaced by a phosphate group that is hydrofylic. Because of the phosphate group, we call the fats in krill oil 'phospholipids'.
When put in water, fish oil forms large droplets that keep on floating on the water (glass right in the image) When krill oil is put in water, the oil forms microscopic small droplets that mix with the water (glass left in the image). Something similar happens in the stomach, preventing a bad aftertaste and burping. The small droplets are easily and quickly absorbed from the intestine into the blood.
Triglycerides from fish oil however, first need to be broken down into glycerol and separate chains fatty acids. This happens in the intestine under influence of the bile and the enzyme lipase. After absorption the fatty acid chains are reconnected to a glycerol molecule, and reconstructed into triglycerides or phopholipids.
BETTER STABILITY
Phospholipid are far more stable than triglycerids, making krill oil a stable oil whereas fish oil easily oxidates and gets rancid (and even toxic). Krill Oil has another enormous advantage: it contains natural astaxanthin, an extraordinary caretonoid produced by certain micralgae and plankton. It is interesting to know astaxanthin gives salmon meat it's pink color. There is a reason for astaxanthin to accumulate in salmon muscles: it allows salmons to make their energy-consuming runs to the upstream spawning grounds, preventing muscle break down by excessive free radical production.
ABSORBANCE AND AVAILABILITY
A double blind, placebo-controlled study involved 120 test persons. One group took one gram of krill oil per day (equivalent to 140 mg EPA and 80 mg DHA). The second group took three grams of fish oil per day (equivalent to 540 mg EPA and 360 mg DHA), the third group took a placebo.
In spite of the much lower dosage (4-4,5 x less EPA/DHA), the measured effect of krill oil was 44%, against 4% by fish oil. Another indication was lowered by krill oil with 32%, against 4,6% by fish oil (Bunea et al, Altern Med Rev 2004;9(4):420-428).
This study shows krill oil supplies omega-3 fatty acids with a very high biological efficacy.
This is important for two reasons:
1. First, it saves you a lot of money, as you need much less krill oil than fish oil.
2. Second, there is no risk of overdosing with omega-3 fatty acids. Though fish oil producers hardly ever mention it, several studies show too much EPA en DHA may be harmful for the body, by raising the blood glucose level and suppressing the immune system. The high dosages of fish oil recommended may sometimes come close to the dosages that have been proven to be harmful. Instead of taking high dosages of fish oil, it is more effective and safer to take a much lower dosage krill oil.
EPIGENESIS
Our genes determine the structure and functioning of our body. However, environmental influences may switch ‘on’ or ‘off’ our genes, and decide, which metabolical processes may be activated or suppressed. We call this process Epigenesis: how may environmental influences affect the expression of our genes?
Rodent studies have shown, krill oil influences gene expression to a much greater extend than fish oil. Suppletion of krill oil to the diet, affected approximately 4880 genen positvely, against not more than 192 genes after suppletion of fish oil (at equal dosages of EPA and DHA). Altered gene expression positively influenced 52 metabolic processes in mice fed krill oil, against 4 metabolic processes in mice fed fish oil. Pathway analysis suggested that glucose, fatty acid and lipid metabolism were positively affected, and energy production by mitochondria was higher.
| Metabolic Pathway |
Krill Oil |
| High-fat diet |
Low-fat diet |
| Lipid synthesis |
↓ |
↓ |
| Cholesterol metabolism |
↓ |
↓ |
| ß-oxidation (fatty acid catabolism) |
↑ |
↓ |
| Mitochondrial respiration |
? |
↑ |
| Amino acid catabolism |
? |
- |
| Glucose synthesis |
↓ |
↓ |
Table: Altered gene expression after suppletion of krill oil to mice on high-fat and low-fat diet. (↑) Increase in pathway or gene expression/enzyme activity. (↓) Reduction in in pathway or gene expression/enzyme activity (-) No change in in pathway or gene expression/enzyme activity. (?) No data available. (Burri L. en Johnsen L. 2015: Krill Products: An Overview of Animal Studies. Nutrients 2015, 7, 3300-3321)