Krill oil supplement
Cramps, back pain, bloating, and irritability: these are just a few of the symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Krill oil may offer you some relief.
Krill oil for PMS and dysmenorrhea
Krill oil, like fish oil, is an omega-3 fatty acid, a nutrient that is essential for human health. Unlike fish oil, however, krill oil has been shown to be more effective at managing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.
One treatment option for women who suffer with symptoms of PMS has been supplementation with fish oil, which can alleviate inflammation, pain, and uterine cramps. It is believed that one cause of PMS symptoms is the production of pro-inflammatory substances called eicosanoids. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil contain EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), which helps the body to produce anti-inflammatory eicosanoids.
Several recent studies, however, indicate that krill oil offers significant benefits in the treatment of PMS. Scientists at the University of California (Berkeley) report, for example, that in double-blind trials for premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, krill oil was significantly better than fish oil in relieving symptoms.
A University of Montreal double-blind, randomized study also evaluated the impact of krill oil on PMS and dysmenorrhea in 70 women. After three months’ treatment with either krill oil or fish oil, the women who had taken krill oil reported taking significantly fewer pain killers (analgesics) than the women who took fish oil. The krill oil users also had significantly reduced emotional symptoms when compared with the fish oil users.
Using krill oil
Krill oil capsules are available online and in health food stores. People who have a seafood allergy or a bleeding disorder should not take these supplements. Talk to your doctor before you start using krill oil, especially if you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen; blood thinners such as warfarin or aspirin; or herbs such as ginkgo biloba or garlic. Gastrointestinal side effects may include loose stools, diarrhea, or indigestion.
You can find krill supplements at any of the sources below in the Phoenix area, or at a source of your choice.
You may also be interested in reading the following:
"Krill oil: better than fish oil?"
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