Unraveling the Cellular Mechanisms of Krill Oil's Nutritional Benefits

Krill oil is a popular food supplement that contains marine omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, choline, and astaxanthin. Unlike fish oil, where omega-3 fatty acids are bound to triglycerides, in krill oil, these fatty acids are primarily bound to phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine. This unique chemical composition has led to increasing evidence, especially from animal models, that krill oil may offer superior nutritional benefits compared to fish oil. The phospholipid form of omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil is believed to enhance its efficacy, but this alone may not fully explain the observed biological differences. Krill oil's potential to profoundly affect cell membranes, cell signaling, and overall cellular function necessitates further investigation. Despite its promising profile, there remains a need to clarify the fundamental mechanisms through which krill oil exerts its unique and beneficial nutritional effects.

This Research Topic aims to validate the efficacy of krill oil across various health conditions and diseases, thereby expanding its potential applications. The primary objective is to elucidate the cellular-level actions of krill oil by measuring relevant biomarkers using advanced chromatographic and biomolecular techniques. Specific questions include how krill oil influences gene expression, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and the endocannabinoid system. By focusing on these mechanisms, the Research Topic seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how krill oil can be beneficial in different health contexts.

To gather further insights into the cellular and molecular effects of krill oil, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Differential effects of krill oil on markers of inflammation.
• Impact on pain and mobility.
• Disease activity measures in autoimmune diseases.
• Effects on metabolic syndrome.
• Influence on brain health.
• Cardiovascular benefits.
• Comparative studies with other omega-3 sources.
• Advanced randomized clinical trials.
• Informal open-label trials in human subjects.

By exploring these themes, this Research Topic aims to provide a robust scientific basis for the broader use of krill oil in promoting human health.

Topic Editor Dr. Inge Bruheim is employed by Rimfrost Group AS. Topic Editor Prof. Stine Marie Ulven declares no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Krill, Phospholipid, EPA, DHA, Astaxanthin, Choline, Inflammation, Metabolism, Diseases

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.