Biomass-derived Products

Azantis Krill Oil

Azantis 40/14 standard grade is a pure krill derived Euphausia superba krill oil. It contains at least 40% krill phospholipids and at least 14% bonded EPA and DHA fatty acids. These EPA and DHA levels are what naturally occurs as part of the phospholipid molecule. Total omega-3 content in this quality is at least 19%.

Azantis also markets a standardized krill product in a 42/25 grade, with 1,500 ppm astaxanthin. This grade is standardized with fish oil, medium chain triglycerides and astaxanthin from algae to meet the premium quality specifications of the original krill oil quality. The high astaxanthin levels in this product give it a deep red, almost black color.

 

About Krill

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) is a small shrimp-like crustacean that exists in large swarms. It attains an individual maximum size of 2 inches and feeds mainly on phytoplankton or sea ice algae. Krill is the staple food of many mammals, fish, and sea birds in the Southern Oceans. These creatures are natural sources of EPA, DHA, astaxanthin, and choline. According to recent reports, the total krill biomass is estimated at over 500 million tons. This is estimated to be roughly twice the weight of all 6.7 billion humans on the planet.

The vast majority of krill are harvested for use in the aquaculture and pet food industries. Krill for direct human consumption, in the form of krill oil supplements, amounts to less than 0.1% of the precautionary catch limit set by CCAMLR.

CCAMLR

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) was established to conserve marine life in the Southern Ocean. The Commission was formed to balance the conservation of these marine resources with their rational use. Through its scientific committee, independent surveys, an efficient net of scientific observers, and frequent reports of harvested biomass from its members' fishing boats, CCAMLR keeps current on krill fishery trends. Their guidelines are strictly controlled and enforced on members' fisheries. Groups that are involved in activities contrary to CCAMLR conservation measures are handled through appropriate action.

Azantis and Sustainable Use

Customers who work with Azantis can be assured that its biomass providers harvest within the strict guidelines of CCAMLR.We assure that each shipment is harvested within the limits of the zone and dates for which the specific fishing vessels have received fishing licenses from CCAMLR. Azantis is committed to maintaining the sustainability of krill and to preserving the ecosystem of the Antarctic Ocean in which krill now thrive.

Benefits

Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most important of all dietary molecules. This is because they are central components of almost all cell membranes-forming the bricks and mortar of the body's entire architectural system. To put this in perspective, consider the total surface area of some of the body structures:

If we laid out all our cell membranes side to side, they would cover an area equivalent to roughly ten football fields. If we zoomed in closely, we would find that this surface covering several city blocks is comprised of phospholipids, rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It is these phospholipid membranes that control the transport of all molecules in and out of cells.Vary the omega-3 content of the diet and we vary the composition, integrity, and function of our cell membranes. In addition to their structural roles, omega-3 fatty acids help regulate a vast signaling network, the inflammatory system, and our repair functions.

This is why omega-3 fatty acids have been found beneficial in so many conditions. Heart disease, arthritis, cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, skin conditions, and many other disorders have been shown to be associated with omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. This is not unexpected when we realize that omega-3 fatty acids are structural molecules in almost all tissues.

In short, we are shaping and building our cell membranes by the food and supplements we consume each day. Optimizing our omega-3 fatty acid intake ensures that the structural and functional attributes of our cells are prepared to meet any physiological challenge.

Changing Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratios

One reason that intake of additional omega-3 fatty acids is critical for human health regards the fatty acid imbalance found in Western diets. Numerous studies have found the omega-6:omega-3 ratio in some diets to be as high as 45:1. Other studies with different populations have shown the ratio to be roughly 30:1. To put this in perspective, the ideal ratio for optimum health appears to be closer to 4:1. A diet of reduced omega-6 fatty acids, coupled with enrichment with omega-3 fatty acids is recommended by most health authorities.

Phospholipid vs.Triglyceride Forms

Krill oil is a unique source of omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and astaxanthin. One thing that differentiates krill oil from other sources of omega-3 is that, in krill oil, the fatty acids EPA and DHA are bound to phospholipids instead of triglycerides. This phospholipid form is structurally the same as our cell membranes. Moreover, these phospholipid forms are handled differently in the digestive tract. Phospholipids spontaneously form micelles, which can be transported easily in the aqueous environment. Phospholipids can be absorbed intact or in their lysophosphatidylcholine form. Triglycerides, on the other hand, are insoluble in an aqueous environment and require bile salts for their emulsification.While triglyceride forms of EPA and DHA remain valuable elements of supplemental nutrition, phospholipid-based forms provide unique benefits that, when coupled with added choline and astaxanthin, render krill oil a novel nutrient complex with significant clinical benefit.

Beyond Fish Oil

The clinical benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated in thousands of clinical trials conducted over the past 10 years. In 2008 alone, there were 1000 published papers and over 140 randomized clinical trials on omega-3 fatty acids. During this same period, there were some 15,000 media stories on omega-3 fatty acids. This makes omega-3 fatty acids among the most critically documented nutrients of all those currently under investigation.

Several groups have chosen to position krill oil as "better than fish oil." Our adherence to sound scientific principles has caused us to take a different course. We recognize the tremendous rigor of the science of omega-3 fatty acids. Most of this work has been built on fish oil, while additional work has been built on algae oil, flax oil, krill oil, and other oils. Azantis takes the position that fish oil has tremendous benefits-this has been clearly demonstrated over many years of research by many highly qualified investigators.

Additional Attributes

Having noted this, we have also closely examined the unique properties of krill oil and the potential to provide benefits that include those found in fish oil, plus those that are unique to krill oil. For this reason, we prefer the phrase "beyond fish oil." Beyond fish oil means that the inherent benefits of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil are well documented and worthy of our respect. Beyond this, the composition of krill oil affords health benefits that are also rooted in sound scientific principles.For this reason,krill oil can be seen as a category of omega-3 fatty acids unto itself. It is these additional attributes that have many customers now looking to krill oil as a value-added component of a healthy lifestyle. These attributes include the following:

1. Krill omega-3 fatty acids are bound to phospholipids, as opposed to triglycerides;
2. Krill PL contain choline, a neurotransmitter precursor important to brain and muscle tissue.
3. Astaxanthin, a naturally-occurring carotenoid molecule with powerful antioxidant activity.

Choline and Its Many Health Benefits

Choline is found in krill phospholipids as part of the phosphatidylcholine molecule. Choline is not found in fish triglycerides. Choline has critical functions as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter that is probably most well known for its involvement in Alzheimer's disease. If we have adequate levels of choline, we support the acetylcholine neurotransmitter system, which protects attention, focus, memory, and even muscle function. Choline is also one of the body's most important methyl donors, contributing one-carbon units much like folic acid and vitamin B12.

Choline Deficiency Signs

When choline levels in the diet are not adequate, deficiency signs are most noted in:

1. Brain
2. Muscles
3. Liver

Choline Deficiency May Be Widespread

The added benefit of choline in krill oil cannot be underestimated. In one recent study, 86.2% of female medical students and 90.9% of male medical students did not consume the recommended daily amount of choline. These amounts have been set by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences at 425 to 550 mg/ day. Krill oil phospholipids provide additional dietary choline, which contributes to the daily need.

Astaxanthin