Aker BioMarine - Krill-Based Bioactive Components

Aker BioMarine™ krill products are 100% natural multifunction compounds for food inclusion. Krill is rich in health-promoting bioactive compounds such as Omega-3 phospholipids and the antioxidant astaxanthin, as well as key nutrients, particularly proteins and amino acids.

To secure optimal quality, the entire Aker BioMarine value chain has been certified for the manufacture of products for human consumption.

KRILL HARVESTING AND PROCESSING SYSTEM

Aker BioMarine’s krill products are made from Antarctic krill, euphausia superba, which lives in the world’s cleanest waters. The estimated biomass of krill is 125 – 750 million metric tons, which makes krill the largest biomass of any animal species.

OMEGA-3 PHOSPHOLIPIDS AND FATTY ACIDS

Antarctic krill is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. More than half of the Omega-3 in krill is phospholipids-bound (Omega-3 phospholipids). Krill’s abundance of Omega-3 phospholipids contrasts with that of most other species, which store the bulk of lipids as triglyceride (TG) or wax esters.

Phospholipids are considered an efficient carrier for Omega-3 EPA and DHA to target tissues, as the phospholipids' form may promote the uptake of Omega-3 by specific tissues, and therefore the bio-efficacy in the human body.

Over the last decade, Omega-3 EPA and DHA have been subject to extensive research to reveal and document a wide range of beneficial effects. The range and significance of documented benefits are impressive; benefits include positive effects on the cardiovascular system, improved joint health and positive effects on cognitive functions.

ASTAXANTHIN ANTIOXIDANT AND SKIN REPAIR CAROTENOID

Krill is an excellent source of astaxanthin, a carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties. It has been reported that astaxanthin has an antioxidant activity that is up to ten times greater than other carotenoids and 100 times greater than tocopherol.

Astaxanthin has also demonstrated an ability to protect skin cells against UV radiation, and as such it offers the potential for use as a beauty supplement, via dietary input. Such UV protection properties help prevent the damaging effects of over-exposure to sunlight, which include the formation of visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness of the skin.

Equally important is the role astaxanthin plays in preserving the quality and effectiveness of Aker BioMarine krill products. A natural component of krill products, astaxanthin acts as an intrinsic protective agent, securing product quality, which is especially important for long chain Omega-3 fatty acids that are highly susceptible to oxidation.

ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

Krill contains between 60% and 65% protein (dry weight). Analyses of the amino acid profile of krill protein demonstrate that all essential amino acids (EAA) are present and that they are nutritionally well balanced. EAA content exceeds adult requirements and meets all EAA requirements for infants.

Aker BioMarine only harvests krill in regulated Antarctic fisheries under the supervision of CCAMLR1, the treaty-based organization for the protection of the Antarctic environment.

Aker BioMarine’s krill products are made from Antarctic krill, euphausia superba, which lives in the world’s cleanest waters. The estimated biomass of krill is 125 – 750 million metric tons, which makes krill the largest biomass of any animal species.