According to estimates, 97% of women of reproductive age suffer from the symptoms of pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). From bloating and headaches to anxiety and irritability, PMS impacts emotions, behavior, in the early stages of the menstrual cycle. Thankfully, there are supplements that can help alleviate PMS symptoms that can interfere with everyday life.
One such supplement is krill oil phospholipids, an omega-3 rich product derived from sustainably sourced Antarctic krill.
Treating PMS with omega-3 supplements
The exact cause of PMS remains unclear, but its symptoms are the result of fluctuating hormones and bodily inflammation. Scientists have determined that the best remedies to help manage these symptoms for the long-term include a healthy diet rich in leafy greens, wholefoods and fatty fish that includes essential fatty acids such as omega-3.
Omega-3 is an unsaturated fatty acid that is found primarily in marine sources. It is also present in certain foods (such as blueberries and avocados) and is often taken in supplement form to maintain adequate levels in the body.
Read more: what are omega-3 fatty acids and what are their benefits
There are countless omega-3 supplements on the market today, many of which are even marketed as a PMS remedy. But for consumers, it can be difficult to discern one omega-3 supplement from the other, often leading to less informed decision-making upon purchase.
Krill oil phospholipids have a significant effect on PMS
Numerous studies show that omega-3 fatty acids can alleviate some of the symptom of PMS. But the question is…are all omega-3 supplements equally effective?
While most of the omega-3 supplements on the market today will list ‘fish oil’ as their source, there are other noteworthy sources of these important fatty acids. Krill oil phospholipids, for example, is a proven and well-tested source of these important nutrients.
Research on the krill oil phospholipids effect on PMS started nearly 20 years ago, when the Alternative Medicine Review published a study showing that in a 90-day experiment, krill oil phospholipids were effective in reducing the emotional symptoms of PMS and was significantly more effective than fish oil in doing so.
Read more: what are phospholipids and why should you care?
Findings from krill oil phospholipids study on PMS symptoms
- The group of women taking krill oil phospholipids showed a statistically significant reduction in both emotional and physical PMS symptoms, from stress to bloating, as compared to the group taking fish oil.
- Women taking krill oil phospholipids during the study used significantly fewer pain relievers versus the women taking the fish oil supplements.
While both fish oil and krill oil phospholipids possess omega-3 that can improve inflammatory symptoms caused by hormonal fluctuations, this study shows that the source of that omega-3 also makes a notable difference.
Krill oil differentiates itself from fish oil in that it is naturally rich in not only the fatty acids, but also in marine phospholipids, choline and astaxanthin.
The difference with krill oil phospholipids
Phospholipids and choline aren’t exactly part of people’s everyday vocabulary, but they are important words in the nutrition world. And it’s also the key to what sets krill oil phospholipids apart from its omega-3 counterparts. Here’s a cheat sheet on what these nutritional terms mean for human health:
- Phospholipids: Krill oil’s omega-3s are bound to phospholipids, which are fat molecules that the body uses to transport nutrients. Phospholipids are already part of each cell in our body. This means that the body recognizes krill oil’s phospholipid bound omega-3s and then transports and absorbs them more effectively.
- Choline: Our bodies need choline, a nutrient that is neither vitamin nor mineral, to ensure proper cell structure and support many body functions. Most of the choline in our body is located with phospholipids, and krill oil is a safe and effective source of choline for humans.
Look for krill oil phospholipids on the PMS product label
By taking a daily nutritional supplement that includes krill oil phospholipids as part of the mix, women can reduce the severity and frequency of their inflammatory PMS symptoms. The power of krill oil phospholipids is proven to give women cycle support and relief, ensuring that their period doesn’t stop them from living their best life.
