Krill Oil vs. Other Omega-3 Forms: Effects on Fatty Liver in Mice

This laboratory study looked at how different forms of marine omega-3 fatty acids—krill oil, a DHA/EPA phospholipid blend, and an EPA/DHA triglyceride blend—affected mice fed a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet designed to promote fatty liver changes.

All three omega-3 forms helped reduce fat buildup in the liver and improved markers related to insulin response and liver health compared to mice on the high-fat diet alone. However, the krill oil group showed some additional differences, including less enlargement of fat cells and lower levels of certain liver enzymes and LDL cholesterol compared to the other two forms.

Researchers also examined a biological signaling pathway involving cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1), the hormone adiponectin, and fat molecules called ceramides. Omega-3 supplementation was linked to lower levels of endocannabinoid compounds, changes in CB1 and adiponectin activity in fat tissue, and reduced ceramide levels in the liver—changes that were associated with less fat synthesis and more fat-burning activity in liver cells.