Review of Neptune Krill Oil and Skin Cancer Study

Nothing feels better than the warm rays of the sun beaming down on you. I live in the Canadian prairies and we get lots of sunshine during our cold windy winters and hot dry summers.

Many experts recommend we strive for an ideal range of vitamin D between 1,000 and 2,000 IU daily. This is equal to about 20 to 30 minutes of sun exposure up to three times a week.

However, getting too much sun exposure will greatly increase our risk for a sun burn and skin cancer.

Experts claim that skin cancer rates are rising around the world, with about 5 million people in the United States being treated for non-melanoma skin cancers on a yearly basis.

The best ways to reduce excessive sun exposure is by applying a sunscreen and avoiding the sun at certain hours of the day.

But what if you could take a small pill that could reduce your risk of skin cancer by almost 50%?

Well, a recent study showed that krill oils may protect our skin and reduce the risk for UVB-induced skin cancer.

Study on Neptune Krill Oil and Skin Cancer

A study published in November 2002 issue of JSS Medical Research evaluated Neptune krill oil’s Effects on UVB-Radiation Induced Skin Cancer.

This animal study involved ninety-six (96) mice that were divided into 2 groups given either Neptune Krill Oil or a placebo.

Each of the two groups was further divided into another sub-set of 3 groups that took the Neptune Krill Oil and the placebo in the following manner:

1. taken orally
2. applied topically to the skin
3. would take a combination of both oral and topical together

The oral dose of the placebo and Neptune Krill Oil was equal to about to 2 grams of Neptune Krill Oil per day for a 70 kg. man or a 60 kg. woman.

All the mice were then exposed to UVB radiation for 30 minutes a day for 20 weeks. Their skin cells were then analyzed for any skin cell damage from the exposure to radiation.

The scientists found that the krill oil taken orally or applied topically could reduced the incidence of skin care by 50%.

And what’s even more interesting was that the group that used both the oral form and topical oil together experienced a 67% improvement in overall skin protective properties against UV-induced skin damage.

So while this was only a small animal study, the results do appear promising.

Taking a daily supplement of krill oil, along with topical application, could play a role in enhancing our skin’s natural protective barrier against potential UV-damage from the sun.

However, more research may be needed before making any confirmed conclusions if this effect can be reproduced in people.

Research References:

Evaluation of the Effects of Neptune Krill Oil on UVB-Radiation induced Skin Cancer Prevention – Neptune Krill Oil and Skin Cancer Study. JSS Medical Research, Inc. November 18th, 2002

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