#Japan #Tokyo #Omega-3 #Phospholipids #Krill Oil

Redefining Krill Oil: Insights from the 11th Krill Oil Symposium

On November 28, 2025, the 11th Krill Oil Symposium took place at Tokyo Big Sight, focusing on the theme "The Latest Frontiers of Krill Oil's Novel Functions and Benefits - From the Perspective of Phosphatidylcholine and Phospholipids." The discussions centered around three key points:

1. Understanding absorption, biodynamics, and functionality through the lens of phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine (PC) as molecular species.
2. Sharing cutting-edge knowledge across various fields, including formulation design, lipid metabolism and sleep, and gut microbiota.
3. Overarching discussions that connect research with societal implementation, while identifying future verification challenges.

This symposium offered a fresh perspective on krill oil, moving beyond the common classification of it simply as an "Omega-3 material" to a broader understanding of its appeal as both a fundamental and applied substance.

Event Overview

Event Name: 11th Krill Oil Symposium
Theme: Novel Functions and Benefits of Krill Oil - Focused on Phosphatidylcholine and Phospholipids
Date: November 28, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Venue: Tokyo Big Sight (In-person and Online)
Organizer: Krill Oil Association
Structure: Opening remarks + four lectures + closing remarks
Participants: Approximately 50 (Researchers, Industry Representatives, Others)

Summary of the Symposium

The symposium emphasized a paradigm shift in understanding krill oil, not just as a source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), but as a substance rich in phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine, which are critical for absorption and biodynamics.

The session commenced with Professor Onoue from Shizuoka Prefectural University discussing high-absorption formulation design leveraging the unique properties of krill oil. Professor Okubo from Sendai Shirayuri Women’s University further elaborated on the significance of PC-bound n-3 fatty acids compared to their triglyceride forms in the context of lipid metabolism research linked to sleep patterns.

Moreover, Line Johnsen from Aker BioMarine presented the latest clinical research on health span aspects, such as muscle maintenance and inflammatory markers, contributing to the growing understanding of krill oil's potential benefits. Finally, Professor Naito from Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine provided insights that encompassed gut microbiota metabolism and its implications for functional food understanding.

These four lectures collectively aimed to intertwine knowledge across various domains and share insights about the connection between research and practical social applications, marking a substantial achievement of the symposium.

Detailed Lecture Summaries

1. High-Absorption Formulation Design Using Krill Oil
Professor Makoto Onoue, Shizuoka Prefectural University |
This talk emphasized the self-emulsifying properties of krill oil, which is rich in phospholipids, enhancing the dispersibility and solubility of poorly water-soluble ingredients. The lecture presented formulation strategies to optimize oral absorption of lipid-soluble compounds through nano-sized stable dispersions. Results from rat studies also indicated favorable changes in lipid metabolism markers with EPA bound to phospholipids.

2. Functional Insights of Phosphatidylcholine-Bound n-3 Fatty Acids - From Lipid Metabolism to Sleep
Professor Tsuyoshi Okubo, Sendai Shirayuri Women’s University |
This lecture focused on the dual nature of phospholipids, which can influence bioavailability and physiological effects. Animal studies were discussed, showcasing the impacts of PC-DHA on abdominal fat, liver fat, serum lipids, and glucose indicators. Additionally, human trial outcomes linking PC-DHA intake to sleep quality raised discussions about the connections between lipid metabolism, brain function, and sleep.

3. Krill Oil: A Natural Complex of Omega-3, Phospholipids, Choline, and Astaxanthin - Recent Research Insights
Line Johnsen, Aker BioMarine |
Johnsen emphasized krill oil as a natural complex, highlighting its multifaceted roles in health. This presentation provided insights from clinical trials focusing on the preservation of fat-free mass during weight loss, demonstrating positive outcomes on biomarkers associated with muscle function, inflammation, and omega-3 indexing.

4. The Frontiers of Gut Microbiota Metabolite Research: Expanding Our Understanding of Food Functionality
Professor Yuji Naito, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine |
Naito addressed Japan’s challenges in extending healthy life spans, stressing nutrient sufficiency through a social connection approach via food. The discussion included the influence of various dietary patterns on healthy aging and emphasized the importance of gut microbiota metabolite research in understanding food functionality and personalized nutrition.

Comments from the Krill Oil Association President

President Kazuyoshi Yazawa expressed, "This symposium was an opportunity to revisit krill oil not merely as an Omega-3 source but to recognize its unique characteristics through phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine. This understanding deepens our insight into absorption dynamics and health impacts. We will continue to collect and share research insights to bridge research with industrial applications, enhancing engagement and dissemination in society."

Contact Information

For more information about krill oil, product development inquiries, or collaborative research interests, please reach out to:
Krill Oil Association
Press and Communication: Kenichi Fujisaku
Email: [email protected]

About Krill Oil

Krill oil, derived from Antarctic krill, is gaining attention for its health benefits. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) and phospholipids, along with antioxidants like astaxanthin, it is widely used in supplements worldwide. Research highlights its roles in cardiovascular, metabolic, and brain health, and ongoing studies aim to further unravel its broad functionality.

About the Krill Oil Association

Founded in December 2013, the Krill Oil Association is a collaborative organization aiming to advance the scientific evidence surrounding krill oil and its role in health and preventive medicine. The association consists of universities and companies domestically and internationally engaged in a multidisciplinary approach from fundamental to clinical research, fostering partnerships to benefit society.