MegaKrill and Vestura

• Generic Name: omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Baciguent, Probiotic Formula, Proferrin-ES

MegaKrill is a form of krill oil that claims to be more potent or purer than regular krill oil. However, because supplements are unregulated, there is no guarantee that this holds true for all brands of MegaKrill.

Krill oil is extracted mainly from Antarctic krill, specifically a species called Euphausia superba. Krill are small shrimp-like crustaceans which represent an important dietary link in the global food chain, being the main staple of hundreds of different animals, including fish, birds, and whales. Harvesting of krill oil is not without controversy and studies have suggested Antarctic krill stocks have fallen by 80% since 1970, which is a serious cause for concern.

MegaKrill is a source of EPA and DHA omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, but at a different ratio than fish oil. Krill oil has a ratio of 2:1 EPA to DHA, whereas fish oil has a ratio of 1:1 EPA to DHA. EPA is more effective than DHA at reducing cellular inflammation, and the more EPA in the diet, the less arachidonic acid there is available to produce proinflammatory cytokines such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Unlike omega-3’s found in fish oil which are bound to triglycerides, the omega-3’s in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, which reportedly improve absorption by 30 to 100%. Research has not yet determined if this conveys more health effects. However, more effective absorption does appear to reduce the incidence of side effects such as a fishy after taste or fishy burps, a common complaint with fish oils.

Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a brightly colored carotenoid (a pigment that conveys color) that occurs naturally in algae, shrimp, lobster, crab, wild salmon, and krill. Astaxanthin provides an interface between water and fats and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; although there have been few high-quality trials to test its benefits in people. Because it is so deeply colored, astaxanthin can make testing for contaminants or spoilage in krill oil difficult.

• Generic Name: drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol
• Dosage Forms: tablets
• Other Brand Names: Gianvi, Jasmiel, Loryna, Nikki, Ocella, Syeda, Vestura, Yasmin, Yaz, Zarah, Lo-Zumandimine, Zumandimine, Ocella, Yasmin 28, Yaz

Vestura is a combination birth control pill containing female hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from an ovary). Vestura also causes changes in your cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it harder for sperm to reach the uterus and harder for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus.

Vestura is used as contraception to prevent pregnancy. This medicine is also used to treat moderate acne in women who are at least 14 years old and have started having menstrual periods, and who wish to use birth control pills.

Yaz is also used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), such as anxiety, depression, irritability, trouble concentrating, lack of energy, sleep or appetite changes, breast tenderness, joint or muscle pain, headache, and weight gain.

Vestura may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.