Unlocking KO3: The Science and Promise of Antarctic Krill Oil

Blake Roth

Welcome to another episode of Blake and Amy, I am Blake.

Amy Johnson

And I am Amy. We had a great time last night at Root U, which was hosted by Doctor Christina Rahm. She talked about the ROOT Brands new product KO3, a krill oil. So lets go over what we found out.

Blake Roth

Ok, so we’re talkin’ KO3—ROOT’s krill oil. Now, before your eyes glaze over like “oh, another fish oil?”—hold up. This stuff is not your grandaddy’s omega-3, I promise.

Amy Johnson

Exactly! And Blake, I think a lot of folks still don’t really get why omega-3s are such a big deal. To set the stage, let’s get back to basics: omega-3s are what’s called “essential fats,” which basically means our bodies can’t make ‘em. We have to get them from our diets or a supplement like KO3.

Blake Roth

But what sets KO3 apart, and this is super important, is the source. We’re talkin’ Neptune Krill Oil, or NKO, right outta the Antarctic. That’s about as pure as you can get, and they fish it sustainably, so you’re not gettin’ all the potential contaminants that a lot of standard fish oils bring along.

Amy Johnson

That purity is huge for me, honestly. But even more, it’s the form KO3 comes in: the omega-3s are bound to phospholipids—now, hang on, don’t let your eyes roll back in your head—because phospholipids are what cell membranes are built out of. It means our bodies actually absorb these omega-3s way better than old-school fish oil that’s bound to triglycerides—you see results faster, and honestly, more effectively.

Blake Roth

Yeah, and this ain’t just academic. Amy, you were tellin’ me about swappin’ from fish oil to KO3?

Amy Johnson

Yep. So I’ve had joint stuff for years—thanks, running in Chicago winters!—and with fish oil, I kept waiting for that magic moment. Wasn’t happening. When I switched to KO3, over a few weeks my knees felt, I don’t know, less crunchy? It wasn’t overnight. But it was a difference you could feel not just read about. That’s when it clicked for me absorption actually matters.

Blake Roth

Makes sense. And KO3’s got astaxanthin, which gives krill that reddish color and is a crazy-powerful antioxidant. That’s not something you get in regular fish oil either. Put it all together: pure Antarctic krill, those phospholipids, and astaxanthin? That’s what makes KO3 kinda unique in the omega-3 world.

Amy Johnson

And you know, we talk about chasing supplements that actually do what the label claims—KO3 ticks some pretty serious boxes right out of the gate.

Amy Johnson

Let’s break this down some more EPA and DHA. These are the big-league omega-3s in krill oil. EPA is the heart-healthy superstar, right?

Blake Roth

Oh yeah. EPA’s your MVP for cardiovascular stuff: good for blood pressure, heart rhythm, keeping cholesterol in check. And—here’s something we don’t mention enough—it also plays a role in mood. There’s some research linking EPA intake to emotional resilience and, uh, how your stress circuits handle the craziness of daily life.

Amy Johnson

And then DHA—that one’s all about brain and eye health. It’s the fat your neurons crave. Like, it actually makes up a big chunk of your brain structure, and it helps keep memory, focus, and learning on track, from kids all the way up through, well, folks like us.

Blake Roth

I read, too, that DHA helps the retina, which, you know, explains why so many prenatal supplements throw DHA in there for fetal brain and eye development. And for anyone hoping to keep their edge as they age, more research shows DHA’s key for long-term memory and cognitive function. Not just for little kids—big kids, too. Like, us again.

Amy Johnson

Exactly. But let’s talk astaxanthin for a second—this is a game-changer beyond just omega-3s. It’s a super potent antioxidant found naturally in krill oil, and there’s growing evidence it helps protect skin from environmental damage, boosts athletic recovery, and even supports endurance. I saw a study linking astaxanthin with better skin hydration—you know, like topical beauty from the inside.

Blake Roth

Yeah, so here’s my porch-chat version: KO3, because it’s better absorbed, is like giving your body omega-3s that don’t just pass through they get where they need to be. And with that extra antioxidant support, you might see little things over time: memory getting sharper, heart rhythm feeling steadier, skin holding up better to, honestly, whatever Nashville summers throw at ya. Not preachin’ miracles, but that’s what the science is pointing to, kind of like we found with pine bark extract in a previous episode—layering up these nutrients for full-spectrum support just works better than piecemeal.

Amy Johnson

And it’s not only about what you see on the outside, right? The real win is what’s going on at the cellular level: healthy membranes, less oxidative stress, the whole anti-inflammatory effect that keeps your joints, heart, and even metabolism, just running smoother. That’s the big picture with KO3 when you dig into the research.

Blake Roth

Alright, so let’s get practical. Folks always ask: “How do I actually use this in my daily routine?” Truth is, KO3’s made for daily, foundational support. The label says two softgels a day with a meal, and you’re good to go. It’s almost like setting the table for all your other supplements—heart, brain, joints, skin. It’s like a wellness backbone, not just something extra you toss in now and then.

Amy Johnson

And this is key—it plays really well with other health routines. If you’re already working on gut health, using cognitive nootropics (like Zero-In, if you caught that earlier episode), have a fitness plan, or just trying to eat more anti-inflammatory foods, KO3 just fits right in. There’s no weird overlap or “should I stop taking my other stuff?”—it’s foundational, not redundant.

Blake Roth

Yeah, and I think about who benefits most—athletes, people with cranky joints, uh, aging adults wanting to stay sharp, or honestly, anyone looking for a clean source of omega-3s. If you want something free from sketchy contaminants, especially with all we’ve discussed around toxins and microplastics before, Antarctic krill oil’s hard to beat for sustainability, too.

Amy Johnson

There’s also some pretty impressive case examples from her presentations folks noticing more stable energy and better focus after a month or two using KO3 consistently. I mean, I know we always say this, but: pay attention to what your own body tells you. And, check with your doc first before starting any supplement—especially if you’re pregnant, have shellfish allergies, or are on blood thinners. Gotta say it.

Blake Roth

Absolutely—bioindividuality. What works for me, Amy, might not be your thing, but you won’t know until you actually give it a fair shot. Start small, pay attention, and, like we always say, be curious, not obsessive. So, that about wraps us for today. Amy, loved this chat—learn somethin’ new as always.

Amy Johnson

Always, Blake! And for everyone listening, if KO3—krill oil—piqued your interest, hit up the show notes for more details and to see the sources. We’ll be back soon with another Deep Dive, so keep sending us your questions and stories!

Blake Roth

Take care, y’all. Amy, see ya next time.

Amy Johnson

Bye, Blake! Bye everyone, and stay well.