Krill Oil

A phospholipid-bound omega-3 source with built-in antioxidant protection

Naturally contains astaxanthin

Phospholipid form may improve absorption

Important: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician before starting any supplement.

Overview

Krill oil comes from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), a small shrimp-like crustacean harvested from some of the most tightly regulated fisheries in the world. Like fish oil, it delivers the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, but with an important structural difference: most of krill oil's omega-3s are bound to phospholipids rather than triglycerides.

This phospholipid structure is the same form omega-3s take in cell membranes, which several studies suggest may improve absorption compared to standard triglyceride-form fish oil at equivalent doses. Krill oil also naturally contains astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that gives it a reddish color and helps protect the oil from oxidation — a common issue with lower-quality fish oil products.

Potential Benefits

Cardiovascular Support

EPA and DHA support healthy triglyceride levels and normal cardiovascular function, consistent with the broader evidence base for marine omega-3s.

Improved Absorption

The phospholipid-bound omega-3 structure has shown better bioavailability in some comparative studies against equivalent triglyceride-form fish oil doses.

Antioxidant Protection

Naturally occurring astaxanthin protects the omega-3s from oxidation in the bottle and may offer additional antioxidant benefits in the body.

Joint Comfort

Several trials report reduced joint stiffness and discomfort with regular krill oil use, likely tied to the anti-inflammatory effects of EPA and DHA.

Typical Dosage

Standard Daily Dose

500–2,000mg

Providing roughly 150–600mg combined EPA/DHA, taken with a meal

What to Look For on the Label

Phospholipid content & astaxanthin level

Look for third-party purity testing and sustainably certified sourcing (MSC)

Pro Tips

Take with a meal containing fat to support absorption
Avoid if you have a shellfish allergy — krill is a crustacean
Compare EPA/DHA content, not just total oil weight, when comparing brands
May have a mild blood-thinning effect at high doses — check with your doctor if on anticoagulants

Research Snapshot

A comparative pharmacokinetic study found that phospholipid-bound omega-3s from krill oil were absorbed more efficiently than the same dose of triglyceride-form fish oil, resulting in higher blood EPA/DHA levels. Separate randomized trials on joint comfort report meaningful reductions in stiffness and pain scores after 30 days of supplementation.

Source: Ulven et al., Lipids (2011)

How Krill Oil Compares

Ingredient	Best For	Key Difference
Krill Oil	Absorption, Joints, Antioxidants	Phospholipid-bound with built-in astaxanthin
Omega-3 (Fish Oil)	Heart, Brain, General Health	More EPA/DHA per capsule; lower cost per milligram
Cod Liver Oil	Heart, Immunity, Vitamin A/D	Adds fat-soluble vitamins; lower EPA/DHA concentration
Astaxanthin	Skin, Eyes, Antioxidant	Standalone antioxidant dose without omega-3 fatty acids

These are the most common comparisons our customers ask about in-store.

Popular Stacks with Krill Oil

Heart Health Stack

Krill Oil + CoQ10 + Hawthorn

Multi-pathway cardiovascular support

Joint Comfort Stack

Krill Oil + Glucosamine + MSM

Anti-inflammatory and cartilage support

Antioxidant Stack

Krill Oil + Astaxanthin + Vitamin E

Layered oxidative stress protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Is krill oil better than fish oil?

Krill oil's omega-3s are bound to phospholipids rather than triglycerides, which several studies suggest improves absorption at equivalent doses. It also naturally contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that protects the oil from oxidation. However, krill oil typically delivers less EPA/DHA per capsule than concentrated fish oil, so gram-for-gram cost and dosing differ.

Why does krill oil cost more than fish oil?

Krill harvesting is more resource-intensive and tightly regulated than fish oil production, and the phospholipid extraction process is more complex. This, combined with lower EPA/DHA concentration per capsule, makes krill oil significantly more expensive per milligram of omega-3.

Does krill oil cause fishy burps like fish oil?

Many people report fewer fishy burps with krill oil, likely due to its phospholipid structure and smaller capsule size. It's not guaranteed, and sensitivity varies by individual and product quality.

Sources & References

1. Ulven, S.M., et al. (2011). Metabolic effects of krill oil are essentially similar to those of fish oil but at lower dose of EPA and DHA, in healthy volunteers. Lipids, 46(1), 37–46.

2. Deutsch, L. (2007). Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 26(1), 39–48.

3. Bunea, R., et al. (2004). Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Alternative Medicine Review, 9(4), 420–428.

All references are peer-reviewed studies or position stands from reputable organizations.