Krill oil
Phospholipid-bound omega-3 with comparable lipid effects to fish oil at lower EPA+DHA doses, better tolerability, smaller environmental footprint debate.
Why
Krill oil from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) delivers EPA and DHA bound to phospholipids rather than triglycerides as in fish oil. RCTs comparing krill oil and fish oil at matched EPA+DHA doses generally show comparable plasma lipid effects despite lower krill doses, suggesting better bioavailability. Astaxanthin content provides oxidative stability and may contribute additional antioxidant effect. Sustainability concerns about Southern Ocean krill harvest are an open ethical question, partially mitigated by MSC certification.
How it works
Phospholipid-bound EPA and DHA are absorbed via different pathway than triglyceride-bound, incorporated more efficiently into cell-membrane phospholipids. Astaxanthin (~100 µg/g) provides oxidative protection. Same downstream eicosanoid and resolution mechanisms as fish oil.
Expected onset · Lipid effects over 8–12 weeks
How to take
Dosage
1–3 g/day krill oil, delivering ~150–500 mg EPA+DHA. For lipid effects, 1–4 g/day shown active.
Timing
With meals; divided 2–3 times daily
On the label
Stated EPA + DHA per dose, not total krill oil weight. MSC-certified for sustainability concerns. Astaxanthin and phospholipid content distinguish from fish oil.
Ideal for
Adults with mild dyslipidaemia or seeking omega-3 with better burp-back tolerability than fish oil capsules.
Safety
Evidence
Bunea 2004 Altern Med Rev RCT (n=120 hyperlipidaemic adults): krill oil 1–3 g/day reduced LDL 32–39% and triglycerides 11–28% vs placebo at 3 months, effects larger than typical fish-oil monotherapy. Berge 2014 confirmed triglyceride reduction without LDL increase. Higher relative bioavailability per gram than triglyceride-bound omega-3.
- Ulven & Holven, Vasc Health Risk Manag 2015, comparison of bioavailability of krill oil versus fish oil and health effect
- Berge et al., Nutr Res 2014, krill oil supplementation lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (RCT)
- Bunea et al., Altern Med Rev 2004, evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia (RCT)
Where to get it
Shop Krill oil on AmazonSponsored · As an Amazon Associate, Healicus earns from qualifying purchases.