Fish oils reigned supreme till recently as the best source for omega-3s. But now, there is a new entrant in the market that has overtaken fish oils and that’s none other than Krill oil!
Krill is a tiny marine animal that resembles a shrimp and is found in the open oceans. Derived from the Norweigian word ‘krill’ meaning ‘a small fry of fish’ these crustaceans contain fatty acids that are most beneficial for health.
Antarctic krill refers to the Euphausia Superba species found in the Southern Ocean surrounding the Antarctic continent. Krill oil, the extracts from krill contains 2 main components of Omega-3 fatty acids – EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid).
Numerous studies on EPA and DHA fatty acids indicate that they can bestow multiple health benefits including cardioprotective effects, good fetal development, treating inflammatory conditions, improving cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s Disease, and many more (1).
Krill oil also has another important carotenoid, Astaxanthin, which is best known for its antioxidant power and potential pharmacological properties (2).
Krill oil supplements are one of the best ways of obtaining these health-benefiting nutrients. They are available as liquids, soft gels, capsules, etc, and can be purchased online without the need for a prescription.
Listed here are our 6 favorite choices of krill oil supplements. Read to know more and select the supplement that suits your needs the best.
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall Krill Oil Supplement – LiveWell KrillWell
2. Best Potency Krill Oil Supplement – 1MD KrillMD
3. Best Flavor Krill Oil Supplement – Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill Oil
4. Best Quality Krill Oil Supplement– Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
5. Best Capsules Krill Oil Supplement – Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
6. Best Budget Krill Oil Supplement – Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil
Now let’s look at each of these krill oil supplements in detail to find out why they are considered the best in their categories.
1. The Best Overall Krill Oil Supplement – LiveWell KrillWell
The overall ranking of a product depends on all its features such as brand quality, ingredient combination, potency, ease of use, etc. that combined deliver the best health benefits.
About LiveWell KrillWell
LiveWell KrillWell is a top-ranking supplement that is designed to powerful Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants to lend maximized support for the brain, heart, and joint health.
A potent concentration of EPA and DHA fatty acids from K.REAL® Krill Oil made with Antarctic krill, combined with a sufficient proportion of phospholipids promotes better absorption. The equally potent astaxanthin offers antioxidant support to fight free radicals and protect against diseases.
LiveWell is headquartered in Burbank, California, and makes its KrillWell with GMO-free ingredients in cGMP facilities in the USA. Third-party testing and complete transparency in the label ensure verified purity in the product.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 3 soft gels provide:
- Pure Krill Oil – 1500 mg
- Calories – 15
- Calories from Fat – 15
- Total Fat – 1.5 g
- Total Omega – 180 mg
- EPA – 90 mg
- DHA – 60 mg
- Phospholipids – 285 mg
- Astaxanthin – 600 mg
Every bottle of LiveWell KrillWell contains 90 soft gels that can last as a month’s supply. More bottles can be purchased on special offers for better savings on your money.
The manufacturer recommends 3 soft gels daily with at least 8 oz of water to promote good absorption. The product doesn’t leave any bad aftertaste or fishy burps either.
LiveWell KrillWell is made of purely natural ingredients and does not have gluten, soy, or dairy in it. It is also free from harmful preservatives, fillers, and additives. The company provides a 365-day money-back guarantee too making this the best overall supplement with value-added benefits.
The Pros:
- Use of patented krill oil for strong potency and effectiveness
- Third-party tested for assurance of quality
- No harmful fillers, preservatives, or additives for safety
- 365-day money-back guarantee for increased customer satisfaction
Summary: LiveWell KrillWell is a top-class supplement with effective Omega-3s and other nutrients to assist with brain, joint, and heart health. Excelling in all aspects, it can be considered as the best overall product in its category.
2. Best Potency Krill Oil Supplement – 1MD KrillMD
Potency can be taken as the strength derived from all the ingredients in a krill oil supplement. So the combined effect of higher Omega-3 fatty acids, as well as the additional nutrients, may provide highly-effective health benefits than other brands.
About 1MD KrillMD
1MD KrillMD is a unique supplement loaded with omega fatty acids, phospholipids, and carotenoids that offer high antioxidant support to protect joints, heart, and cognitive health.
With a higher concentration of potent EPA and DHA fatty acids as well as astaxanthin, this supplement is formulated using K.REALl® Krill oil that is made with a patented, Multi-Stage Oil (MSO®) cold-press extraction process to ensure higher bioavailability and faster absorption.
Manufactured in FDA approved, GMP compliant, NSF certified facilities in the USA, 1MD uses non-GMO ingredients in their KrillMD and ensures every batch of this supplement is tested for quality before distribution.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 soft gels has:
- K.REAL® Pure Krill Oil – 1600 mg
- Calories – 15
- Calories from Fat – 14
- Total Fat – 1.6 g
- Total Omega – 320 mg
- EPA – 174 mg
- DHA – 120 mg
- Phospholipids -550 mg
- Astaxanthin – 2 mg
1MD KrillMD is doctor-recommended and available as a bottle of 60 soft gels that provide 30 servings to last a month. With a delicious natural lemon flavor, it does not have any aftertaste or fishy smell to it.
As a dietary supplement, 2 softgels can be consumed daily with 8 oz of water or as recommended by a doctor. This product can be consumed with food to maximize absorption.
1MD sources the highest-quality raw materials to prepare its KrillMD and hence uses no fillers, additives, or preservatives in its making. Free from gluten, soy, and dairy, it is accompanied by a 90-day money-back guarantee for complete customer satisfaction.
The Pros:
- Highest potency of Omega-3s, astaxanthin, and phospholipids
- Made with K.REAL Krill Oil using MSO® extraction process
- 60 soft gels with a natural lemon flavor
- 90-day no-risk money-back guarantee
Summary: 1MD KrillMD is a supplement that uses a patented raw material and extraction process. It delivers the highest potency of Omega-3s and other nutrients with maximum bioavailability to protect heart, joint, and brain health.
3. Best Flavor Krill Oil Supplement – Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill Oil
Flavor enhances the taste. Fish and krill oil supplements taste better and are easier to consume when they are deliciously flavored and do not possess the repulsive fishy smell normally found in such supplements.
About Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill Oil
Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill Oil is a well-known supplement from one of the biggest brands in the supplement market. Packed with Omega-3 fatty acids with adequate quantities of phospholipids to increase absorption, this product is a valuable addition to maintain overall health.
The addition of natural astaxanthin in CoreSeries Krill Oil ensures that the body is equipped with powerful antioxidants that help promote brain, joint, and good heart health.
Transparent Labs makes its CoreSeries Krill Oil with non-GMO ingredients in US-based facilities that comply with FDA-GMP standards. This product is gluten-free and is third-party tested for quality and efficiency.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 soft gels offers:
- Calories – 10
- Calories from Fat – 10
- Total Fat – 1 g
- Superba Krill Oil – 1000 mg
- Phospholipids – 400 mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – 220 mg
- EPA – 120 mg
- DPA – 55 mg
- Astaxanthin – 80 mcg
Available in containers of 60 soft gels, CoreSeries Krill Oil is designed to provide 30 servings. Purchase of more than 1 bottle at a time can also fetch you great discounts.
Transparent Labs makes this supplement as natural vanilla-flavored gels that are delicious leaving no place for fish smells or unpleasant aftertaste. The recommended dosage is 2 soft gels a day for sustained health benefits.
CoreSeries Krill Oil contains scientifically-proven ingredients at clinically approved dosages. It is free from gluten, artificial sweeteners, colors, additives, and preservatives to benefit human health in the most natural way possible.
The Pros:
- Natural vanilla-flavored soft gels
- Adequate proportions of Omega-3s, phospholipids, and astaxanthin
- Free from artificial colors, sweeteners, and additives
- Non-GMO and gluten-free
Summary: Transparent Labs CoreSeries Krill is a top supplement that is enriched with effective Omega-3 acids and other nutrients. Free from artificial ingredients, it delivers powerful benefits to aid physical and mental health.
4. Best Quality Krill Oil Supplement – Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
Quality is of primary importance for any supplement where purity and standards are followed for maximum health benefits. Quality in krill oil supplements depends on the purity of ingredients, how it is made, and most importantly, the certifications the product has including third-party testing.
About Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil is a top brand supplement filled with the goodness of Omega-3 fatty acids and power-packed antioxidants that nourish the body and boost overall health.
Made using a scientifically advanced formula, Superba 2™, that is proven to enhance omega-3 fatty acids in the body, this supplement is easier to digest and more effective than fish oil as the ingredients are water-dispersible.
Sports Research uses non-GMO ingredients and manufactures it’s Antarctic Krill Oil in NSF certified cGMP compliant facilities in the USA. Every batch is third-party tested and certified by IKOS to guarantee safety in consumption.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 1 liquid soft gel consists of:
- Calories – 5
- Total Fat – 0.5 g
- Krill Oil (as Superba 2™) – 500 mg
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – 120 mg
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) – 68 mg
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – 30 mg
- Phospholipids – 200 mg
- Astaxanthin – 250 mcg
Available in 2 sizes, the 120 count bottle can provide 120 servings that can last as a good 4-month supply. Buyers can also purchase the 60 gel pack that can serve as a two-month supply.
As a dietary supplement, you need to take only one soft gel daily for good health benefits. The new formula leaves no room for bad aftertaste or repulsive raw-fish smell.
Sports Research, a family-owned company makes its Antarctic Krill Oil using sustainably harvested krill that is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). It is free from gluten, soy, fillers, or artificial colors making it a quality product with overall health benefits.
The Pros:
- Top-quality product made with sustainably harvested krill
- Easy-to-swallow mini-soft gels
- Certified by MSC and third-party certified by IKOS
- No fillers or artificial colors
Summary: Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil is a useful supplement made with sustainably harvested Antarctic krill. Certified by MSC and IKOS, it is packed with omega-3s and antioxidants to boost overall physical and mental health.
5. Best Capsules Krill Oil Supplement – Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
Capsules are one of the common but effective forms of marine-based supplements. Durable and transparent, Caplique® capsules made with fish gelatin are virtually leak-proof and odor-free.
About Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil is a nutritious supplement that delivers effective doses of Omega-3 fatty acids and krill nutrients to promote joint and brain health.
The 1250 mg potent dose of krill oil which has Omega-3s DHA and EPA components is bound to strong phospholipids to enable easy absorption. Astaxanthin, another powerful ingredient provides sufficient antioxidants to protect the body from free-radical damage.
Viva Naturals uses only non-GMO ingredients that are pure and sustainably sourced from the Antarctic Ocean. Their Antarctic Krill Oil is made in FDA-approved GMP compliant facilities in the USA. It is also third-party certified by the International Krill Oil Standards Program (IKOS) for quality and potency.
What it Contains:
Each serving size of 2 Caplique® capsules offers:
- Krill Oil (Euphausia Superba, whole) – 1250 mg
- Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids – 330 mg
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – 90 mg
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) – 165 mg
- Phospholipids – 575 mg
- Esterified Astaxanthin – 1.6 mg
This supplement is available as a bottle of 60 capsules to provide 30 servings. Packed in Caplique® capsules that are heat-bonded, it retains the freshness of krill oil, prevents leakage, and curbs unpleasant fish smells.
Owing to the potency, just two capsules a day along with food will help with maximum omega-3 benefits for overall well-being. The easy-to-swallow capsules are effective and do not produce any bad burps.
Viva Naturals uses only natural, clinically proven ingredients in its Antarctic Krill Oil. It contains additional ingredients and has no artificial colors, flavors in it. Free of additives, dairy, and gluten this product is a valuable support to maintain joint and cognitive health.
The Pros:
- Strong, leak-free Caplique® capsules that retain krill oil freshness
- Sustainably sourced Antarctic krill
- Third-party certified by IKOS for quality
- No artificial flavor, colors, or fillers used
Summary: Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil is one of the top supplements in an easily absorbable capsule form. With potent omega-3s from Antarctic krill and no artificial ingredients, it is a natural aid to upkeep joint and brain health.
6. Best Budget Krill Oil Supplement – Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil
Affordable pricing is a huge factor when it comes to choosing top-quality health supplements. Reputed brands may try to bridge the gap by producing supplements that score on quality and yet are designed to be pocket-friendly.
About Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil
Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil is a popular supplement that contains result-oriented krill oil nutrients that can be added to your dietary intake to help maintain good heart and joint health.
Loaded with essential fatty acids, EPA, and DHA with adequate phospholipids for absorption and astaxanthin for antioxidant support, this supplement helps maintain good cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
A GMP certified manufacturer, Bronson makes its Antarctic Krill Oil in their facility in the USA. With non-GMO ingredients and pure krill oil sourced from the Antarctic species, the product also undergoes stringent checks at every stage to ensure the best quality.
What it Contains:
Each serving of 2 soft gels gives:
- Calories – 10
- Total Fat – 1 g
- Antarctic Krill Oil – 1000 mg
- Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids – 200 mg
- EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) – 120 mg
- DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) – 80 mg
- Phospholipids – 200 mg
- Astaxanthin – 250 mcg
Antarctic Krill Oil is available as 120 soft gels in each container that can last for 60 servings. Buyers also have the option of purchasing them as 60 counts and 180 counts that provide 30 servings and 90 servings, respectively.
Adults are recommended to take 2 soft gels a day with the first meal to experience potential health benefits. These soft gels are durable and contain ethyl vanillin for natural flavor.
Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil is made of 100% natural ingredients and is free from soy and gluten. Tested for heavy metal contamination by third parties and backed by a 1-year guarantee, it makes for a quality dietary addition to gain valuable health benefits safely.
The Pros:
- Quality supplement that is budget-friendly
- 120 soft gels can last for two months
- Tested by third-party for heavy metals contamination
- 365-day money-back guarantee
Summary: Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil supplement is designed to deliver potent omega-3s and top antioxidants in every dose. Tested for heavy metals, this product has numerous benefits for overall health at an affordable cost.
Dosage for Krill Oil Supplements
Though one can get Omega-3s from consuming seafood, supplements may be a better option to get these nutrients quickly and efficiently. Dosage of Krill Oil supplements may vary according to an individual’s requirement or the medical condition for which it may be recommended.
Research indicates that tolerable doses of DHA and EPA from supplements were between 250-500 mg/ day. Certain conditions may benefit from a 1 g/day dose, but it is not recommended to exceed 5000 mg/ day in long-term supplementation to avoid adverse effects (3).
Krill oil is considered to enhance heart health. Studies have shown that krill oil of 600 mg did not have any adverse effect and resulted in an increase of Omega-3 fatty acids in the body which may help lower the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs) (4).
Omega-3 fatty acids especially DHA are proven to aid in brain development in infants. A study on the effect of Omega-3s via krill oil in lactating women indicated that a one-month supplementation of 250 gm significantly increased EPA and DHA levels in breast milk (5).
It is always best for pregnant women and individuals with other medical conditions to seek a practitioner’s advice to determine the suitability and appropriate dosage for the best benefits.
Summary: The dosage of krill oil supplements can vary depending on requirements. While tolerable doses have been identified, it’s best not to exceed 5000 mg/day and seek a practitioner’s advice to check suitability and dosage.
Risks and Side Effects of Krill Oil Supplements
Krill oil supplements are natural and contain essential fatty acids that the body needs and can use effectively. Generally considered safe, it is wise to understand some risks and side effects that might be involved before using them.
Some of the points to keep in mind are:
- Krill oil supplements can create digestive discomforts such as bloating, fish-smelling burps, diarrhea, reduced appetite, or nausea.
- Interactions with warfarin, an anticoagulant, have been noted in the use of high doses of fish oil supplements. Since krill oil has similar properties, it is advised to exercise caution or consult a doctor if you are under such medications (6).
- If you are allergic to fish or shellfish, krill oil supplements should be completely avoided as they can trigger nasty reactions.
Summary: Krill oil supplements can result in stomach-related issues in some people. People allergic to shellfish, using anticoagulants or with other medical conditions, and pregnant women can seek a doctor’s advice before using these supplements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is krill oil different from fish oil supplements?
There are two main differences between krill oil and fish oil supplements. One is, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil available as triglycerides and those in krill oil are in the form of phospholipids. Studies suggest that krill oil has a higher bioavailability than fish oil (7).
The second difference is krill oil is rich in the antioxidant, astaxanthin, which also provides the oil with a deep red color. Astaxanthin is only found in salmon or trout and is not common to fish oil.
How soon can I see the benefits of taking a krill oil supplement?
Visible benefits from taking a krill oil supplement are dependent on the deficiency in your body’s omega-3 levels.
Supplement intakes may start showing benefits anywhere between 6 weeks to 6 months. A blood test can affirm an increase in your Omega-3 index after 3 months of supplementation.
The Final Note
Krill oil is derived from a shrimp-like marine animal and Antarctic Krill is more popular for making supplements. These supplements are considered beneficial owing to their omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin that confer a host of health benefits in supporting heart, brain, and joint health.
Krill oil supplements are available as liquids, capsules, or soft gels and enable a stable increase to omega-3 levels in the body. Depending on the individual, they are recommended in doses between 250 mg – 1 g/ day for different medical conditions.
Apart from a few side-effects and individuals with shellfish allergy who need to avoid these supplements, krill oil supplements can be taken on the advice of a practitioner to help promote good fatty acids and antioxidant levels in the body for healthier living.