krill oil

Krill oil is a dietary supplement derived from krill, small shrimp-like crustaceans, and is one type of omega-3 supplement. According to NCCIH, the omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil (mainly EPA and DHA) are carried as phospholipids rather than the triglyceride form found in fish oil, which is the feature most often used to distinguish it from fish oil. It is typically sold as softgel capsules.

Krill oil is sold as a source of omega-3s, but NCCIH characterizes the overall health benefits of omega-3 supplements as unclear, and notes that for several conditions the evidence from eating seafood is stronger than the evidence for supplements. NCCIH reports that consuming roughly 1 gram per day of omega-3 fatty acids appears to provide some cardiovascular benefit, and that EPA and DHA reduce triglycerides by about 15 percent. Against that, an NIH-sponsored study (DREAM) found omega-3 supplements were no more helpful than placebo for dry eye disease; a large 2020 review found little or no effect on strokes; and NCCIH describes the evidence for depression and ADHD as uncertain or unconvincing. For rheumatoid arthritis, NCCIH says omega-3s may improve symptoms such as joint pain and tenderness, but this is a tentative finding. No high-quality government source establishes that krill oil specifically treats or cures any condition.

There is no government-recommended dose for krill oil specifically. For general health, NCCIH advises eating 8 ounces or more of a variety of seafood per week, and notes that about 1 gram per day of omega-3 fatty acids has been studied for some cardiovascular benefit. Because the EPA/DHA content of products varies widely, label amounts differ from brand to brand. Talk with a clinician before starting krill oil, particularly if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a health condition, or take any medications.

NCCIH reports that side effects of omega-3 supplements are usually mild. Because krill are crustaceans, people with a shellfish allergy should be cautious. Reliable government data specific to krill oil is limited, so pregnant or breastfeeding people and anyone with a medical condition or on medication should check with a healthcare provider before use.

NCCIH describes the side effects of omega-3 supplements as usually mild. Reported effects can include an off-putting aftertaste, bad breath, body odor or unusual-smelling sweat, headache, and digestive complaints such as heartburn, nausea, or loose stools.

The NCCIH pages reviewed did not list specific drug interactions for krill oil. As a general precaution, anyone taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication (blood thinners) or any prescription drug should discuss krill or other omega-3 supplements with a healthcare provider, who can weigh individual risks.