Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Robert Iafelice, MS, RD, LDN
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The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids have become well-established in recent years. Though obtaining them from fish sources is most common, there are claims that a microscopic crustacean called krill produces oil that delivers the key omega 3s - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - more effectively than fish oil.
As a result, Krill Oil has become a popular supplement to reduce the effects of free radical oxidative stress, improve heart health and treat age-related diseases. In this article, we reveal the 9 best krill oil supplements on the current market.
9 Best Krill Oil Supplements
- Overall Best: Kori Krill Oil
- Runner-up: Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil
- Budget Pick: Kirkland Krill Oil
- Premium Pick: Elm & Rye Krill Oil
- High Potency: Carlyle Antarctic Krill Oil
- Most Absorbabl: NOW Neptune Krill Oil
- Bulk Buy: BulkSupplements Krill Oil
- For Osteoarthritis: Nootropics Depot NKO™ Krill Oil
- For Athletes: Onnit Krill Oil
SFS Pick
Kori Krill Oil
2nd Pick
Bronson Krill Oil
Budget Pick
Kirkland Krill Oil
1. Overall Best Krill Oil: Kori Krill Oil
Kori Krill Oil is manufactured by a company that specializes in krill oil. That makes them unique in this market, with the other suppliers offering krill along with a range of other supplements. The quality, purity, and transparency of their krill oil is top-notch, which is why they Kori Krill Oil has landed at the top of our review list.
A standout feature of this product is its complete transparency. By scanning the QR code on your bottle of krill oil, you will be able to trace the origins of your supplement. The Kori website also gives access to authenticity and sustainability documentation.
This krill oil is derived from Atlantic krill and is available in three capsule sizes:
- 400 mg
- 600 mg
- 1200 mg
The 1200 mg capsule is quite large so the smaller size may be better suited to some users. The recommended daily dosage is 1200 mg per day, which will require those who buy the smaller-sized capsule to take 3 capsules per day.
You get 250 mg of combined DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids in this product. Unfortunately, Kori does not separate the dosages of these two fatty acids on the label.
Each bottle of Kori Krill Oil provides you with a 30-day supply. This is a pure krill oil supplement that does not include any fillers or additives.
All three capsule-sized bottles will cost you around $20 (that price drops if you become a subscriber). That breaks down to a per-dose cost of less than 70 cents.
Pros
- Specializes in krill oil
- 3 capsule size options
- Full transparency
- Sustainably farmed
Cons
- No separate DHA and EPA dosages on the label
Kori Pure Antarctic Krill Oil has essential Omega-3 EPA & DHA in their most natural form plus more nutrients for your best heart, brain, joint, eye, skin and immune health...
2. Runner-up Best Krill Oil: Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil
Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil is one of the most potent krill oil supplements, delivering 1000 mg of premium krill oil harvested in the waters of Antarctica in every serving.
All harvesting is done right on the fishing vessels to ensure the highest purity and potency. The krill is then transported to Bronson's state-of-the-art GMP-certified facilities in the USA.
Here is how every 1000 mg of Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil breaks down:
- Total omega-3 fatty acids: 200 mg
- EPA: 120 mg
- DHA: 80 mg
- Phospholipids: 200 mg
- Astaxanthin: 200 mcg
A serving size is two softgel capsules. Those capsules are made with gelatin, meaning that this is not a vegan-friendly supplement. Unlike some competitors, the small softgel capsules are easy to digest.
The cost for a 120-count bottle of Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil is a tad over $40. At a daily serving of two capsules per day, that comes to a daily cost of less than 40 cents.
Pros
- Easy-to-digest softgel capsules
- Sourced from Antarctica
- 3 size options
Cons
- Some users complain of bad fishy smell
100% Pure Antarctic Krill Oil: We only use superior sourced krill harvested in the waters of Antarctica. Our Antarctic Krill Oil supports healthy cholesterol levels and helps to maintain healthy blood...
3. Best Budget Krill Oil: Kirkland Krill Oil
Kirkland Signature Krill Oil is the in-house brand of Costco. It's not surprising, then, that this brand represents the best value on the market. A single serving provides you with 500 mg of krill oil, which is way lower than the 1200 mg you get with our leading brand.
It's great that Kirkland Signature brand breaks down the individual DHE and EPA dosages, which are 30 and 60 grams respectively. You also get 200 mg of phospholipids and 150 mcg of astaxanthin. The total dose of omega-3 fatty acids is 120 mg. That will not be enough to provide a complete daily krill supplement amount but will suffice if you are also eating seafoods and nuts.
Kirkland Signature Krill Oil contains artificial vanilla extract, so if you are after an artificial sweetener-free product you will have to skip this product. This extract gives this supplement a slight vanilla taste to offset the fishy smell and flavor.
Kirkland Signature utilizes sustainable fishing methods to source its krill oil. This product is USP verified and has the support of Friends of the Sea.
A bottle of Kirkland Signature Krill Oil sells for just under $30. You get 160 softgels for that price, which works out to less than 20 cents per serving. However, to get close to the same dosage as our leading brand, you would have to take two capsules per day, which would double that cost to almost 40 cents per day.
Pros
- Well priced
- USP Verified
- Contains phospholipids
Cons
- Contains artificial vanilla extract
- Low dosage
Our Krill Oil contains Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Phospholipids and Astaxanthin. Plus it's USP Verified...
4. Best Premium Krill Oil: Elm & Rye Krill Oil
Elm & Ryle Krill Oil markets the key benefits of its krill oil as being able to fight inflammation reduce joint pain and support heart health. Every softgel capsule provides you with 500 mg of krill oil, to deliver a total of 91 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. That breaks down to 44 mg of EPA, 30 mg of DHA, 104 mg of phospholipids, and 230 mcg of astaxanthin.
The only other ingredients in this premium krill oil supplement are gelatin glycerol and water. The daily dosage is two capsules to provide a total of 1000 mg per serving.
Elm & Rye Krill Oil is subjected to 3rd party testing by an independent laboratory. This provides you with full confidence that you are getting a completely pure, natural supplement.
A bottle of Elm & Rye Krill Oil will cost you about $45. You get 60 capsules per bottle for a 30-day supply. That means that you will be paying roughly $1.50 per serving, which is expensive.
Pros
- 3rd party tested
- 500 mg of krill oil per serving
- 1000 mg per serving
Cons
- Expensive
Elm and Rye’s krill oil is a daily supplement developed by our world-class research team, to...
5. Best High Potency Krill Oil: Carlyle Antarctic Krill Oil
Carlyle Antarctic Krill Oil is the highest dose krill oil on this list, providing you with a whopping 2000 mg of krill oil per serving. That is higher than the clinically recommended dose of 1200 mg.
Each capsule contains 1000 mg and you need to take two capsules per day. These capsules are considerably larger than many competitors, so may be quite difficult for some people to swallow.
Here's a breakdown of the ingredients in Carlyle Antarctic Krill Oil:
- Omega-3 total dose: 180 mg
- EPA: 80 mg
- DHA: 40 mg
- Other fatty acids: 60 mg
- Astaxanthin: 600 mcg
The dosage of astaxanthin is much higher than any other supplement we reviewed, substantially boosting its antioxidant properties. However, there are no phospholipids in this supplement, so it is not ideal for athletes.
A 60-count bottle of Carlyle Antarctic Krill Oil costs around $20. At a daily serving of two capsules, that gives you a per-serving cost of under 70 cents.
Pros
- Very high dose
- Large amount of astaxanthin
- Excellent antioxidant properties
Cons
- Large capsules may be difficult to swallow
Antarctic Red Krill oil softgels packed with 1000mg per softgel and 2000mg per serving. Abundant in healthy Omega-3, EPA, DHA and Astaxanthin...
6. Best Absorbable Krill Oil: NOW Neptune Krill Oil
Now Neptune Krill Oil is endorsed by Friends of the Sea, assuring you that it has been sourced according to sustainable harvesting standards. The company has been a leader in the natural foods industry since 1986. Since then they have established themselves as a trusted supplier of top quality supplements.
Every two capsule serving of Now Neptune Krill Oil provides you with 1000 mg of krill oil, broken down as follows:
- 250 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids
- 135 mg EPA
- 60 mg DHA
- 450 mg phospholipids
- 360 mcg astaxanthin
The levels of phospholipids and astaxanthin in this supplement are higher than you find in most competitors. That makes Now Neptune Krill Oil a good choice for athletes or gym goers, as these ingredients have been shown to improve energy while training and promote muscle protein synthesis post-workout.
A 120 softgel container of Now Neptune Krill Oil will cost you just shy of $30. At two capsules per day, that gives you a 60-day supply. Your daily cost per serving is under 50 cents.
Pros
- High levels of phospholipids and astaxanthin
- Great for athletes and gymgoers
- Endorsed by Friends of the Sea
Cons
- Changed processing procedures from previous method
100% PURE NKO/PHOSPHOLIPID-BOUND OMEGA-3: The phospholipid-bound forms of EPA and DHA from krill oil have also demonstrated exceptionally high bioavailability...
7. Best Bulk Krill Oil: BulkSupplements Krill Oil
Bulk Supplements Krill Oil softgels provide you with a budget supply of krill oil from a well-established manufacturer. In keeping with all their products, this is a no-frills product that supplies you with pure krill oil. You get 1000 mg of krill oil in each supplement, made up of 300 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately, the label does not break down the amount of EPA and DHA that makes up that total.
The recommended dosage is two servings per day and you get 300 capsules in each bag. That gives you a 150-day supply. At a cost of under $30, that breaks down to less than 20 cents. That represents excellent value for money.
Bulk Supplements manufacture all of their products in cGMP-authorized facilities. As well as being in-house lab-verified, their krill oil is also 3rd party-tested to ensure compliance, standards, and consistency.
Pros
- Very well priced
- Bulk quantities available
- 3rd party tested
Cons
- Label does not break down EPA and DHA quantities
BulkSupplements provides 1 gram of krill oil and 300 mg of omega 3 in every serving...
8. Best Krill Oil For Osteoarthritis: Nootropics Depot NKO™ Krill Oil
Nootropics Depot NKO Krill Oil is available in 60-count and 180-count bottles. Every 500 mg softgel capsule provides you with 500 mg of krill oil, broken down as follows:
- 200 mg phospholipids
- 120 mg total omega-3
- 67.5 mg EPA
- 30 mg DHA
- 360 mcg Astaxanthin
The total omega-3 quantity is comparatively low in this product. At one capsule per day, you won't get enough omega-3 to meet your needs unless you are also eating omega-rich foods.
This krill oil is harvested in the Antarctic waters off South America. It carries a sustainable certification from the Marine Stewardship Council. It also follows sustainability guidelines set forth by Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
The cost for a 60-count container is around $25. At a dose of one capsule per day, that works out to less than 50 cents per day.
Pros
- High in phospholipids
- Marine stewardship council certified
- Harvested in Antarctic waters
Cons
- Relatively low omega-3 quantity
The Krill Oil included in Nootropics Depot’s softgel is NKO Krill Oil harvested from Euphausia superba (Krill) found in the Antarctic Ocean. NKO Krill Oil is a high quality...
9. Best Krill Oil For Athletes: Onnit Krill Oil
Onnit Supplements have made a name for themselves as a premium supplier of nootropic supplements. Onnit krill oil provides you with 1000 mg per softgel capsule. That includes 240 mg of omega-3 fatty acids, including 60 mg of DHA and 130 mg of EPA. There is also 450 mg of phospholipids. This ingredient has been seen to boost protein muscle synthesis and sustained energy through a workout, making a high dose especially good for athletes.
Onnit has included artificial vanilla extract in this product to offset the fishy smell and taste. This ingredient does do a good job of masking the fishy taste and smell but may be offputting to those who don't want anything artificial in their supplements.
Onnit does a very good job of educating their customers, with full product transparency and plenty of extra information on their website.
A 60-count bottle of Onnit Krill Oil will cost you shy of $30. At two softgel capsules per day, that breaks down to a daily price of around $1.00. They also provide a subscription service that reduces the price by 15% - and there is a 90-day refund policy on this product.
Pros
- 450 mg phospholipids
- 1000 mg per softgel
- Complete transparency
Cons
- Expensive
PACKED WITH OMEGA-3s, ASTAXANTHIN, EPA, DHA & PHOSPHOLIPIDS - Each serving contains 1000mg of Krill Oil, 400mg Phospholipids, 240 mg Omega-3 Fatty Acids, 130mg EPA, 60mg DHA...
What is Krill Oil?
Krill oil is made from the tiny red crustaceans known as krill (Euphausia superba), which are found in Antarctica's Southern Ocean waters. Krill resemble little prawns or shrimp in appearance. Krill is a great source of omega-3 and has a comparable fatty acid profile to fish oil generally.
Although no one is sure if krill oil is actually better than fish oil, it is frequently seen as such.
Krill obtain their omega-3 through consuming microscopic algae that are high in the fatty acid.
These algae are also a reliable supply of astaxanthin, an antioxidant that gives krill its distinctive red color.
Benefits of Krill Oil:
There are many claimed benefits of krill oil. However, we laid out krill oil supplements research and benefits below.
1. Contain Antioxidants
The antioxidant astaxanthin, a reddish-colored carotenoid, is naturally present in krill as well as in yeast, algae, salmon, trout, prawns, and crayfish. The beta- and alpha-carotene in carrots are attributed to it. Astaxanthin is mostly produced commercially using Phaffia yeast and chemical synthesis.
Krill oil's reddish hue is caused by astaxanthin.
According to numerous research, astaxanthin can help sportsmen perform better. In one study, trained cyclists' peak power and time trial performance were markedly improved by astaxanthin, and in another, increased rep volume was found to improve both endurance and strength.1
2. May increase muscle protein synthesis
The biological process of creating new proteins, particularly in muscle tissue, is called muscle protein synthesis. Exercise and resistance training trigger protein synthesis, which uses amino acids to rebuild and repair muscle mass.
The Department of Comparative Biosciences at the University of Wisconsin in Madison has undertaken a pilot study to examine the effects of resistance training and krill oil on mTOR signaling and muscle protein synthesis. According to the study, krill oil significantly boosted lean body mass and muscle protein synthesis.2
3. Improves joint health
Krill oil may aid with arthritis symptoms and joint pain since inflammation is often a contributing factor to both of these conditions.
In fact, in individuals with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, krill oil considerably decreased stiffness, functional impairment, and discomfort, according to a study that also indicated that it significantly decreased a marker of inflammation.
In a second, smaller but well-designed trial, individuals who took krill oil for 30 days reported considerably less discomfort while sleeping and standing. Additionally, it expanded their range of motion.3
Additionally, krill oil's effects on arthritis-affected mice were researched. The mice who consumed krill oil had lower edema, fewer inflammatory cells, and improved arthritis scores.4
4. Improves cognitive health
In terms of their advantages for brain health, cognitive function, supporting anti-depressive behaviors, and fostering a pleasant mood state, omega-3 fatty acids have been the subject of substantial research. The "feel-good hormones" dopamine and serotonin, which are increased by DHA, have been found to reduce depression and uplift mood. EPA has been demonstrated to lessen brain inflammation and aid in the treatment of depression. The naturally occurring antioxidant astaxanthin has also been proven in tests to have a neuroprotective impact, which may improve spatial memory while halting the aging process.
In an Australian study, 136 male convicts were given omega-3 to see if omega-3 intake was associated with more violent and attention-deficit behavior. The results were published in the journal PLOS One. Lower omega-3 levels were shown to be directly correlated with higher levels of aggressiveness and attention deficit disorder behaviors, according to the study.5
In the renowned Framingham Heart Study, 5,209 adults, or two-thirds of the city of Framingham, Massachusetts' adult population, were observed over the course of 57 years. Only 180 milligrams of Omega 3 DHA per day, or roughly 2.5 servings of fish per week, was related with a 50% lower risk of dementia, according to one of the study's findings.6
5. Weight Loss
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to promote weight loss through a number of mechanisms.
A 2013 study focused on the fat reducing ability of Hass Avocado. Avocado was the only difference between the diets of two groups over a 12-week period. Both groups exercised moderately under supervision. At the end of the study, the avocado group had lost an average of 4.3 pounds, compared to the control group at just 1.4 pounds.7
A 2009 randomized, controlled study tested the effects of adding walnuts and fatty fish to the diet of obese men. At the end of a 12-week trial, the group with the added healthy fats exhibited higher metabolic rates in the 12 hours after taking in the fats. Their recorded insulin levels also dropped after each meal.8
6. Improves Digestion
Bile is often produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder after eating. Fat is divided into smaller globules by the bile. The pancreas then contributes by secreting pancreatic lipase, which gets fat ready for further digestion in the small intestine.
But many people's digestive systems are damaged, which is why many of us experience digestive problems. You will have trouble digesting fish oil if your liver is not creating enough bile to break down fat. Krill oil will help here. There is no requirement for emulsification or bile when using the phospholipid form. This is a near-ideal option for anyone with a malfunctioning gallbladder.
Bypassing the requirement for bile and emulsification, krill oil is more accessible, easier to absorb, and more readily available. Additionally, it contains astaxanthin.
In a 2004 study comparing the effects of krill oil and fish oil, researchers divided the 120 volunteers into four groups at random. Groups A and B each received two to three grams of krill oil per day, whereas Group C received three grams of fish oil containing 180 mg of DHA and 120 mg of EPA each day, and Group D received simply microcrystalline cellulose as a placebo. They discovered that supplementing with 1-3 grams of krill oil (in both the A and B groups) was the most effective way to control hyperlipidemia and lower blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.9
Side-Effects of Krill Oil
Before using krill oil supplements, talk to your doctor if you have a fish allergy or are on blood thinners.
The Cleveland Clinic advises persons who are taking blood thinners, have bleeding disorders, or are scheduled for surgery to speak with their doctor before taking fish oil and krill oil because they may induce blood thinning in some people. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunity concurs that if you have a fish allergy, you should consult your doctor before taking krill oil.
What to look for when buying Krill Oil:
When shopping for most krill oil products it's important to keep in mind the following aspects so you end up with the best choice for your needs.
1. Ingredients
The supplement should contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. The minimum combined EPA and DHA level should be 250 mg or higher. It should also contain astaxanthin and phospholipids to boost the bioavailability of the omega-3 fatty acids.
There should be no fillers, extra oils or preservatives in the product.
2. Testing
Look for krill oil brands that have undergone independent testing for quality, safety, and/or purity. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP), Informed Sport, ConsumerLab, and NSF International are a few renowned third-party supplement testing companies.
The sole program for krill oil testing and certification by a third party is called International Krill Oil Standards (IKOS). A seal identifying the product's participation in a third-party testing procedure will typically be present.
3. Price
The best way to compare the price of the top krill oil supplements is on a per-dosage basis. That figure tends to range between 15 cents and in excess of one dollar.
4. Reviews
By checking online reviews of verified purchasers of the krill oil pills you are considering buying, you will be able to check if people have suffered side effects and how effective the supplement has been at producing the claimed benefits.
Krill Oil FAQs
What is krill oil good for?
Heart disease, excessive triglyceride levels in the blood, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and painful menstrual cycles are all beneficially affected by supplementation with krill oil. It is believed that krill oil is more bioavailable than fish based omega-3 fatty acids.
Who should not take Krill oil supplements?
If you are allergic to fish, shrimp, or any other sort of seafood, avoid using marine oils like krill oil. Be sure to read the label on the Krill oil box, to look for additional active or inactive substances that can cause an allergy. As always, you should check with your healthcare provider before taking any new dietary supplements.
Is Krill Oil safe to take every day?
Yes, it is safe to supplement with krill oil on daily basis. However, you should not exceed the recommended dosage on the product label.
Which is better Krill or fish oil?
While fatty fish are used to make fish oil supplements, Antarctic krill are used to make krill oil. According to some research, krill oil may be more effective at reducing heart disease risk factors and better absorbed by the body.
Is Krill oil good for working out?
Krill oil may promote muscle protein synthesis post-workout, helping to repair and rebuild stressed muscle fibers after your workout.
Summary
Krill oil provides a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, along with added compounds that may increase the bioavailability of the ingredients. It provides a whole raft of health benefits including increased immunity, joint health, cognitive benefits, and improved muscle protein synthesis.
The best krill oil supplement on the market today is Kori Krill Oil which provides you with 1200 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving, sourced from the Atlantic Ocean.
More Best Supplement Resources:
- Best MCT Oils
- Best Choline Supplements
- Best Spirulina Supplements
- Best Hyaluronic Acid Supplements
- Best Omega-3 Supplements
- Best Collagen Supplements
References
- Earnest CP, Lupo M, White KM, Church TS. Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance. Int J Sports Med. 2011 Nov;32(11):882-8. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1280779. Epub 2011 Oct 7. PMID: 21984399.
- Georges J, Sharp MH, Lowery RP, Wilson JM, Purpura M, Hornberger TA, Harding F, Johnson JH, Peele DM, Jäger R. The Effects of Krill Oil on mTOR Signaling and Resistance Exercise: A Pilot Study. J Nutr Metab. 2018 Apr 26;2018:7625981. doi: 10.1155/2018/7625981. PMID: 29854443; PMCID: PMC5944280.
- Suzuki, Yoshio, et al. “Krill Oil Improves Mild Knee Joint Pain: A Randomized Control Trial.” PloS One, vol. 11, no. 10, 2016, p. e0162769, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27701428/, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0162769
- Suzuki Y, Fukushima M, Sakuraba K, Sawaki K, Sekigawa K. Krill Oil Improves Mild Knee Joint Pain: A Randomized Control Trial. PLoS One. 2016 Oct 4;11(10):e0162769. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0162769. PMID: 27701428; PMCID: PMC5049853.
- Meyer, Barbara J., et al. “Baseline Omega-3 Index Correlates with Aggressive and Attention Deficit Disorder Behaviours in Adult Prisoners.” PLoS ONE, vol. 10, no. 3, 20 Mar. 2015, p. e0120220, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4368577/, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0120220.
- Van der Wurff ISM, von Schacky C, Bergeland T, Leontjevas R, Zeegers MP, Jolles J, Kirschner PA, de Groot RHM. Effect of 1 Year Krill Oil Supplementation on Cognitive Achievement of Dutch Adolescents: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 May 30;11(6):1230. doi: 10.3390/nu11061230. PMID: 31151199; PMCID: PMC6628105.
- Dreher, Mark L., and Adrienne J. Davenport. “Hass Avocado Composition and Potential Health Effects.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, vol. 53, no. 7, Jan. 2013, pp. 738–750, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3664913/, https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.556759.
- Delpino FM, Figueiredo LM, da Silva BGC. Effects of omega-3 supplementation on body weight and body fat mass: A systematic review. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2021 Aug;44:122-129. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.04.023. Epub 2021 May 19. PMID: 34330455.
- Bunea R, El Farrah K, Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Altern Med Rev. 2004 Dec;9(4):420-8. PMID: 15656713.
Steve Theunissen
Author