A Look at Krill Oil’s Benefits (2024)

Eaten by whales and penguins, krill is a small crustacean found in the ocean. But krill may also have benefits for humans.

Advertisem*nt

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

A possible alternative to fish oil, krill oil boasts omega-3 fatty acids that may help improve heart health, fight inflammation and support brain and nervous system health.

So should you be taking krill oil?

Registered dietitian Mira Ilic, RD, talks about the benefits of krill oil and whether it’s right for you.

What is krill oil?

While the word krill means “small fish” in Norwegian, the tiny crustaceans pack a big punch with their sources of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two omega-3 fatty acids only found in marine life.

Research has shown that these omega-3 fatty acids may benefit heart health, as well as inflammation,” says Ilic.

Krill vs. fish oil

While krill and fish oil both have DHA and EPA, it’s believed that those omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil have a higher bioavailability — or rate of absorption in your body — than fish oil.

It might have something to do with the DHA and EPA being found as molecules called phospholipids in krill oil. In fish oil, the DHA and EPA are stored in the form of triglycerides.

More research is needed to determine the exact reason krill oil might be absorbed more easily.

Benefits of krill oil

Studies have shown krill oil may have a variety of health benefits. Here are some possible ways it can help you.

Advertisem*nt

It may help your heart

Research shows that krill oil may be effective in reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides. It may also increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

“We know that high triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease,” says Ilic. “There might be an improvement in HDL, but some studies have shown an increase in LDL, which you don’t want to increase.”

It may reduce inflammation

Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in krill oil, may decrease blood pressure in some individuals.

“Krill oil might have a modest effect of lowering blood pressure,” says Ilic.

Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a pigment that’s found in carotenoids (it’s also what gives salmon its pink-red color). Astaxanthin has been shown to also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which may help fight the negative effects of free radicals on your brain and nervous system.

It may reduce arthritis and joint pain

Another study examined how krill oil may reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Those who took 300 milligrams of krill oil each day for 30 days saw an improvement in symptom reduction and used less rescue medication.

It can also help with pain. A small study gave participants with mild knee pain krill oil for 30 days. The results showed a significant reduction in pain while they were standing or sleeping.

It may help with PMS symptoms

For those who deal with PMS, using krill oil may help alleviate period pain and other symptoms. A study compared fish oil to krill oil and while both supplements improved symptoms for those with PMS, the individuals taking krill oil needed less pain medication.

Should you take krill oil?

Some people have noted there’s still a fishy taste, even when taking krill oil. There are also some minor symptoms you might have while taking krill oil like diarrhea, headaches, heartburn and an upset stomach.

“Fish oil and krill oil are known to have blood-thinning effects,” says Ilic. “So for people who take blood thinners, so check with your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements.”

And if you plan on having surgery, skip the krill oil. “People who are going to have surgery should discontinue use because of the blood-thinning effect,” says Ilic.

Ilic notes that anyone with a seafood allergy could have problems as well. There’s also not enough research on krill oil effects, so steer clear of it for now if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to talk to your doctor before adding any supplement. But the best way to get omega-3s? From eating cold-water fatty fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, trout and sardines. You can also get omega-3s from flaxseed, chia seed and walnuts.

Advertisem*nt

“Studies have more positive conclusions when you’re getting your omega-3s from food itself because there may be other components in food that act together to get the best benefits,” says Ilic.

Advertisem*nt

A Look at Krill Oil’s Benefits (2024)

FAQs

A Look at Krill Oil’s Benefits? ›

Eaten by whales and penguins, krill is a small crustacean found in the ocean. But krill may also have benefits for humans. A possible alternative to fish oil, krill oil boasts omega-3 fatty acids that may help improve heart health, fight inflammation and support brain and nervous system health.

What are the main benefits of krill oil? ›

Most of the potential health benefits of krill oil come from the omega-3s it contains. Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fatty acids. They're part of your cell membranes and are important for healthy growth. You also need them to produce hormones responsible for blood clotting, artery function, and immune system regulation.

What are the side effects of taking krill oil? ›

Side effects might include stomach upset, decreased appetite, heartburn, fishy burps, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if krill oil is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

What are the benefits of krill oil in 2024? ›

We are seeing an increased interest in krill oil phospholipids solution for women's health and the science speaks for itself. In fact, science shows that krill oil can significantly reduce the emotional symptoms related to PMS and is significantly effective for the management of dysmenorrhea and emotional PMS symptoms.

How long does it take to feel the effects of krill oil? ›

Typically, krill and fish oil can take about eight hours to be fully absorbed by the body. Meanwhile, algae, another source of omega-3s, provides these nutrients in a more accessible form. In eight hours, your body receives 1.7x the absorption of algae than krill or fish oil.

When should I take krill oil, morning or night? ›

Summary. Some evidence suggests that taking supplements that contain omega-3 with a meal that contains fat can increase absorption. As a result, people may wish to take fish oil at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. However, there is no correct or incorrect time to take it.

Is krill oil good for your kidneys? ›

Supplements like Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Fish Oil, and Krill Oil can give the kidneys a much needed boost. These supplements not only promote healthy functioning kidneys, but they also promote heart health.

What supplements should not be taken with krill oil? ›

Since krill oil interferes with the blood's ability to clot, it could interact with medicines such as blood thinners and anti-platelet drugs. The same risks might apply to taking krill oil while using supplements such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginger.

What happens if you take krill oil every day? ›

The American Heart Association promotes omega-3s as a preventative against cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that the omega-3s in krill oil help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Studies also show that krill oil helps lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels, which are both risk factors for heart disease.

Can you take krill oil and vitamin D together? ›

Yes. In fact, vitamin D is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing fats or oils, so fish oil can only help with that. Absorption of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil won't be affected by the vitamin D.

Is krill oil good for seniors? ›

Researchers know that omega-3 fatty acids play a critical role in healthy aging. Now a new study published in Clinical Nutrition reveals that krill oil — rich in EPA and DHA fatty acids — improves skeletal muscle function and size in seniors.

Do doctors recommend krill oil? ›

Health organizations typically recommend an intake of 250–500 mg per day of DHA and EPA combined (26). However, more studies are needed before an ideal dosage of krill oil can be recommended. Be sure to follow the package instructions or discuss it with your doctor.

Why is krill oil so expensive? ›

Fish Oil Is Cheaper and More Accessible

While krill oil may share and even exceed many of fish oil's health benefits, it comes at a higher cost. Because of expensive harvesting and processing methods, krill oil can often be as much as 10 times more expensive than fish oil. However, fish oil isn't just cheaper.

Is 1000 mg of krill oil too much? ›

Wondering how much take if you're looking to maximize krill oil benefits? Most studies use a krill oil dosage between 1,000–3,000 milligrams daily, although this amount can vary widely based on the amount of EPA and DHA present in your supplement.

What does krill oil do for nerves? ›

Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a pigment that's found in carotenoids (it's also what gives salmon its pink-red color). Astaxanthin has been shown to also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which may help fight the negative effects of free radicals on your brain and nervous system.

Is 500 mg of krill oil a day enough? ›

What is the recommended dosage of krill oil? Like fish oil, the recommended dosage of krill oil is based on the amount of DHA and EPA found in the supplement. Some guidelines recommend a combined daily intake of DHA and EPA between 250 and 500 milligrams (mg) .

Does krill oil reduce belly fat? ›

According to research, using krill oil regularly may help you lose weight overall and get rid of abdominal fat. Omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil improve metabolism and fat burning, which can help with weight loss and reducing belly fat.

Which is more beneficial krill oil or fish oil? ›

Some studies have shown that krill oil may be better absorbed by the body and more effective at improving risk factors for heart disease. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings. If you are looking for a supplement rich in EPA and DHA at a reasonable price, fish oil may be your best option.

Is krill oil good for your liver? ›

Krill oil phospholipids contain vital omega-3 fatty acids and choline, two essential nutrients that are a clinically relevant and effective way to support optimal liver health.

What is special about krill? ›

Luxury products derived from krill include omega-3 oil supplements for humans and feed for animals, including farmed fish. Krill have some pretty interesting characteristics. Like some other marine organisms, krill can glow using their photophores—glandular, light-producing organs.

Top Articles
Monopoly Round-Up: The 2024 CNBC Shadow Campaign to Fire Lina Khan
Our Gigantic Truckload Meat Sale | Prime House Direct
Pieology Nutrition Calculator Mobile
The Atlanta Constitution from Atlanta, Georgia
Ixl Elmoreco.com
Directions To 401 East Chestnut Street Louisville Kentucky
10000 Divided By 5
Urinevlekken verwijderen: De meest effectieve methoden - Puurlv
Kagtwt
Walgreens On Nacogdoches And O'connor
Superhot Unblocked Games
Craigslist Pets Athens Ohio
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra Negru dual-sim, 256 GB, 12 GB RAM - Telefon mobil la pret avantajos - Abonament - In rate | Digi Romania S.A.
Saberhealth Time Track
Chastity Brainwash
Nhl Wikia
Tamilyogi Proxy
Gentle Dental Northpointe
Zack Fairhurst Snapchat
Best Transmission Service Margate
Rs3 Ushabti
Disputes over ESPN, Disney and DirecTV go to the heart of TV's existential problems
Haunted Mansion Showtimes Near Epic Theatres Of West Volusia
Accuradio Unblocked
Xpanas Indo
27 Fantastic Things to do in Lynchburg, Virginia - Happy To Be Virginia
4.231 Rounded To The Nearest Hundred
Mobile crane from the Netherlands, used mobile crane for sale from the Netherlands
R/Mp5
Bridgestone Tire Dealer Near Me
Primerica Shareholder Account
Mg Char Grill
Everstart Jump Starter Manual Pdf
Bay Focus
Eleceed Mangaowl
Pitchfork's Top 200 of the 2010s: 50-1 (clips)
Dr. John Mathews Jr., MD – Fairfax, VA | Internal Medicine on Doximity
Bitchinbubba Face
Vision Source: Premier Network of Independent Optometrists
Indio Mall Eye Doctor
Lima Crime Stoppers
No Boundaries Pants For Men
Sams Gas Price Sanford Fl
Mcalister's Deli Warrington Reviews
Unitedhealthcare Community Plan Eye Doctors
How the Color Pink Influences Mood and Emotions: A Psychological Perspective
Sam's Club Gas Price Sioux City
Shannon Sharpe Pointing Gif
O.c Craigslist
Tweedehands camper te koop - camper occasion kopen
Nfhs Network On Direct Tv
E. 81 St. Deli Menu
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ms. Lucile Johns

Last Updated:

Views: 5267

Rating: 4 / 5 (61 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ms. Lucile Johns

Birthday: 1999-11-16

Address: Suite 237 56046 Walsh Coves, West Enid, VT 46557

Phone: +59115435987187

Job: Education Supervisor

Hobby: Genealogy, Stone skipping, Skydiving, Nordic skating, Couponing, Coloring, Gardening

Introduction: My name is Ms. Lucile Johns, I am a successful, friendly, friendly, homely, adventurous, handsome, delightful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.