Krill oil may help you manage arthritis, improve blood lipid levels, and optimize brain function. Here are 9 krill oil supplements endorsed by dietitians.
Share on PinterestA quick look at the best krill oil supplements
- Best overall: Pure Encapsulations Krill-plex
- Best high dose astaxanthin: Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
- Best with clinically studied krill oil: Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
- Best third-party tested: Kirkland Signature Krill Oil
- Best for optimal absorption: NatureMyst SuperiorRed Krill Oil
- Best lightly sweetened: DailyNutra Neptune Krill Oil
- Best basic formulation: Live Conscious KrillWell
- Best sustainable: Kori Krill Oil Omega-3
- Best sports-certified: Onnit Antarctic Krill Oil
What is krill oil?
Krill are microscopic crustaceans that live in the ocean, and most krill oil is harvested from Atlantic krill.
The oil is a great alternative to fish oil, providing all the same benefits. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and may be able to deliver these health-boosting omega-3s more efficiently than fish oil (1).
Krill also contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant pigment that gives the oil its dark red color.
In addition to helping fight oxidative stress, astaxanthin may offer benefits for heart health, inflammation, skin protection and repair, and treatment of age-related diseases (1, 2, 3, 4).
The benefits of krill oil
The benefits of EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin-rich krill oil include decreasing inflammation, improving blood lipid levels, and optimizing brain function. The oil may also play key roles in arthritis management and treatment of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (1).
One study found that a moderate daily krill oil supplement offered therapeutic benefits in people with dry eye disease, compared with a placebo. The authors attributed the benefit to the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil (5).
Krill oil may also offer more effective omega-3 delivery than other marine oils when used to improve brain inflammation and thinking ability in the context of high fat diets (6).
This advanced omega-3 absorption, plus the astaxanthin in krill oil, may be promising for addressing age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (6).
Some research also suggests that krill oil supplementation can help lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, two blood fats that can negatively impact heart health when levels are too high (7).
Additionally, in a more recent animal study, krill oil helped slow the progression and spread of cancer cells in mice. The researchers noted that krill oil or its components may have therapeutic potential in treating colorectal cancer (8).
Krill oil may also be a more sustainable alternative to fish oil, as it’s estimated that there are 300–500 million tons of krill in the Atlantic at any given time — and only a small fraction of that amount is harvested (1).
How we chose the best krill oil supplements
In this article, we selected the top krill oil supplements based on the following criteria (9):
- Third-party testing. Has the supplement been third-party tested for purity, safety, and/or quality? Some reputable third-party supplement testing organizations include NSF International, United States Pharmacopeia (USP), Informed Sport, and ConsumerLab. International Krill Oil Standards (IKOS) is the only third-party testing and certification program exclusively for krill oils. The product will generally bear a seal indicating its investment in a third-party testing process.
- Omega-3 content. Does it contain at least 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids? Does it also contain phospholipids to help increase omega-3 bioavailability?
- Quality of ingredients. Does it contain additional oils, fillers, or additives?
- Vetting. All the products included have been vetted to ensure that they meet Healthline’s medical and business standards.
- Brand reputation. Is the brand established and well known in the supplement industry? Does it have generally positive reviews for its products, ingredients, and customer service?
Healthline’s picks of the best krill oil supplements
Here are 9 of the best krill oil supplements to choose from today.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher price range.
Generally, prices range from $0.15–$1.62 per serving, or $12.95–$53 per container, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Note that the serving sizes range from 1–3 capsules daily.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $0.50 per serving
- $$ = $0.50–$1 per serving
- $$$ = over $1 per serving
Best overall
Pure Encapsulations Krill-plex
Price: $$$
Pure Encapsulations Krill-plex is one of the higher-priced product options on the list, but it does have a lot to offer as far as ingredient quality and nutrition.
This product uses krill oil derived from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), which contributes 276 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids as well as 100 IU of naturally occurring vitamin A and 56 mg of choline.
It also contains 496 mg of phospholipids to help optimize omega-3 absorption and use — a larger amount than the other products on this list.
Furthermore, Pure Encapsulations products are manufactured in facilities that are good manufacturing practices (GMP)-registered with NSF International, a third-party testing and auditing organization.
Each 2-capsule serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,000 mgTotal EPA and DHA214 mgOther omega-3 fatty acids62 mgAstaxanthin396 mcg (0.39 mg)Phospholipids496 mgPros
- higher omega-3, astaxanthin, and phospholipid content than many alternatives
- manufactured in NSF-GMP registered facilities
Cons
- high price point
Best high dose astaxanthin
Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
Price: $$$
This supplement has been third-party tested by IKOS and contains one of the highest doses of omega-3s and astaxanthin of any product on this list.
Otherwise, it contains only sustainably sourced Atlantic krill oil and the gelatin necessary to make the softgel capsule.
A good krill oil supplement should contain at least 250 mg of total omega-3 fatty acids, and this product surpasses that mark while providing a 1.6-mg dose of astaxanthin.
According to one safety review that examined 87 human studies, daily doses of astaxanthin that met or exceeded 12 mg showed no safety concern. Acceptable doses differ from country to country and range from 2–24 mg (10).
Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority has proposed that an acceptable daily intake of up to 8 mg per day from food supplements, in addition to astaxanthin consumed in the diet, can be considered safe for most people (11).
Each 2-capsule serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,250 mgTotal EPA and DHA255 mgOther omega-3 fatty acids75 mgAstaxanthin1,600 mcg (1.6 mg)Phospholipids 575 mgPros
- contains adequate omega-3 dose
- high astaxanthin content but still within presumed safe dosage
- IKOS certification
Cons
- higher price point
Best with clinically studied krill oil ingredient
Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
Price: $$
This krill oil is free of soy and fillers and contains only three ingredients in addition to superior quality sustainable Superba2 branded krill oil — the ingredients in the softgel capsule.
This branded krill oil is one of the few that is trademarked and has been clinically proven to boost omega-3 levels in the blood (12).
The krill used in this product has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which ensures that sustainable harvesting practices are used.
This krill oil has also been tested by IKOS, a third-party testing organization that checks the nutrient and antioxidant content of krill oil products, ingredient quality, presence of contaminants, and freshness of the product.
Additionally, this product contains 400 mg of phospholipids per serving. Higher phospholipid content helps cell membranes better absorb the omega-3s (13).
Each 1-softgel serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,000 mgTotal EPA and DHA196 mgOther omega-3 fatty acids44 mgAstaxanthin500 mcg (0.5 mg)Phospholipids 400 mgPros
- contains high quality clinically tested Superba2 krill oil
- MSC and IKOS certifications
- third party tested
Cons
- lower total omega-3 content
- some customer complaints of liquid leaking from softgels
Best third-party tested
Kirkland Signature Krill Oil
Price: $
Kirkland Signature is a store brand associated with Costco Wholesale Corporation, but you can also purchase these products online. This supplement has been verified by USP, a trusted name in third-party supplement testing.
The krill used in this supplement is also certified by Friend of the Sea, a project of the World Sustainability Organization that certifies and promotes seafood from sustainable fisheries and sustainable aquaculture.
Additionally, this product contains only the softgel capsule ingredients and vanillin for flavoring, so it’s free of fillers.
Note that this product contains smaller amounts of omega-3s than others, as well as a smaller amount of phospholipids (200 mg per serving), which may not boost omega-3 bioavailability as much as some alternatives.
Each 1-softgel serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil500 mgTotal EPA and DHA90 mgOther omega-3 fatty acids30 mgAstaxanthin150 mcg (0.15 mg)Phospholipids200 mgPros
- low price point
- Friend of the Sea certified
- USP verified and third-party tested
Cons
- contains a smaller amount of omega-3s than other products
- contains fewer phospholipids per serving than alternatives
Best for optimal absorption
NatureMyst SuperiorRed Krill Oil
Price: $$
This is one of the most potent krill oil supplements available, containing higher doses of omega-3s and astaxanthin than several other products on this list.
It contains only the ingredients in the softgel capsule in addition to high quality krill oil.
Plus, this product contains 450 mg of phospholipids per serving to help enhance omega-3 bioavailability in your cells. Higher phospholipid content allows omega-3s to be better absorbed into cell membranes (13).
It’s also certified sustainable by Friend of the Sea. Although it has been third-party tested, the manufacturer doesn’t disclose who performed this testing.
Each 2-softgel serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,000 mgTotal EPA and DHA340 mgOther omega-3 fatty acidsnoneAstaxanthin1,500 mcg (1.5 mg)Phospholipids450 mgPros
- contains a good amount of omega-3 and phospholipids to help with absorption
- Friend of the Sea certification
Cons
- states third-party testing but does not specify the organization
Best lightly sweetened
DailyNutra Neptune Krill Oil
Price: $$
This krill oil is made with Friend of the Sea certified sustainable krill oil.
In addition, it contains only the softgel capsule ingredients, plus sorbitol and ethylvanillin (a molecule that is similar to vanillin but more potent) to enhance the taste.
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol that tastes sweet and may cause symptoms in people who have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). If you have IBS, you may want to choose a different krill oil product (14).
Although this product has undergone third-party testing, the manufacturer does not disclose the organization that performed the testing.
Each 2-softgel serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,000 mgTotal EPA and DHA180 mgOther omega-3 fatty acids50 mgAstaxanthin100 mcg (0.1 mg)Phospholipids390 mgPros
- Friend of the Sea certification
- higher phospholipid content to boost omega-3 absorption
Cons
- contains sorbitol, which may trigger digestive symptoms
- states third-party tested but does not specify the organization
Best basic formulation
Live Conscious KrillWell
Price: $$
Live Conscious KrillWell is a potent krill oil with a simple formulation, which includes only the krill oil and the softgel ingredients.
Although this product has undergone third-party testing, the manufacturer doesn’t disclose which organization performed the testing.
There are plenty of positive reviews for this product. Even though the dosage is 3 softgels per day, many consumers say that the softgels are smaller and easier to swallow than others they’ve tried.
Plus, this brand offers a 365-day money-back guarantee for any consumers who may not be entirely happy with the product.
Each 3-softgel serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,500 mgTotal EPA and DHA150 mgOther omega-3 fatty acids30 mgAstaxanthin600 mcg (0.6 mg)Phospholipids285 mgPros
- minimal ingredient list
- offers strong customer service support
Cons
- lower omega-3 content than most alternatives
- states third-party tested but does not specify the organization
Best sustainable krill oil
Kori Krill Oil Omega-3
Price: $$$
This krill oil supplement contains minimal ingredients, including the krill oil itself and the few ingredients needed for the softgel capsule.
It was a close runner-up to the Pure Encapsulations product in our eyes but has slightly lower astaxanthin and phospholipid content. You’ll need to take three capsules to get the doses listed below.
It bears an MSC Certified Sustainable Seafood seal, meaning that it comes from a fishery that has been third-party verified to meet the MSC’s standard for a well-managed and sustainable fishery. The fishery is also certified by Friend of the Sea and the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership. You can actually trace your bottle back to the exact spot in Antartica where the krill oil was harvested.
They also partner with various organizations: the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWF), the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARK), and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Additionally, it contains the recommended minimum amount of omega-3s per serving, along with 480 mg of phospholipids to help support omega-3 absorption.
Each 3-softgel serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,200 mgTotal EPA and DHA250 mgOther omega-3 fatty acidsnoneAstaxanthin120 mcg (0.12 mg)Phospholipids480 mgPros
- MSC and Friend of the Sea certifications
- contains 480 mg of phospholipids to support omega-3 bioavailability
- third party tested by Labdoor
Cons
- high price point
- 3-softgel dose compared to just 1 or 2 in alternatives
Best sport-certified
Onnit Antarctic Krill Oil
Price: $$
This gluten-free, soy-free, non-GMO krill oil has a simple formulation, containing just krill oil and the softgel capsule ingredients, plus ethylvanillin for flavoring.
The bottle states that its krill oil has been sustainably harvested from Antarctic waters and is Friend of the Sea certified.
In addition to the 240 mg of omega-3s per serving, it contains 400 mg of phospholipids to aid absorption.
Plus, Onnit krill oil carries the independent Informed Sport certification seal. This means each batch has been tested for more than 250 substances banned by athletics organizations and has been manufactured in an environment with appropriate sports nutrition quality systems in place.
Each 2-softgel serving of this product contains the following:
Krill oil1,000 mgTotal EPA and DHA190 mgOther omega-3 fatty acids50 mgAstaxanthin150 mcg (0.15 mg)Phospholipids400 mgPros
- minimal ingredient list
- certified by Informed Sport, a third-party testing program for banned substances
- sustainably sourced
Cons
- contains less than the recommended minimum amount of omega-3s
Safety and side effects
Krill oil is considered a relatively safe supplement for most people, similar to fish oil.
However, this doesn’t mean that taking more is better. Some people may experience digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, or bloating when taking krill oil. Others have reported mood swings, tiredness, and increased hunger (15).
High doses of krill oil may also potentially interact with the blood clotting process in your body, though the research on this is not consistent.
For instance, some studies have found that using fish oil or krill oil with warfarin (a common blood-thinning medication) does not significantly affect blood clotting when the individual is using the medication under medical supervision (16).
Still, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before adding krill oil to your routine, especially if you’re taking a medication such as a blood-thinning agent.
How to choose a krill oil supplement
The most important consideration in choosing a krill oil supplement is whether it has undergone third-party testing.
Supplements are not regulated as strictly as pharmaceuticals, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) typically doesn’t get involved until after there is a problem.
Third-party testing is a voluntary service that a supplement company must pay for, but it ensures that the supplement contains what the label claims it does.
All the products on this list indicate that they have undergone third-party testing to some degree. For further information, you can often find certificates of analysis on the brands’ websites.
The best supplement companies will also disclose which third-party organizations conducted the testing and allow you to view the reports on their websites.
IKOS is a common third-party testing organization for krill and is the only one specifically for krill oil. Other reputable seals to look for are NSF International, USP, Informed Sport, and ConsumerLab, although these don’t appear on krill oil supplements as often as IKOS does.
Additionally, you should look for a krill oil supplement that contains at least 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA omega-3s per serving, as most of the health benefits of krill oil are derived from its omega-3 fatty acid content.
These supplements should also contain phospholipids to help your body effectively use omega-3s.
That said, it’s important to note that the products in this article vary in capsule size and concentration of omega-3s.
Finally, you should choose one that’s free of fillers or extra ingredients. Most products on this list contain only the ingredients needed to make the softgel capsule and a flavor extract to improve the taste.
Useful supplement shopping guides
Check out these two articles to help you make supplement shopping a breeze:
- How to Choose High Quality Vitamins and Supplements
- How to Read Supplement Labels Like a Pro
Frequently asked questions
What are side effects of krill oil supplements?
Not everyone experiences side effects when taking krill oil. However, krill oil supplements may cause digestive symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or bloating for some people. Others have reported changes in mood, increased hunger, and increased tiredness after taking them.
It’s best to speak with a healthcare professional before adding a krill oil supplement to your routine (15).
How will krill oil supplements help my health?
Krill oil supplements may offer potential benefits for heart, skin, joint, and brain health. Most benefits of krill oil are thought to come from the antioxidant astaxanthin as well as the omega-3 fatty acids the oil contains (1, 6, 7).
What dosage of krill oil should you take?
The recommended amount of krill oil to take is generally based on the EPA and DHA omega-3 content per serving. Aim for a minimum of 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA omega-3s per serving, though there is no standard recommendation (17).
The bottom line
Krill oil is a promising alternative to fish oil that’s just as rich in omega-3 fatty acids, more sustainable, and potentially more efficient at delivering omega-3s to your body.
It may be beneficial for heart health, brain health, and inflammation (1).
The best krill oil supplements are those that have undergone third-party lab testing, contain at least 250 mg of combined EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids per serving, and are free of unnecessary ingredients or fillers.
Look for krill oil supplements that also contain a higher amount of phospholipids (such as 400 mg per serving), as this helps enhance your cells’ omega-3 absorption (13).