The 6 Best Krill Oil Supplements of 2022 Reviewed

Krill oil has gained a lot of popularity recently as a superior alternative to fish oil. Basically, the claim goes, anything fish oil can do, krill oil does better. Read on to learn what makes krill oil supplements better than fish oil supplements, why you should consider adding these to your list of vitamin subscriptions and supplements, and which brands we recommend.

What is Krill Oil?

Krill oil is made from a tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans that live in the ocean and usually serve as whale food. In fact, krill means “whale food” in Norwegian. These tiny organisms actually play an extremely important role in the food chains of marine ecosystems. The krill used to make krill oil are usually found in the waters around Antarctica.

Just like the fish oils found in supplements, krill oil is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that contain EPA and DHA, two compounds that are proven to have a number of health benefits. Krill oil can help support healthy skin, in addition to other vitamin supplements for dry skin. While you can also take supplements to boost your immune system, improving the health of your skin is a great way to help fight off infections too.

But what makes krill oil better than fish oil?

It’s believed that krill oil is better absorbed in the body than fish oil. Both derive most of their benefits through the EPA and DHA that are contained in their fatty acid stores. However, for the same dose, krill oil will result in more fatty acids in the blood than fish oil. A potential explanation for this is that while fish oil’s fatty acids come as triglycerides, krill oil’s come as phospholipids which are more easily processed by the body.

Additionally, the oil from krill contains astaxanthin which is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory properties that might have an enhanced positive effect on heart health. Studies have shown that krill oil is more effective than fish oil at lowering blood pressure and lowering bad cholesterol.

Our Picks for the Best Krill Oil Supplements

Each product featured here has been independently selected by the writer. You can learn more about our review methodology here. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

• Best Overall – Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
• Best for Joint Health – Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
• Best for Heart Health – NOW Neptune Krill Oil
• Strongest: Bulletproof Omega Krill Complex
• Best for Cognitive Health – Onnit Krill Oil
• Best for Sustainability – Vital Plan Krill Oil Plus

How We Chose Our Favorite Supplements

Here are the factors that we considered when comparing the best krill oil brands to create our list of recommended supplements.

Omega-3 Content – We looked to see the amount of omega-3 fatty acids contained in each krill oil softgel or capsule.

Astaxanthin Content – The best krill oil pills contain this naturally-occurring antioxidant.

Third-Party Lab Testing – For any nutritional supplement, we choose brands that guarantee the quality of their product through independent lab testing.

Krill Source – We also compared these supplements for the source of their krill oil, and only recommend brands that use sustainably-harvested krill.

Complete Reviews of the Top Krill Oil Supplements

The Research on Krill Oil Supplements

Research has long demonstrated the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids commonly found in foods like fish, nuts, and certain grains like flax seed. Since krill oil naturally contains higher levels of these beneficial nutrients, it has also been found to provide a number of health benefits.

Numerous studies have linked the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and krill oil to cardiovascular health, finding that those who ingest higher levels of these nutrients are at lower risk for coronary heart disease, potentially lower risk of stroke, and have lower cholesterol levels. Another study found that krill oil supplements offer a safe alternative to fish oil for those seeking cardiovascular benefits in a smaller and more convenient form.

Krill oil supplementation has also been found to help reduce the symptoms of knee and joint pain.

Additionally, researchers found that rats given krill oil supplements showed improved cognitive function and benefited from anti-depressant-like effects. However, more research on its effect for human brain development and function is needed.

How to Choose the Right Krill Oil Supplement

When shopping for a krill oil supplement, there are important pieces of information that you should always look for. Here are some tips on how to compare brands and how to read labels.

What to Look For

Lab Testing

For any supplement, always check to see if it has undergone third-party lab testing for quality and safety. This is especially important for any fish or krill oil to make sure that it does not contain any harmful compounds like mercury.

Concentrations

Look for the amount of krill oil contained in each capsule and each serving (as these will sometimes differ). You should choose supplements that offer between 200 mg and 350 mg of omega-3 fatty acids per serving for the best results.

Sourcing

Make it a priority to learn where the brand sources its supply of krill oil. We recommend brands that use sustainably-harvested Antarctic krill oil because the process of harvesting is more tightly regulated by various groups.

Filler-Free

This is good advice for all nutritional supplements, but be sure the krill oil you choose does not contain any unwanted or unnecessary ingredients. All of our recommendations contain just the krill oil and the capsule it comes in.

How to Read Labels

When you are comparing krill oil supplements, here are some key things to look for on any label:

• Supplement Facts – This is where you can find information on the amount of krill oil in each capsule, how many capsules make up one serving, and a breakdown of how many omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients are contained in the supplement.
• Other Ingredients – Listed at the bottom of the supplement facts table, this list will tell you what the capsule itself is made of and if there are any additional ingredients present.
• Certifications – Check the label for important certifications and seals of approvals that can tell you if a krill oil is IKOS-certified, third-party lab tested, or sustainably harvest.

How to Use Krill Oil Supplements

Krill oil supplements typically come in capsules that you swallow with water, just like any probiotic supplements or digestive enzymes. For most brands, 2 to 3 capsules make up a single serving, and you can take a serving either once or twice per day. Some brands recommend their supplements be taken with food to aid in their digestion and absorption.

Safety & Side Effects

While krill oil supplements are generally considered safe for most adults, it is extremely important to note that you should not take krill oil if you are allergic to shellfish. The potential side effects for krill oil are considered mild and similar to fish oils, including:

• Upset stomach
• Fishy taste
• Heartburn
• Nausea
• Diarrhea