What is krill oil?

Krill oil is a type of oil derived from tiny crustaceans called krill. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and is used for medicinal purposes.

How does it work?

The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil have anti-inflammatory properties and help to improve heart health, joint health, and brain function. The antioxidants in krill oil also help to protect against cellular damage.

What are the active ingredients that are important for its medicinal properties?

The active ingredients in krill oil that are important for its medicinal properties include omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, and antioxidants such as astaxanthin.

What forms does it come in?

Krill oil is available in capsule form, typically as a dietary supplement.

What if there’s an imbalance or deficiency?

An imbalance or deficiency in krill oil can lead to a number of health problems, including increased inflammation, joint pain, and cognitive decline.

When was it first used for medicinal purposes?

The use of krill oil for medicinal purposes has only recently become popular. The first studies exploring the health benefits of krill oil were conducted in the early 2000s.

Summary:

Krill oil is a type of oil derived from tiny crustaceans called krill that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and is used for medicinal purposes. It has been shown to help improve heart health, joint health, brain function, and reduce inflammation. Krill oil is available in capsule form and is generally well tolerated with few side effects. The recommended daily dose for adult men and women is 500-1000 mg per day and it may take several weeks for the effects to become noticeable. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Krill oil is an effective supplement for individuals looking to improve their overall health and prevent certain health conditions and symptoms. However, as with any supplement, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting to take krill oil to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.

What does Krill oil help with?

• High triglycerides: Krill oil consistently lowers elevated triglyceride levels, which are a key risk factor for heart disease. Even at lower EPA+DHA doses than typical fish oil, krill oil shows meaningful reductions — likely because the phospholipid form is absorbed more efficiently.
• High cholesterol: Several trials show krill oil modestly raises HDL ('good') cholesterol and lowers LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Its effect on cholesterol appears slightly more favorable than equivalent doses of standard fish oil in some head-to-head comparisons.
• Joint pain and inflammation: People with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis and general joint discomfort have reported reduced pain and stiffness with krill oil supplementation. Its anti-inflammatory omega-3s, combined with astaxanthin, work together to calm the inflammatory signals that drive joint pain.
• PMS and menstrual pain: Women taking krill oil reported significantly less menstrual pain and emotional PMS symptoms compared to those taking fish oil or placebo in one well-cited trial. The phospholipid-bound omega-3s may be particularly effective at influencing the prostaglandins that drive cramping and mood swings.
• Heart disease risk: By lowering triglycerides, reducing inflammation, and modestly improving cholesterol ratios, krill oil addresses several of the key drivers of cardiovascular disease. It's considered a heart-healthy supplement in line with broader omega-3 evidence.
• Brain health and memory: DHA is one of the most abundant fats in the brain, and getting it via phospholipid-bound krill oil may support cell membrane integrity, cognitive function, and mood regulation. The added choline in krill oil also supports neurotransmitter production.
• Dry eyes: Omega-3 supplementation — including krill oil — has been studied for reducing dry eye symptoms by supporting the tear film and reducing ocular surface inflammation. Some ophthalmology guidelines now mention omega-3s as a supportive strategy for dry eye management.
• Metabolic syndrome: Krill oil shows potential for improving several markers of metabolic syndrome simultaneously — including triglycerides, blood sugar regulation, and inflammation — making it useful for people dealing with the cluster of risk factors that precede type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
• Liver health (non-alcoholic fatty liver): Early research suggests krill oil may help reduce fat accumulation in the liver and support healthier liver enzyme levels. The choline content plays a key role here, as choline is essential for the liver to package and export fat properly.

What does it help prevent?

Krill oil may help to prevent a variety of health conditions and symptoms, including:

• Cardiovascular disease: Krill oil can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Joint degradation: Krill oil can help to reduce inflammation and protect against joint degradation in individuals with osteoarthritis.
• Cognitive decline: Krill oil can help to improve cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline in aging individuals.

Which foods are rich in it?

Krill is the only known natural source of krill oil. However, krill oil supplements are widely available in capsule form.

What are possible side effects?

Krill oil is generally well tolerated and has few side effects. However, some individuals may experience upset stomach, nausea, or diarrhea.

What’s the recommended daily dose?

The recommended daily dose of krill oil for adult men and women is 500-1000 mg per day.

How many days does it take to work?

The effects of krill oil may take several weeks to become noticeable.

What time of day is best to take it?

Krill oil can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.