All about krill oil – natural omega-3 supplement from the sea

What is krill oil?

Krill oil is a supplement extracted from small shrimp-like crustaceans called krill, which live in the cold waters around Antarctica. This oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, primarily EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are important for the body's normal functions. Unlike fish oil, where omega-3 fatty acids are often bound to triglycerides, in krill oil they are bound to phospholipids, which may contribute to better absorption in the body. Krill oil also naturally contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that gives the oil its characteristic red colour. This makes krill oil a popular choice for those who want to supplement their diet with omega-3 in a natural way.

Benefits & uses

Krill oil is used as a supplement to complement the intake of omega-3 fatty acids and can be relevant in various life situations. Some common uses are:

• Daily extra omega-3 supplement for a balanced diet
• For those who want an alternative to traditional fish oil
• When a readily absorbable omega-3 supplement is needed due to the phospholipid form
• For those seeking products with natural antioxidant content (astaxanthin)
• As part of a healthy lifestyle and diet

It is important to remember that krill oil is a supplement and should be used as a complement to a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle.

How to choose the right krill oil

When buying krill oil online, there are several factors to consider to find a product that suits your needs:

• Quality: Choose krill oil from reliable manufacturers who use pure raw materials and have thorough quality controls. Certifications and third-party testing are good indicators.
• Omega-3 content: Check the amount of EPA and DHA per dose to compare products.
• Form: Krill oil is usually available in capsules, which facilitate dosing and intake.
• Astaxanthin: Naturally occurring antioxidant that may contribute to the product's stability.
• Price and quantity: Compare price per capsule or per milligram of omega-3 to find a good deal.
• Environment and sustainability: Some brands focus on sustainable fishing and environmentally friendly production – something to consider.

If you want to learn more about other omega-3 supplements, you can visit our category for fish oil.

Popular variants

Krill oil is available in several variants where capsules are the most common form. They are easy to dose and usually do not taste fishy, making them attractive to many users. Some common types of krill oil are:

• Pure krill oil: Standard product with concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and astaxanthin.
• Krill oil with added vitamin E: Combination that may help preserve the oil's quality.
• Krill oil in small doses: Suitable for those who want a lower daily intake or want to try the product first.
• Organic or sustainably certified krill oil: For those who prioritise environment and sustainability.

Regardless of which variant you choose, it is important that the product is well controlled and manufactured according to good manufacturing practice.

Frequently asked questions about krill oil

What distinguishes krill oil from fish oil?

Krill oil and fish oil are both sources of omega-3, but they differ in how the fatty acids are bound. Krill oil contains phospholipids which may provide better absorption, while fish oil has triglycerides. Additionally, krill oil naturally contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant.

Can I take krill oil if I am allergic to shellfish?

Since krill is a shellfish, caution should be exercised and consultation with a doctor is recommended before using krill oil if you have a shellfish allergy.

How do I dose krill oil?

Dosage varies between products, and it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on the packaging. If you are unsure, you can consult a health advisor for personalised advice.