Astaxanthin supplements are surging in popularity in 2023 due to their rich Omega-3, EPA and DHA contents.
You’ve heard of Astaxanthin, and you may know the importance of krill oil or fish oil. Today, some people take Astaxanthin-rich krill oil instead of fish oil. The powerful keto-carotenoid Astaxanthin antioxidant contents in Krill oil may offer the same benefits of fish oil but with better absorption, fewer toxins, and other benefits.
You can find dozens of quality terpene-rich Astaxanthin supplements on Amazon. You can buy the naturally-occurring carotenoid Astaxanthin from local retailers and pharmacies. In fact, with so many Astaxanthin supplements available, it’s tough to know which one to buy.
Today, we’re highlighting the best astaxanthin supplements of 2023.
Ranking the 14 Best Astaxanthin Supplements of 2023
Our editorial team analyzed the best astaxanthin supplements available today, then handpicked the top supplements below. This list is, as always, not in any particular order. You should tailor your research on astaxanthin supplements to your own preferences.
Contents
Sports Research Antarctic Krill Oil
Sports Research (SR) Antarctic Krill Oil is one of the most popular krill oil supplements on Amazon. With an average rating of 4.7 stars out of 5 and 6,200+ reviews, SR Antarctic Krill Oil is also one of Amazon’s best-rated formulas.
Each liquid softgel capsule contains 1,000mg of krill oil in the form of Superba 2. That krill oil includes 240mg of omega-3 fatty acids (with 136mg of EPA and 60mg of DHA). There’s also 500mcg of astaxanthin and 400mg of phospholipids, both of which enhance the effects of the omega-3 fatty acids. By taking 1 to 2 capsules per day, you can meet the recommended daily fatty acid dosage. Overall, SR Antarctic Krill Oil provides good value and a powerful formula.
Price: $30 (60 Softgels / 60 Servings)
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Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil
Bronson’s Antarctic Krill Oil is one of the few on this list that specifically claims to be heavy metal tested. The formula is non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free, containing only premium krill. Bronson claims the formula can support heart health and promote healthy joints, among other benefits.
Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil is priced at $28 for 60 servings, making it a good value supplement similar to other top-ranked options on our list. Each 2 softgel serving contains 1,000mg of formula, including 200mg of omega 3 fatty acids (with 120mg of EPA and 80mg of DHA). It’s a strong krill oil supplement from a reputable manufacturer.
Price: $28 (120 Softgels / 60 Servings)
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Antarctic Krill Oil 2000mg
Carlyle sells a vaguely named supplement called Antarctic Krill Oil 2000mg. Despite the nondescript packaging and lack of branding, the supplement is one of Amazon’s best-rated and most popular krill oil supplements.
Reviewers love this supplement because of the strong dose. At 2,000mg per serving, it’s one of the strongest supplements on our list. With a reasonable price, added astaxanthin, laboratory testing, and other benefits, it’s easy to see why Antarctic Krill Oil 2000mg is one of the internet’s most popular krill oil supplements.
Price: $20 (120 Capsules / 60 Servings)
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Microingredients Pure Krill Oil
Microingredients has a reputation for making bulk supplements and selling them at an affordable price. Microingredients Pure Krill Oil is no exception. Each bag contains 300 softgel capsules with 500mg of krill oil in each capsule. In a 2 capsule serving, you get 1,000mg of krill oil with 160mg of EPA and 80mg of DHA.
In terms of price per serving, it’s tough to beat Microingredients Pure Krill Oil. It’s a bulk supplement that provides an effective dosage of krill oil at a very reasonable price.
Price: $30 (300 Softgels / 150 Servings)
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Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil
Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil claims to support brain and joint health while providing your body with antioxidants. The DHA and EPA dosage aren’t as high as some of the top ranked options on our list, although Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil is one of the most popular and best-rated formulas available online today.
Each 2 capsule serving contains 1250mg of krill oil with 90mg of DHA and 165mg of EPA. With 4,300+ reviews on Amazon, Viva Naturals Antarctic Krill Oil has an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5. Viva Naturals also claims their supplement does not have the same fishy taste as other krill oil formulas.
Price: $24 (60 Capsules / 30 Servings)
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Kirkland Signature Krill Oil
In terms of value, it’s tough to beat any supplement from Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand. Kirkland Signature Krill Oil is no exception. Although it’s a Costco product, Costco now sells Kirkland Signature Krill Oil through Amazon and other retailers. It’s one of the most affordable formulas on this list, giving you a strong dosage of krill oil at a reasonable price.
Each softgel contains 500mg of krill oil with 60mg of EPA and 30mg of DHA). There’s also 150mcg of astaxanthin and 200mg of phospholipids. It’s not the cheapest or best-value supplement on this list, but it’s close.
Price: $22 (160 Softgels / 160 Servings)
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MegaRed Superior Omega-3 Krill Oil
MegaRed is a popular krill oil supplement from Schiff. The company claims the supplement is 3x as pure as regular krill oil, leading to enhanced absorption and more noticeable effects than competing supplements. It’s hard to verify those claims, although MegaRed offers good value per dosage regardless.
Each 1 softgel serving of MegaRed contains 500mg of krill oil with 64mg of EPA and 30mg of DHA. You can buy MegaRed through Amazon, Walgreens, and many other retailers. It’s not as cheap as some of the top-ranked options on our list, although you can occasionally find it on sale for a steep discount.
Price: $24 (90 Softgels / 90 Servings)
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NatureMyst SuperiorRed Krill Oil
NatureMyst’s SuperiorRed Krill Oil is a popular and affordable krill oil supplement that claims to offer fast-absorbing krill oil with no burp, fishy odor, or aftertaste. The company also tests its supplement for purity at an independent lab.
NatureMyst claims their formula can support cardiovascular and joint health. Each 2 softgel serving contains 1,250mg of 100% pure krill oil with 339mg of EPA and 202mg of DHA. That’s a much higher EPA and DHA dose than other supplements listed here. NatureMyst’s supplement also has 1,700mcg of astaxanthin, one of the highest doses we’ve seen. Overall, it’s a high-powered krill oil supplement at a very reasonable price.
Price: $17 (60 Softgels / 30 Servings)
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Jarrow Formulas Krill Oil
Jarrow Formulas is a well-known supplement company, and their krill oil supplement stacks up well against some of the top-ranked krill oil formulas on this list. The formula contains 600mg of krill oil in each softgel capsule, which is a higher dose than most competing supplements.
Each 2 capsule serving of Jarrow Formulas Krill Oil contains 1,200mg of Kreal Krill Oil with 120mg of EPA and 65mg of DHA, along with 240mcg of astaxanthin. It’s a strong krill oil supplement with good value compared to competing options listed here.
Price: $33 (120 Capsules / 60 Servings)
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Naturebell Antarctic Krill Oil
Naturebell Antarctic Krill Oil contains 1,200mg of formula per serving and 90 servings per container, making it one of the best-value options on our list. It’s tough to beat Naturebell’s price per serving.
So why is Naturebell Antarctic Krill Oil further down this list? The supplement contains a lower concentration of EPA and DHA than most competing supplements. There’s just 74mg of EPA and 48mg of DHA in each 1,200mg serving of krill oil. Although there’s 240mcg of astaxanthin, the formula is less powerful than the top-ranked krill oil supplements here.
Price: $24 (180 Softgels / 90 Servings)
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Innate Vitality Superior Absorption Krill Oil
Innate Vitality Superior Absorption Krill Oil delivers 1,000mg of krill oil per serving, including omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, and astaxanthin. Priced at just $16 per bottle, it’s one of the most affordable krill oil supplements on this list.
Despite the affordable price, Innate Vitality Superior Absorption Krill Oil contains 120mg of EPA and 70mg of DHA per 2 softgel serving, which is near the top of our list in terms of EPA/DHA concentration. Overall, it’s a high-powered krill oil supplement offering excellent value.
Price: $16 (60 Capsules / 30 Servings)
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Now Supplements Neptune Krill 1000
Now Supplements is a well-known supplement company offering dozens of popular supplements, including a Neptune Krill 1000 omega-3 fatty acid supplement. The supplement claims to support cardiovascular health and joint health using 100% Pure NKO (Neptune Krill Oil).
Each softgel contains 1,000mg of krill oil, including 250mg of omega-3 fatty acids with 135mg of EPA and 60mg of DHA. There’s also 360mcg of astaxanthin in each capsule for added antioxidant support. The supplement seems to be significantly more expensive than competing formulas, although each bottle contains 120 capsules with a strong dose in each capsule – so the price per serving is similar to other options listed here.
Price: $47 (120 Softgels / 120 Servings)
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Dr. Mercola Antarctic Krill Oil
Dr. Mercola offers a range of nutritional supplements to address different health goals. Dr. Mercola supplements tend to be much more expensive than competing options, and the company’s Antarctic Krill Oil is no exception.
Each 2 capsule serving of Dr. Mercola Antarctic Krill Oil contains 1,000mg of krill oil with 400mg of phospholipids, 120mg of EPA, 55mg of DHA, and 2mg of astaxanthin. These are strong dosages compared to other krill oil supplements listed here, although the supplement is still more expensive than competing formulas.
Price: $79 (180 Capsules / 90 Servings)
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Jocko Super Krill
Jocko Super Krill’s packaging makes it look more like a testosterone booster formula than a krill oil supplement. However, the supplement is well-rated (4.9 stars out of 5 on Amazon) for its strong dosage and pure ingredient sources.
Each 2 softgel serving of Jocko Super Krill contains 1,000mg of krill oil with 120mg of EPA and 80mg of DHA. There’s also 200mg of astaxanthin. It’s a similar dose to other average krill supplements on this list. Jocko claims the formula can support brain, heart, and joint health with no fishy burps.
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How We Ranked
All astaxanthin supplements, whether krill oil or fish oil, claim to offer big doses and benefits. However, astaxanthin-rich supplements vary widely in effectiveness. Our editorial team used the following to separate the best astaxanthin supplements from the merely average:
Dosage: We considered the overall astaxanthin dosage in each supplement. Generally, a bigger number is better. You’re taking a astaxanthin supplement because you want more krill oi, so high doses are important.
EPA/DHA Dosage: A big krill oil dosage isn’t everything. We also considered EPA and DHA dosage. EPA and DHA are the two omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil, and they’re responsible for certain benefits of astaxanthin antioxidants.
Astaxanthin Dosage: Krill oil naturally contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. Some supplements contain added astaxanthin, while others contain only trace amounts. The more astaxanthin, the more effective krill oil’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects may be.
Label Transparency: Reputable astaxanthin health supplements break down each specific ingredient, labeling the specific amount of EPA, DHA, and other fatty acids. Some krill oil supplements are deliberately vague about dosages, which typically means they have smaller doses than competing supplements.
Lab Testing: Some supplements work with independent labs to verify ingredients. Other supplements have no testing whatsoever. Which supplement would you rather have in your body?
Price & Value: Astaxanthin supplements generally offer good value, supporting certain aspects of health without costing a fortune. We featured a range of krill oil supplements at all values, although we were careful to consider value across all supplements.
Ingredient Sources: Most astaxanthin supplements source their krill from the Antarctic Ocean, although some krill oil supplements do not disclose ingredient sources.
Manufacturer Reputation: Does the manufacturer have a long and proven reputation of making high-quality supplements? Or is the manufacturer simply whitelabeling someone else’s formula or capitalizing on krill oil hype?
Advertised Benefits: It’s illegal for supplements to advertise specific health benefits. Some supplements are careful with how they advertise health benefits, refusing to mention specific health effects. Other supplements don’t seem to care. We emphasized supplements that were open and honest with their advertised benefits.
Inactive or Other Ingredients: Some astaxanthin supplements contain excessive fillers or binders. Others contain as few inactive ingredients as possible. We prefer supplements with safe, inactive ingredients and no fillers.
Fishy Taste / Burps: Some astaxanthin supplements taste and smell like fish, giving you unpleasant, fishy burps. Other krill oil and fish oil supplements taste better and do not give you fishy burps. We considered taste when ranking the best astaxanthin supplements.
Freshness: Freshness is important with astaxanthin supplements. Astaxanthin supplements can (and will) expire. The most popular astaxanthin supplements emphasize freshness without overloading the formula with preservatives.
Who Should Take an Astaxanthin Supplement?
People take astaxanthin-based supplements for different reasons. Maybe you’ve heard of the power of fish oil and want similar benefits – but without the downside.
People take krill oil to support cardiovascular health. Many doctors recommend taking fish oil to support your heart. Krill oil contains the same EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids that give fish oil its heart health-boosting benefits.
Others take krill oil to support cognitive or brain health. Fatty acids appear to have a neuroprotective effect, supporting your brain and nerve cells against degradation.
There’s also some evidence that fish oil improves rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms. Some take krill oil to relieve pain, stiffness, and mobility issues.
A good immune system requires a balanced body. Astaxanthin can support multiple aspects of health to ensure a strong immune system. Some studies have found that krill oil reduces inflammation, for example, which can make it easier for your immune system to function.
Most people associate krill oil with heart, brain, or joint benefits. However, some people take it for other surprising purposes.
Some take krill oil to ease symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), for example, because krill oil was shown to reduce PMS symptoms and PMS-related pain.
Others take it for weight loss.
Some pregnant women take krill oil because it purportedly has a beneficial effect on a developing child’s brain. Some parents give krill oil to young children fort he same reason.
Krill oil is popular among men and women of all ages. Health experts recommend that people of all ages get an adequate intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which is why krill oil is popular among all groups.
Science is surprisingly supportive of krill oil. Below, we’ll discuss some of the studies that verify the benefits listed above.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
Krill oil comes from krill, which are tiny, shrimp-like creatures. They live primarily in cold, clean ocean waters. Today, the world’s largest krill oil manufacturers harvest krill from the deep, pristine waters of the Antarctic Ocean. This type of omega-3, DHA and EPA orange-colored compound oil is rich in astaxanthin.
The Antarctic Ocean is remote. It’s far away from industrial pollution and toxins. Plus, krill have short lifespans, which means they don’t have time to build up toxins – like fish with longer lives that build up mercury. Krill are also at the bottom of the food chain, which means they do not accumulate toxins from the foods they eat. For all of these reasons, krill oil may have significantly lower levels of toxins than fish oil.
Studies show that krill oil has similar benefits to fish oil – but with better absorption. Like fish oil, krill oil contains the omega fatty acids EPA and DHA. These fatty acids are linked to better heart health, reduced joint pain, reduced inflammation, and other benefits. Krill oil has not been studied as extensively as fish oil, although studies suggest that krill oil could be superior. We have 20+ years of studies verifying certain benefits of krill oil.
Many of krill oil’s benefits seem linked to inflammation. The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil may reduce inflammation. Krill also have a pinkish-orange pigment called astaxanthin. That pigment appears to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of its own.
Fatty acids and astaxanthin seem to fight inflammation in two ways. It’s not always clear which ingredient has which anti-inflammatory benefit, so we’ll just refer to it simply as krill oil.
Krill oil reduces levels of CRP or C-reactive protein. Your immune system uses this protein to fight infections. Reducing this protein may seem like a bad thing. However, higher CRP levels lead to higher inflammation.
This randomized controlled trial from 2007 found that people suffering from arthritis who took krill oil supplements experienced a significant drop in CRP (inflammation) levels. In a 2013 study, krill oil lowered inflammation by reducing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a), a biomarker for inflammation. Based on the results of these studies, it seems possible krill oil has significant anti-inflammatory effects.
We’ve seen similar effects in other studies. This study analyzed the effect of krill oil on cholesterol, but found participants also experienced anti-inflammatory benefits. Participants took 1,000mg of krill oil per day, showing a significant improvement in inflammation markers. In fact, researchers found that 1,000mg of krill oil was more effective than 2,000mg of omega-3 supplement.
In this study, meanwhile, people with chronic inflammation took 300mg of krill oil supplement for 1 month, then experienced a 30% drop in inflammation.
Many people take krill oil to reduce joint or arthritis pain. Again, these effects seem linked to krill oil’s effects on inflammation. By acting as an anti-inflammatory, krill oil may relieve joint pain and arthritis symptoms. That means more mobility and flexibility.
In this study, adults with mild knee pain took krill oil supplements for 30 days, then noticed a significant reduction in knee pain while standing and sleeping. Participants reported a greater range of motion after 30 days of supplementation.
We need more research on humans to verify the anti-arthritis benefits of krill oil. However, early research is promising – especially on animal studies. In this study, researchers gave krill oil to mice with arthritis, then noticed reduced inflammation, less joint swelling, and improved arthritis scores. Because of all of these factors, krill oil has been suggested as an effective treatment for joint pain and arthritis.
Many people take krill oil or fish oil supplements to support cardiovascular health. The fatty acids in krill oil seem to have a beneficial effect on heart health, reducing blood lipids (cholesterol) and making it easier for your heart to function. Many doctors recommend taking EPA and DHA for heart health.
This study found that krill oil was particularly effective for reducing triglyceride levels. The randomized controlled trial published in 2014 found that krill oil supplementation lowered serum triglycerides without increasing low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol). 300 adults took a krill oil supplement for 12 weeks. Adults took 0.5, 1, 2, or 4g of krill oil per day or a placebo (olive oil). Researchers found a significant reduction in cholesterol in the krill oil group compared to the placebo.
This study in 2017 echoed those heart health boosting results. Researchers found that krill oil supplementation had lipid-modifying effects. Researchers analyzed dozens of studies on krill oil supplementation. After reviewing evidence, researchers concluded that “krill oil supplementation can reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides”.
Some women take omega-3 fatty acids to manage symptoms of PMS. Studies have analyzed this effect and found surprising results. This study from 2003 found that krill oil could relieve symptoms of PMS like depression, fatigue, irritability, and mood swings. Researchers also found that krill oil reduced the use of pain killers. In a similar study from 2012, women took one omega-3 capsule daily for 3 months, then experienced a significant reduction in pain during periods.
So far, we’ve mostly talked about the physical effects of krill oil. However, krill oil appears to positively impact cognitive health as well. Some studies have shown that krill oil fights depression, for example, and supports other aspects of brain health.
This study published in Nutrients in 2014 found that DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil can protect the brain from oxidative damage and inflammation, reducing the risk of certain brain diseases. Researchers believe these neuroprotective effects can reduce the risk of autism, dementia, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, among other conditions. The 2014 study also found a connection between krill oil supplementation, cognitive function, and memory formation.
Other studies have connected krill oil to reduced symptoms of depression. This 2013 study found that people taking a krill oil supplement enhanced cognitive function and experienced antidepressant-like effects. The study was performed on rats – not humans.
Could krill oil reduce symptoms of diabetes? One study found that type 2 diabetics experienced a significant improvement in insulin sensitivity levels after taking a krill oil supplement for 4 weeks. Based on the results of that study, krill oil could help to reduce blood sugar levels, making it easier for diabetics to manage diabetes symptoms.
Some use krill oil as weight loss aid. This study in 2012 examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on obesity. Researchers found that EPA and DHA supplementation affected appetite, food intake, fat mass, and eating behavior, all of which are linked to obesity.
Krill oil could prevent dry eye. In fact, many people with dry eye have low levels of omega-3. Taking a krill oil supplement could reduce dryness. In this study published in 2017, researchers tested that hypothesis by giving people with dry eye a krill oil supplement for 90 days. Participants showed a reduction in inflammation and redness in the eye and improved tear production.
Some take krill oil to reduce symptoms of colitis. Colitis is a condition where your colon is inflamed. Researchers believe krill oil reduces symptoms of colitis by targeting inflammation. Krill oil is packed with antioxidants that could reduce inflammation and oxidative damage in the colon.
Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil
Curious about the difference between krill oil and fish oil? Many people take krill oil because they believe it offers similar benefits to fish oil – but with better absorption or fewer harmful effects.
Differences between krill oil and fish oil include:
Absorption: Your body may absorb krill oil more effectively than fish oil. Both krill and fish oil contain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. In fish oil, these fatty acids are bound to triglycerides, making them harder for the body to absorb. In krill oil, they’re bound to phospholipid molecules that are easier for your body to absorb. Studies have confirmed this benefit. One study found that your body absorbs krill oil 68% more effectively than fish oil. That means you need 2/3rds as much krill oil to get an equivalent dose of fatty acids.
Astaxanthin: Krill oil contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is linked to several benefits of its own, including anti-inflammatory properties and improved overall health and wellness. Multiple studies have found that astaxanthin boost the immune system, for example, and prevents DNA damage. Other studies have linked astaxanthin to cardiovascular health because it decreases triglycerides and increases HDL, balancing cholesterol in your blood. Some people take astaxanthin supplements on their own, so it’s a bonus that krill oil contains extra astaxanthin.
Tocopherol: Krill oil contains a natural chemical called tocopherol, which prevents oxidation (similar to antioxidants like astaxanthin). Krill oil may have longer shelf life because it contains astaxanthin and tocopherol.
Better Safety & Fewer Toxins: Krill oil may be safer to take than fish oil. Krill oil supplements have lower tested levels of mercury and other toxins. Supporters argue that krill oil comes from clean, fresh, and cold water in remote parts of the world – like the Antarctic Ocean. That means the krill have fewer toxins when harvested. Fish oil, meanwhile, may be harvested in areas with industrial pollution. This toxic load may not be huge, but when creating a concentrated formula, toxins can quickly build up.
Sustainable Harvesting: Krill are abundant. They quickly reproduce, and they have a short lifespan. They’re easy, affordable, and safe to harvest in large quantities, making krill oil more sustainable than fish oil.
It’s not just hype: studies have shown that krill oil could be twice as effective as fish oil – or better. This study found that 1,000mg of krill oil supplementation per day was more effective than 2,000mg of omega-3 supplements.
Astaxanthin Dosage
Krill oil dosage varies between studies. With some supplements, you take different doses for different benefits. With krill oil, there doesn’t seem to be a significant difference in benefits between dosages.
Health authorities have set different guidelines for omega-3 fatty acids.
The American Heart Association (AHA), for example, recommends getting 250mg to 500mg of EPA and DHA (total) per day.
A 1,000mg krill oil capsule contains approximately 250mg of EPA and DHA, which means you can meet dosage recommendations with 1 or 2 capsules.
In this 2014 study, researchers gave participants 0.5, 1, 2, and 4g doses of krill oil per day. They noticed benefits at all dosages.
Studies have shown that krill oil is more effective than fish oil. Your body absorbs it more efficiently. If you’re used to taking a fish oil supplement, then you may need just 1/2 or 2/3 of krill oil for an equivalent dose.
Follow the dosage instructions on your krill oil supplement, and talk to your doctor before taking any supplement.
Side Effects
Krill oil is well tolerated by healthy adults when taking a normal dose and following recommended instructions. Few serious side effects have been reported.
However, krill oil could interact with blood thinning medication. Krill oil can slow blood clotting. You should not take krill oil within 2 weeks of surgery.
Common side effects of krill oil include:
- Fishy breath
- Fishy burps
- Upset stomach
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Other digestive issues
Overall, krill oil is well tolerated by most people when taken in normal dosages. However, more research is needed to verify its safety among all groups. Women who are pregnant or nursing, for example, should talk to a doctor before taking krill oil.
Frequently Asked Questions About Astaxanthin
Krill oil supplements have been popular for many years, but the niche industry is still pretty rife with misinformation. This section will answer some of the most commonly asked questions about krill oil and related supplements.
Q: What is Krill Oil's Astaxanthin Contents?
A: Astaxanthin is a substance derived from a shrimp-like crustacean called krill oil or similarly fish oil. It contains the same two fatty acids (EPA and DHA) as fish oil. Krill oil is generally marketed as a substitute for fish oil, and some people swear by krill oil as the preferable supplement between the two and both are thought to be the richest sources of astaxanthin.
Q: What is an Astaxanthin supplement?
A: Most astaxanthin supplements contain a condensed or concentrated version of krill oil, typically packaged into a capsule or tablet. Krill oil supplements may be far easier for you to ingest than krill oil directly, and krill oil capsules can also help you to better regulate dosages and amounts.
Q: What is krill?
A: Krill are small, shrimp-like planktonic crustaceans that live in the open ocean. They’re the primary food source of certain larger mammals, including baleen whales.
Q: Can humans eat krill?
A: Most humans consume krill in the form of krill oil – they don’t eat krill itself. Krill are tiny and would have limited nutritional value on their own. Eating live krill could also be very dangerous, especially as they can carry diseases.
Q: What does krill mean?
A: The word ‘krill’ comes from the Norwegian word krill, which means ‘small fry of fish’.
Q: What should you look for in a Astaxanthin supplement?
A: Good krill oil supplements contain a high dose of krill (1,000mg or higher) with strong doses of EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin. Too little krill content within your supplement could keep you from reaping the benefits of the krill oil, while too much could even be potentially harmful.
Q: Where does krill oil come from?
A: Most krill oil comes from krill harvested in the Antarctic Ocean.
Q: How do you take a krill oil supplement?
A: Most krill oil supplements are oral supplements. You swallow a capsule or tablet. Krill oil is taken differently, so be sure to consult the package for a given krill oil product before using it.
Q: Why does krill oil have fewer toxins?
A: Krill oil may have less toxins for three reasons. First, krill oil is sourced from pristine, deep waters of the Antarctic Ocean, which are far away from industrial pollutions around populated areas. Second, krill have short lifespans, which means they don’t have a chance of accumulating too many toxins during their lifespan. And third, krill are at the bottom of the food chain, which means they don’t accumulate toxins from organisms lower down the food chain. For these reasons krill supplements are often touted as having fewer toxins (like mercury) than fish oil and other supplements.
Q: What’s the difference between krill oil and fish oil?
A: Krill oil comes from small, shrimp-like creatures called krill, while fish oil comes from other fish sources. The fatty acids in krill oil are surrounded by different molecules, and studies show these fatty acids are easier for your body to absorb. Krill oil also contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin linked to various benefits.
Q: Is fish oil better than krill oil?
A: Studies show your body absorbs krill oil more easily than fish oil. In fact, you may need just 1/2 to 2/3 of the dose of krill oil compared to fish oil, based on bioavailability. Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant linked to anti-inflammatory effects.
Q: Is krill oil more sustainable?
A: Krill oil is more sustainable than fish oil. Krill are abundant in the world’s oceans. They reproduce quickly and have short lifespans. Most sustainability experts agree that krill oil supplements are significantly more sustainable than fish oil supplements.
Q: Why is krill oil more sustainable?
A: Krill are among the most abundant creatures on the planet. They have short lifespans and are common throughout the world’s oceans. While fish oil supplements have had a significant effect on global fish populations, krill oil supplements have not.
Q: Why does the body absorb krill oil more effectively than fish oil?
A: Krill oil contains phospholipids, which are good fats that enhance absorption. Fish oil does not contain phospholipids.
Q: Where does krill oil come from?
A: Most krill oil supplements harvest krill from the deep, pristine waters of the Antarctic Ocean.
Q: When’s the best time to take krill oil?
A: Many people take krill oil supplements in the morning, allowing your body to enjoy the effects throughout the day. Others split krill oil into two daily dosages, allowing the body to absorb it constantly over a 24 hour period.
Q: How does krill oil work?
A: Krill oil’s benefits are linked with two omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) and an antioxidant called astaxanthin. Together, these ingredients appear to provide various benefits on your body.
Q: What are the benefits of krill oil?
A: Studies show that krill oil could help support brain health, heart health, joint pain, inflammation, and other conditions, although more research is needed to verify these benefits in humans.
Q: Is krill oil safe?
A: Krill oil supplements tend to have fewer toxins (like mercury) than fish oil supplements, although both supplements are safe to take in normal dosages. Krill oil supplement companies may claim to be safer because they are sourced from deep, pristine Antarctic waters far away from industrial pollution.
Q: What are DHA and EPA?
A: Krill oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). These fatty acids are mostly found in marine sources (like krill or fish). Your body needs fatty acids for certain body functions.
Q: What’s in krill oil?
A: Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids (like DHA and EPA) and antioxidants like astaxanthin. It also contains phospholipids (a type of fat), palmitic acid, vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, choline, and myristic acid, among other natural chemicals.
Q: What is astaxanthin exactly?
A: Astaxanthin is an antioxidant that could reduce inflammation and oxidation. Some people take astaxanthin supplements on their own for purported benefits. Astaxanthin also gives krill their red coloring, and the antioxidant effects of astaxanthin may prevent the oxidation of fatty acids.
Q: Does krill oil boost immunity?
A: There’s some evidence that krill oil boosts the immune system and supports immune health. Researchers believe these effects are linked to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of krill oil. By reducing oxidation and inflammation, krill oil could make it easier for your immune system to function.
Q: What’s the best krill oil supplement?
A: Any of the top-ranked supplements on our list are among the best krill oil supplements available today.
Q: What’s the best dosage of krill oil?
A: Krill oil supplements typically use a dose of 500mg to 1,000mg per capsule. Most health authorities recommend getting between 250mg and 500mg of EPA/DHA per day, so 1 or 2 capsules per day may work.
Q: Should I take krill oil supplements with a meal?
A: Most experts recommend taking krill oil supplements with a meal.
Q: Is krill oil gluten free?
A: Most krill oil supplements are gluten free, but check the label to make sure.
Q: Does krill oil interact with medication?
A: Krill oil could interact with blood thinners and other medication. Talk to your doctor before taking krill oil – especially if taking medication.
Q: Is krill oil safe to take while pregnant or nursing?
A: There’s limited research on krill oil and how it affects pregnant or nursing women. Talk to your doctor before taking any krill oil supplement.
Q: What is red krill oil? Why is it red?
A: Some krill oil supplements specifically market themselves as red krill oil. Krill is naturally red due to its astaxanthin content. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant and dye that gives krill its unique red color.
Q: Why do people take krill oil?
A: People take krill oil to enjoy similar benefits to fish oil. Fish oil and krill oil are rich with omega-3 fatty acids, and these fatty acids are linked with heart health, brain health, and other benefits. Studies suggest krill oil is absorbed more effectively than fish oil.
Q: Can krill oil help with PMS?
A: Some women use krill oil to avoid PMS-related pain and symptoms. Some studies have shown that krill oil has a legitimate ability to reduce certain PMS symptoms.
Q: Which foods contain krill oil?
A: The only food source for krill is krill itself.
Q: Which foods are rich with fatty acids?
A: Fish and other seafood are rich with fatty acids, particularly cold water fish (which need more fat than warm water fish). Some of the best sources of fatty acids include salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines. You can also get fatty acids from nuts and seeds (like flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts), plant oils, and other sources.
Q: Is krill oil vegan?
A: No, krill oil is not vegan. Krill is a living creature.
Q: Is krill oil vegetarian?
A: No, krill oils is not vegetarian. Krill is a living creature.
Q: How much krill oil should you take?
A: More research is needed to verify the best dosage of krill oil. However, health authorities typically recommend getting 250mg to 500mg (total) of EPA and DHA per day.
Q: Can you take krill oil if I’m allergic to seafood?
A: You should not take krill oil if you are allergic to seafood. There’s no reliable information showing that people with a seafood allergy will have an allergic reaction to krill oil, although you should be cautious.
Q: Can krill oil help with weight loss?
A: It’s possible krill oil helps with weight loss.
Q: Can krill oil lower cholesterol?
A: Some studies suggest that krill oil lowers cholesterol, helping your body balance blood lipids.
Final Thoughts
Astaxanthin is a popular supplement ingredient associated with brain health, heart health, and other benefits.
Today, many people take astaxanthin supplements such as krill oil as a superior alternative to fish oil. Your body absorbs krill oil more easily, and krill oil contains ingredients like astaxanthin for added antioxidation benefit.
To learn more about krill oil and fish oil, consider choosing one of the top-ranked astaxanthin supplements listed above.
