Compound or practice · Nutrition
Krill Oil
Phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA with better absorption per gram — but far less omega-3 per capsule than fish oil, at a premium price.
- Overall grade
- Grade C
- Last revised
- 1
- graded outcome
- 0
- references listed
A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.
1 at grade B — 1 graded row
What is known
Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.
- Omega-3 indexEvidence grade B
Raises index; dose to EPA+DHA
Moderatehigh
Interactions
Documented pairings with supplements and medicines. A medicine on this list is a conversation for whoever prescribes it.
Omega-3Works together
Same class — don't double-count total EPA/DHA.
The evidence in words
What it is
Krill oil delivers omega-3s (EPA/DHA) bound to phospholipids rather than triglycerides, plus the antioxidant astaxanthin.
How it works
Phospholipid-bound omega-3s appear to absorb somewhat more efficiently, but each krill capsule carries much less total EPA/DHA than a fish-oil capsule.
What the evidence shows
Head-to-head data suggest per-gram absorption advantages and comparable effects on omega-3 index and some markers, but you need several small krill capsules to match one fish-oil dose, and the cost per gram of omega-3 is much higher. Reasonable if you tolerate it better; not clearly superior on outcomes.
How to use it
Dose to total EPA+DHA, not capsule count — often 2–4 krill capsules to reach a meaningful omega-3 amount.
Safety & interactions
Safe; shellfish-allergy caution. Mild antiplatelet effect like other omega-3s. Omega-3 — Same class — don't double-count total EPA/DHA.
Bottom line
Absorbs well per gram but delivers little omega-3 per pill at a high price. Fish oil (or algae) is usually the better value; choose krill mainly for tolerance.
How it is used
As the entry records it, from the studies it summarises. Not a recommendation for you — doses that suit a trial population may not suit you.
- Standard
- Dose to total EPA+DHA (often 2–4 capsules).
Goes with
- Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)Same class — don't double-count total EPA/DHA.Evidence grade A
Related reading
Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.
- Krill Oil for Omega-3 indexEvidence grade B — Raises index; dose to EPA+DHAEvidence grade B
- Krill Oil: dosage and how to take itDose to total EPA+DHA (often 2–4 capsules).Evidence grade C
- Krill Oil: side effects, safety & interactionsSafe; shellfish-allergy caution. Mild antiplatelet effect like other omega-3s.Evidence grade C
- Algae Omega-3The vegan route to EPA/DHA — the same omega-3s fish get from algae, minus the fish.Evidence grade B
Sources
This entry lists no references of its own.
Last revised . A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.