Benefits of Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil By Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD Updated on October 19, 2025 Medically reviewed by Ashley Baumohl, RD Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Benefits Side Effects VSports在线直播 - Dosage Contraindications Alternatives Where to Find Frequently Asked Questions Key Takeaways Krill and fish oils have similar benefits, but krill oil is derived from shrimp-like crustaceans, and fish oil from oily fish.Krill oil is more readily absorbed by the body and contains more antioxidants than fish oil.Fish oil contains more omega-3 fatty acids per serving and is cheaper than krill oil. Both krill oil and fish oil may offer health benefits in preventing, managing, and treating heart disease, high triglyceride levels, diabetes, and more. They're both good sources for EPA and DHA, two of the most well-researched omega-3 fatty acids. Research shows that krill oil is more readily absorbed by the body and contains more antioxidants, whereas fish oil is cheaper, more portable, and higher in omega-3s. Further studies are needed to determine which oil is more beneficial for the human body VSports app下载. . In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist V体育官网. Verywell / Getty Images V体育官网入口 - Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil Benefits While krill oil is often considered an alternative to fish oil, there are several key differences between the two VSports手机版. Some general differences are krill oil supplements have a reddish hue and come from a small, shrimp-like crustacean, while fish oil supplements are yellow or gold and come from fatty fish. . In addition, some manufacturers and consumers claim krill oil is more palatable than fish oil and does not produce a fishy aftertaste. V体育安卓版. Krill Oil May Absorb Better (V体育官网) The fatty acids in fish oil are found in triglycerides, while the fatty acids in krill oil are found in phospholipids, which may help increase the absorption of krill oil V体育ios版. . However, a recent study found the total absorption of fatty acids from krill and fish oils was similar, but the absorption rate was faster with fish oil VSports最新版本. Another study found bioavailability of fatty acids was similar for krill and fish oil when they were matched for dose, EPA, and DHA concentrations. . Further studies are needed to determine if one is absorbed better than the other V体育平台登录. . Fish Oil Is Cheaper and More Accessible Fish oil is generally cheaper and easier to find in stores than krill oil. A cost analysis of common products indicated that fish oil supplements range from 1 to 15 cents while krill oil is approximately 30 cents per 100 milligrams (mg) of EPA+DHA. VSports注册入口. Krill oil is more expensive partially due to the need for immediate processing once the krill is harvested to prevent spoilage V体育官网入口. In addition, fish oil can be sourced from various fish species, making it more affordable due to the broader availability of fish. . "VSports最新版本" Krill Oil Contains More Antioxidants Although omega-3 fatty acids have antioxidant properties, krill oil also contains the antioxidant astaxanthin. This antioxidant may help reduce oxidative stress, which is associated with neurological conditions, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory conditions, and more VSports在线直播. . Fish Oil Has More Research into Benefits Fish oil has more research to support its health benefits than krill oil. Primarily due to the lack of research on krill oil, the health benefits evidence is inconclusive. "VSports手机版" Fish Oil Has More Omega-3 Fatty Acids Although krill and fish oils are both sources of omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil typically contains more omega-3 fatty acids per serving than krill oil. The omega-3 content of krill and fish oil varies considerably between supplements. However, the dose of EPA and DHA in krill oil supplements generally ranges from 45 to 200 mg per soft gel. In contrast, the amount of EPA and DHA in fish oil products ranges from 300 to 2,200 mg per soft gel or teaspoon. Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of heart disease, lower levels of inflammation in the body, and support fetal development and healthy aging. A review and meta-analysis looked at the impact of omega-3 supplementation on maternal health and fetal growth. The study authors concluded that omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy can prevent preeclampsia, increase birth weight, and decrease the risk of low birth weight and preterm birth. Studies show that eating omega-3-rich fatty fish and seafood is associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases, including heart disease. However, it is unclear whether these benefits come from simply eating these foods or their omega-3 content. A decent amount of evidence suggests omega-3 supplementation may be effective at reducing levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and alleviating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. One study found that krill oil significantly lowers triglyceride levels in patients with high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). In another study, researchers found krill oil was slightly more effective than fish oil at lowering triglyceride levels. The reduction in triglycerides depends on the dose of omega-3s rather than the type of oil consumed. In food or supplement form, EPA and DHA omega-3s may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering high blood pressure, specifically among people who already have hypertension. Algae and Cod Liver Oil Algae oil has a similar nutritional composition to fish oil. It is considered a proven, sustainable plant-based omega-3 alternative to fish oil. Cod liver oils contain omega-3s and have vitamins A and D. "VSports手机版" Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil Side Effects Omega-3 supplements, including fish and krill oils, are generally considered safe when taken in recommended doses, but there are some fish oil side effects. If you are allergic to fish or shellfish, you should avoid taking fish oil or krill oil supplements until you speak with your healthcare provider. Fish oil or krill oil may have blood-thinning effects at high doses and can interact with certain medications, such as Jantoven (warfarin). Some experts say greater than 3000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids with warfarin could increase bleeding time. However, a retrospective study found chronic high doses of omega-3 fish oil supplements didn't significantly affect bleeding time or increase the risk of adverse events. Krill Oil Krill oil is a safe alternative to fish oil, with no significant reported side effects. Krill also do not contain unsafe accumulations of mercury because they are low on the ocean's food chain. Manufacturers of krill oil often claim that it does not cause a fishy aftertaste, fish burps, or reflux, all of which are common side effects of fish oil supplements. However, some individuals may still experience these side effects. Fish Oil Side effects that are reported are usually mild, consisting of: Bad breath Heartburn Nausea Stomach discomfort Headache Foul-smelling sweat Diarrhea "V体育2025版" Dosage of Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil Experts recommend consuming 6–8 ounces (about two servings) of fish per week. This increases to 8 to 12 ounces of fish and seafood per week during pregnancy and breastfeeding to support the health of your developing baby. Four ounces of Atlantic salmon provide around 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. However, consuming high doses of more than 900 mg of EPA plus 600 mg of DHA daily for several weeks may reduce immune function by suppressing the body's inflammatory responses. It is important to choose fish low in mercury and high in EPA and DHA during pregnancy. Fish high in mercury include: King mackerelMarlinSharkSwordfish Fish low in mercury include: Canned light tunaSalmonSardinesHerring Fish oil supplements are purified of environmental toxins like mercury. There is no established recommended dosage for krill or fish oil supplements, but the Office of Dietary Supplements recommends not exceeding 2 grams of EPA and DHA a day from dietary supplements. Krill and Fish Oil Supplements During Pregnancy If you find it challenging to get enough omega-3 fatty acids from food, your healthcare provider may recommend a quality fish oil supplement during pregnancy. More research on the safety of krill oil in pregnant individuals is needed. It's best to be safe and avoid it unless otherwise recommended by your healthcare provider. Who Should Not Take Krill or Fish Oil? Talk with your healthcare provider before taking krill or fish oil if you: Have a bleeding disorderHave a seafood allergyHave an upcoming surgeryAre pregnant or nursing A recent study found that fish oil supplements are beneficial to people who already have cardiovascular disease (CVD) but advises against taking fish oil supplements if you are healthy. The researchers found regular use of fish oil supplements might be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and stroke in the general population. These risks are not associated with food sources containing omega-3 fatty acids, so it may be best to stick with food sources instead of supplements if you don't have CVD. "VSports注册入口" Alternative Omega-3 Sources Omega-3s are widely available in a variety of different plant foods. Plant-based omega-3s from algal oil typically provide about 100–300 mg of DHA, with some containing EPA. The omega-3s are generally present in the triglyceride form. The bioavailability of DHA from algae oil is similar to that from cooked salmon. Vegan foods with omega-3s include: Chia seedsFlaxseedSeaweedAlgaeHemp seedsWalnuts Calanus finmarchicus oil vs. Fish Oil vs. Krill Oil Calanus finmarchicus is a zooplankton. The oil made from this cold water species contains omega-3 fatty acids similar to krill and fish oil. One study found Calanus finmarchicus oil had the same bioavailable omega-3 fatty acids as krill and fish oil, making it an alternative marine source to consider. Where to Find Krill and Fish Oils You can purchase fish oil and krill oil online or from most drugstores. Krill oil may be a little more challenging to find in stores, but it can easily be bought online. Always check to ensure independent testers test the supplement for any contamination from harmful materials. "VSports app下载" Frequently Asked Questions "V体育官网入口" Should some people not take krill oil or fish oil? Although considered safe, people who take blood thinners should avoid krill oil and fish oil unless otherwise recommended by a healthcare provider. They may cause your blood to become thinner than it should. People with a fish or shellfish allergy should also avoid fish or krill oil. Does krill oil help your liver? While research on krill oil is needed, some evidence shows omega-3 supplementation may help improve fat accumulation and markers of fatty liver disease in individuals with diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). What are the benefits of krill oil for bodybuilders? (V体育ios版) Some new evidence suggests krill oil supplementation may help improve muscle function and size in healthy, older adults. However, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of krill oil for athletes and bodybuilders. Read more: Prevention & Treatment Supplements (V体育平台登录) Dietary Supplements 23 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Backes JM, Howard PA. Krill oil for cardiovascular risk prevention: is it for real? Hosp Pharm. 2014;49(10):907-912. doi: 10.1310/hpj4910-907 Köhler A, Sarkkinen E, Tapola N, Niskanen T, Bruheim I. Bioavailability of fatty acids from krill oil, krill meal and fish oil in healthy subjects–a randomized, single-dose, cross-over trial. Lipids Health Dis. 2015;14:19. doi:10.1186/s12944-015-0015-4 Guarneiri LL, Wilcox ML, Maki KC. Comparison of the effects of a phospholipid-enhanced fish oil versus krill oil product on plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids after acute administration: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study. Nutrition. 2023;114:112090. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2023.112090 Yurko-Mauro K, Kralovec J, Bailey-Hall E, et al. Similar eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid plasma levels achieved with fish oil or krill oil in a randomized double-blind four-week bioavailability study. Lipids Health Dis. 2015;14:99. doi:10.1186/s12944-015-0109-z Colletti A, Cravotto G, Citi V. Advances in technologies for highly active omega-3 fatty acids from krill oil: clinical applications. Mar Drugs. 2021;19(6):306. doi:10.3390/md19060306 Pizzino G, Irrera N, Cucinotta M, et al. Oxidative stress: harms and benefits for human health. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:8416763. doi:10.1155/2017/8416763 National Institutes of Health. Omega-3 fatty acids (health professional). Abdelrahman MA, Osama H, Saeed H, et al. Impact of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid intake in pregnancy on maternal health and birth outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis from randomized controlled trials. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023;307(1):249-262. doi:10.1007/s00404-022-06533-0 National Institutes of Health. Omega-3 fatty acids. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Omega-3 supplements. Mozaffarian D, Maki KC, Bays HE, et al. Effectiveness of a novel ω-3 krill oil agent in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(1):e2141898. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.41898 Kim MG, Yang I, Lee HS, Lee JY, Kim K. "V体育官网" Lipid-modifying effects of krill oil vs fish oil: a network meta-analysis. Nutr Rev. 2020;78(9):699-708. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuz102 American Heart Association. Consuming about 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids a day may lower blood pressure. Science Direct. Algal oils. Australian Family Physician. Your questions about complementary medicine answered: fish oil. Pryce R, Bernaitis N, Davey AK, et al. The use of fish oil with warfarin does not significantly affect either the international normalised ratio or incidence of adverse events in patients with atrial fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis: a retrospective study. Nutrients. 2016;8(9):578. doi:10.3390/nu8090578 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Advice about eating fish. American Pregnancy Association. Omega-3 fish oil and pregnancy. Chen G, Qian Z (Min), Zhang J, et al. Regular use of fish oil supplements and course of cardiovascular diseases: prospective cohort study. BMJMed. 2024;3(1):e000451. doi:10.1136/bmjmed-2022-000451 Burns-Whitmore B, Froyen E, Heskey C, et al. VSports手机版 - Alpha-linolenic and linoleic fatty acids in the vegan diet: do they require dietary reference intake/adequate intake special consideration? Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2365. doi:10.3390/nu11102365 Vosskötter F, Burhop M, Hahn A, et al. "VSports app下载" Equal bioavailability of omega-3 PUFA from Calanus oil, fish oil and krill oil: A 12-week randomized parallel study. Lipids. 2023;58(3):129-138. doi:10.1002/lipd.12369 Sangouni AA, Orang Z, Mozaffari-Khosravi H. "VSports app下载" Effect of omega-3 supplementation on fatty liver and visceral adiposity indices in diabetic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition ESPEN. 2021;44:130-135. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2021.06.015 Alkhedhairi SA, Alkhayl FFA, Ismail AD, et al. The effect of krill oil supplementation on skeletal muscle function and size in older adults: A randomised controlled trial. Clinical Nutrition. 2022;41(6):1228-1235. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2022.04.007 By V体育平台登录 - Lindsey DeSoto, RD, LD Lindsey DeSoto, RD, is a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition and health and wellness content. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Helpful Report an Error Other Submit