A 2023 meta-analysis found that krill oil had no impact on blood pressure or risk factors for heart disease.\n<\/p>\n
Besides enhanced omega-3 absorption, krill oil is touted for its antioxidant content. Unlike fish oil<\/a>, krill oil gets its red color from the antioxidant called astaxanthin<\/a>, which can support eye health and reduce inflammation. The antioxidant is also found in salmon, shrimp, and algae.\n<\/p>\n One study in 2017 suggested that krill oil can reduce dry eye symptoms better than fish oil because of astaxanthin.\n<\/p>\n An older study from 2003 found that krill oil may help individuals manage premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms<\/a> more effectively than fish oil, potentially due to its anti-inflammatory properties.\n<\/p>\n However, you can get similar relief from PMS symptoms or menstrual cramps by adjusting your overall diet, according to Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, MS, RDN, CDCES, a registered dietitian nutritionist<\/a> based in Boston.\n<\/p>\n Are Krill Oil Supplements Worth the Price? <\/p>\n Antarctic krill oil\u00a0is typically three to four times more expensive than fish oil because of harvesting costs. Krill fishing requires massive vessels\u2014described as \u201cfloating krill oil factories\u201d\u2014that can traverse the Drake Passage, one of the most dangerous ocean crossings in the world.\n<\/p>\n \u201cThe price is much higher, and I don\u2019t think they\u2019ve proven a cost-benefit for it,\u201d\u00a0Judy Simon, MS, RD, CD, a clinical dietitian nutritionist at the UW Medical Center who was not involved in the study, told Verywell.\n<\/p>\n Are Krill Oil Supplement Safe? <\/p>\n Omega-3s in krill oil and fish oil may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken alongside a blood-thinning medication<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Simon added that krill oil can sometimes cause gastrointestinal symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, gas, and heartburn.\n<\/p>\n While krill oil is generally well-tolerated and safe for most people, it may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Most nutrition experts and public health organizations recommend eating a varied diet<\/a> that includes foods rich in omega-3s, rather than relying solely on supplements.\n<\/p>\n Krill is used in making fermented shrimp paste in Asia, and you can buy canned krill online. Anderson-Haynes noted that other types of seafood and fish, such as seaweed, walnuts, flaxseeds, or chia seeds, are also good dietary sources of omega-3s.\n<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re getting other nutrients and antioxidant activities from the foods,\u201d Anderson-Haynes added. \u201cA food-first approach is best.\u201d<\/p>\n Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process<\/a> to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.<\/p>\n Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. Omega-3 fatty acids: an essential contribution<\/a>.<\/p>\n K\u00f6hler A, Sarkkinen E, Tapola N, Niskanen T, Bruheim I. Bioavailability of fatty acids from krill oil, krill meal and fish oil in healthy subjects\u2014a randomized, single-dose, cross-over trial<\/a>.\u00a0Lipids Health Dis. 2015;14:19. doi:10.1186\/s12944-015-0015-4<\/p>\n Huang H, Liao D, He B, Zhou G, Cui Y. Clinical effectiveness of krill oil supplementation on cardiovascular health in humans: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials<\/a>. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2023;17(12):102909. doi:10.1016\/j.dsx.2023.102909<\/p>\n Donoso A, Gonz\u00e1lez-Dur\u00e1n J, Mu\u00f1oz AA, Gonz\u00e1lez PA, Agurto-Mu\u00f1oz C. Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: an evidence-based review focused on human clinical trials<\/a>.\u00a0Pharmacol Res. 2021;166:105479. doi:10.1016\/j.phrs.2021.105479<\/p>\n Deinema LA, Vingrys AJ, Wong CY, Jackson DC, Chinnery HR, Downie LE. A randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial of two forms of omega-3 supplements for treating dry eye disease<\/a>.\u00a0Ophthalmology. 2017;124(1):43-52. doi:10.1016\/j.ophtha.2016.09.023<\/p>\n Sampalis F, Bunea R, Pelland MF, Kowalski O, Duguet N, Dupuis S. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea<\/a>. Altern Med Rev. 2003;8(2):171-179.<\/p>\n Environmental Reporting Collective. Krilling for oil<\/a>.<\/p>\n National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.\u00a0Omega-3 fatty acids<\/a>.<\/p>\n American Heart Association. Fish and omega-3 fatty acids<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Stephanie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/StephanieBrownnewheadshot-e5ca9ba2a404491384e9300a7871f190.jpg\")
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