Krill oil supports heart, brain, joint, and hormonal health better than fish oil thanks to superior absorption and added antioxidants. This guide explains the benefits, how it works, who should avoid it, and how to choose a supplement that actually delivers results.

What Is Krill Oil and How Does It Work in the Body?

Krill oil comes from tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans found deep in the icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean. They may be small, but they pack a serious nutritional punch.

Most people are familiar with fish oil, which delivers omega-3s like EPA and DHA in a triglyceride form. 

The problem?

Your body has to work harder to break that down and convert it into something usable. Krill oil skips that struggle. It delivers omega-3s in phospholipid form, which your body absorbs faster and more efficiently. Think of it like handing your cells exactly what they need, no extra processing required.

But the benefits don’t stop there.

Krill oil also contains astaxanthin, a naturally occurring antioxidant that gives krill their reddish color. Astaxanthin does more than fight free radicals, it works synergistically with EPA and DHA to support inflammation response, brain clarity, and heart health. It’s one of those ingredients you didn’t know you needed until you start feeling the difference.

We went a step further.

Our Antarctic Krill Oil formula nourishes your cells from the inside out. Because phospholipids are a key component of your cell membranes, you're not just supporting heart and brain health; you’re reinforcing the structure of every single cell in your body.

That’s the kind of foundational support I believe in, not hype, not hollow claims, just nutrients delivered in the most effective way possible.

Key Health Benefits of Krill Oil

We did a lot of research on Krill Oil before bringing it into our catalog. What we found were benefits that hit across the board. From heart and brain health to hormonal support and inflammation.

Cardiovascular Health

Krill oil has been shown to help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, two major risk factors for heart disease. That’s huge, especially if you’re looking for natural support before jumping straight to statins.

Now, let’s address something that comes up a lot. “Can krill oil cause AFib or mess with my heart rhythm?”

There have been studies exploring high-dose omega-3s and potential risks in people already predisposed to arrhythmias. But for the average healthy adult using a moderate dose, like the 250–500 mg of combined EPA and DHA in our Daily Defense® Krill Oil, there’s no evidence of increased risk.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. You may experience better blood lipid profiles, less inflammation, and a more balanced cardiovascular system.

Brain Function and Mood

We talk a lot about brain fog, memory lapses, and burnout, but not enough about the nutrients our brains actually need. DHA, found in krill oil, is a structural fat that makes up much of your brain’s gray matter. EPA, meanwhile, supports mood balance and cognitive clarity.

Astaxanthin adds another layer of defense, it fights oxidative stress, which can age your brain before its time.

Joint Support and Inflammation

Whether it’s a stiff knee in the morning or lingering aches after workouts, inflammation slows us down. Krill oil is a natural anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It doesn’t just mask discomfort, it works at the cellular level to reduce swelling and support joint mobility.

We’ve had customers ditch their ibuprofen after adding krill oil to their routine, and the science backs them up. The combination of EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin has been shown to rival over-the-counter pain meds in terms of reducing inflammation markers. That’s real relief, without the side effects.

Hormonal Balance and PMS

Ladies, this one’s especially for you. 

Clinical studies show that krill oil can significantly reduce the emotional and physical symptoms of PMS, from bloating and cramps to irritability and brain fog. The anti-inflammatory effect plays a big role here, but so does the support krill oil offers to the endocrine system overall.

Our whole approach is about helping your body feel balanced, not forced. And if one supplement can make that time of the month a little easier to manage? That’s a win.

Eye and Skin Health

You might not associate omega-3s with glowing skin or comfortable eyes, but you should. Krill oil helps hydrate the skin barrier and reduce UV-related skin aging. And for those dealing with dry eye symptoms, studies have shown krill oil can increase moisture and reduce redness over time.

Personally, I’ve noticed my skin feels less reactive and my eyes less strained after long work days. When you feed your body the right fats, it shows, in how you feel and how you look.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil: Which Is Better and Why?

Fish oil and krill oil both provide omega-3s, but in different forms. Fish oil offers high EPA/DHA levels and is budget-friendly. Krill oil absorbs faster, thanks to phospholipids, and includes astaxanthin for added antioxidant support. Both support heart, brain, and joint health effectively.

Absorption and Bioavailability

Absorption. Krill oil delivers EPA and DHA in phospholipid form, which your body recognizes and absorbs up to 48% better than the triglyceride form found in fish oil. It’s not about how much you take, it’s about how much your cells can actually use.

We leaned into this with a formula designed for efficient delivery. Our krill oil is phospholipid-bound for optimal uptake, which means you feel the benefits sooner, without having to megadose or wait months for changes.

Purity and Sustainability

Another big differentiator? 

Purity. Fish oil often comes from larger, older fish that accumulate more mercury and environmental toxins. Krill, on the other hand, live in the cleanest ocean zones on the planet, Antarctic waters, and they sit lower on the food chain, meaning far fewer contaminants.

There’s also the concern I hear about marine sustainability: “Is krill harvesting hurting the ocean?” 

Fair question. But here’s the reality, only a tiny fraction (well under 1%) of the global krill population is harvested annually, and it's done under strict regulation. Our sourcing prioritizes responsible fisheries certified for sustainability, so you're not just supporting your health, you’re protecting ocean life too.

Fishy Aftertaste and Side Effects

Fish oil burps are the worst. That metallic, fishy taste that creeps up after breakfast? Nobody wants that.

Krill oil avoids this altogether. Because it’s easier to digest and less prone to oxidation, you skip the reflux, bloating, and lingering taste. That said, some people do report mild nausea or fatigue when first starting krill oil. Usually, that’s your body adjusting, or it's a sign the supplement you’re using might be low quality or improperly dosed.

We formulated our softgels for smooth digestion and steady absorption, so you’re not surprised by side effects later.

Allergen and Dietary Sensitivities

If you’ve got a shellfish allergy, krill oil might not be your best bet. Krill are technically crustaceans, so there’s a potential for cross-reaction. If that’s you, consider algae-based omega-3s as a safer plant-based alternative.

But if allergies aren’t a concern, krill oil is one of the cleanest, most bioavailable ways to support your omega-3 needs without resorting to synthetic or heavily processed oils.

Are Krill Oil Supplements Safe? Who Should Avoid Them?

If you’re generally healthy, krill oil is one of the safest daily supplements you can take.

That said, no supplement is one-size-fits-all.

For most adults, especially those looking for support with heart, brain, joint, or hormonal health, krill oil offers a safe, well-tolerated option. It’s naturally low in contaminants, has a high bioavailability profile, and comes with fewer side effects than fish oil. But even “gentle” supplements can have reactions in sensitive individuals.

Some people may experience mild side effects like digestive discomfort (think bloating or loose stools), fatigue, or a headache in the first few days. These reactions are rare and usually fade quickly, especially when taken with food, as recommended for our Daily Defense softgels.

What to Look For in a High-Quality Krill Oil Supplement

Featured Product - ANTARCTIC KRILL OIL Omega-3 EPA/DHA

Shopping for supplements can feel like decoding a foreign language. Fancy labels, inflated milligrams, claims that sound too good to be true. If you’re going to invest in your health, you should know what you’re getting, and what’s actually worth paying for.

Here’s what I look for (and why we built Daily Defense® Krill Oil the way we did):

Phospholipid Content

This is the secret sauce when it comes to krill oil’s effectiveness. Phospholipids are the delivery system that makes krill oil different from fish oil, and better. They help your body absorb omega-3s more efficiently and integrate them directly into your cell membranes.

If a supplement doesn’t clearly list its phospholipid content, that’s a red flag. It usually means it’s either low quality or trying to ride the coattails of real krill oil without actually delivering the bioavailable benefits.

Look for at least 200mg of phospholipids per 1,000mg softgel, anything less, and you’re not getting what you paid for.

Astaxanthin Dosage

Astaxanthin is the antioxidant that gives krill oil its vibrant red hue, and a big part of what sets it apart from basic fish oil. But here’s the catch: not all krill oil supplements contain a meaningful dose.

Without enough astaxanthin, you miss out on key inflammation and oxidative stress protection. Our formula is designed to include a potent, natural dose so you actually feel the difference it makes, especially for joint, brain, and skin health.

Third-Party Testing

Certifications like IKOS (specific to krill oil) or NSF show that a product has been tested for purity, potency, and contaminants like heavy metals.

We go even further by ensuring in-house GMP compliance. That means every batch is tested, traced, and verified, so what’s on the label is actually in the capsule.

Clean Manufacturing

Where and how your supplements are made matters. We manufacture our krill oil in FDA-registered, GMP-certified facilities right here in the U.S. No cutting corners. No offshore mystery labs. No fillers, artificial additives, or shady sourcing.

It’s not the cheapest way to make supplements, but it’s the only way I’d ever put my name behind.

How to Take Krill Oil for Best Results

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from running a supplement company, it’s this: even the best formula won’t help you if you don’t take it right. Krill oil is no different. Get your timing, dosage, and consistency right, and you’ll start to notice subtle, powerful shifts in how your body feels day to day.

Suggested Dosage

The sweet spot for most people is 1 to 2 softgels per day, preferably taken with a meal. Why meals? Because fat-soluble nutrients like omega-3s absorb better when your digestive system is already in gear. Skipping this step is a rookie mistake, and a common reason people say they “didn’t feel anything.”

Our Krill Oil is dosed to deliver that optimal range of EPA and DHA with just one or two softgels a day, so you’re not juggling a handful of pills to hit your target.

When to Expect Results

I always tell people.

Give it 4 to 6 weeks. You’re not taking ibuprofen, you’re feeding your cells the tools they need to rebuild and repair over time. For some, the improvements show up sooner (less joint stiffness, better mood, fewer PMS symptoms). For others, the change is gradual, but steady.

Krill Oil and Medications

Supplements can interact with medications. If you’re on blood thinners, have a diagnosed condition, or take any prescription regularly, it’s worth having a conversation with your healthcare provider before adding krill oil.

Why Krill Oil Belongs in Your Daily Wellness Stack

If there’s one supplement that checks nearly every box, it’s krill oil. We’re talking about real, measurable support for your heart, your brain, your joints, and even your skin, all in a form your body actually wants to absorb.

It’s rare to find something that supports so many systems at once without needing a cocktail of capsules or a shelf full of half-used bottles. That’s why krill oil has earned a permanent place in my personal wellness stack, and why we made sure our Daily Defense® Antarctic Krill Oil reflects that same philosophy.