The 11 Best Krill Oil Supplements in 2020

Is there a supplement out there that can sharpen your brain, lower your cholesterol, and improve your skin? Although it may sound too good to be true, these are just a few of the many benefits acclaimed by Krill Oil. Dubbed the new “Ocean Superfood” this unique supplement is gaining widespread popularity around the world for good reason.

At first glance:

Best Overall: 1MD Antarctic Krill Oil Platinum

Best For Affordability: Jarrow Formulas Krill Oil

“An affordable option with modest amounts of phospholipids.”

The 11 best krill oil supplements in 2020

We’ve sorted through the masses of krill oil products available and to save you time, have produced this list of the best krill oil supplements in 2020.

#1 – Editor’s Choice

KrillMD by 1MD

Packs a punch

There is a reason KrillMD is our Editors Pick, its ultra potent. One serving contains a whopping 1600 mg of krill oil. Thats almost 30% more than the super potent Viva Naturals Krill Oil (our 2nd highest rated) below.

Results are compelling

In a survey conducted in December 2016, 89% of users reported an improvement in joint health. 83% noted an improvement in mental performance.

Highest astaxanthin in the market

To top things off this supplement includes the highest amount of astaxanthin in the market. A total of 2mg per serve.

You can find the best price available as of December 2020 on 1MD’s website below.

Best Price: (60 capsules) on 1md.org

PRO’S

• 1600 mg of pure krill oil per serving (120mg DHA, 174mg EPA, and 2mg astaxanthin)
• 550 mg of phospholipids
• The highest astaxanthin level in the market
• Sourced sustainably
• Lemon coating for easy digestion

CON’S

• None – we love this product

#2 Viva Naturals Premium Antarctic Krill Oil

Right on target

With two capsules daily, you can get 1250mg of krill oil, which is slightly above the daily recommendation.

Viva Naturals Krill Oil freeze their krill straight after they catch them. This ensures the nutrients are guaranteed. Also, they only harvest krill from Antarctic waters, which ensures that they meet the International Krill Oil Standards Program. This is very important to maintain an ecologically sustainable product and protect our precious oceans.

They’ve also been thoughtful enough to design their capsules in a way that minimizes the occurrence of fishy burps or aftertaste.

Astaxanthin galore

Viva Naturals has included a huge hit of 1.6mg of astaxanthin per dose. This is more than you’re going to see in most krill oil products by far.

Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1250 mg krill oil per serving of 2 capsules (165mg EPA, 95mg DHA and 1.6mg astaxanthin)
• Easy to swallow, smaller capsules with technology to avoid fishy burps and aftertaste
• 500 mg of phospholipids per serving
• Huge amount of astaxanthin compared with other brands
• Complies with ecologically sustainable practices and standards

CON’S

• Capsules have been known to burst and sometimes leak

#3 Sports Research – Antarctic Krill Oil (Double Strength)

One soft-gel a day

Keep things super simple with this product from Sports Research. You only need to take one soft-gel a day for all your krill oil needs. It does fall a bit short of the recommended daily dose with just 1000mg of krill oil in each capsule. However, it scores extra points for great levels of EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin.

Superba2 technology

This krill oil comes with the advanced formula Superba2 that gets rid of any fishy aftertaste and is clinically proven to increase omega-3 levels in the body. All of these claims are backed by a 90 day money back guarantee on your first purchase if you aren’t completely satisfied.

Price: (60 softgels) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 1 softgel (128mg EPA, 60mg DHA and 1mg astaxanthin)
• Once a day capsule
• Comes with a money back guarantee
• Sustainably sourced

CON’S

• Slightly fishy burps reported by users despite guarantees there wouldn’t be
• Falls a bit short of daily recommendation of omega-3 fatty acids

#4 Pure Label Nutrition Krill Oil

Benefits upon benefits

This product from Pure Label Nutrition has helped consumers get their cholesterol down rapidly, increase their energy, reduce inflammation and pain in joints, manage arthritis, and so much more. And if that doesn’t convince you, you can enjoy their money back guarantee if you don’t love this product.

Quality krill oil

Pure Label Nutrition is so committed to giving you the highest quality krill oil that they guarantee it is 100% purified plus mercury, GMO, gluten, and solvent free. And although it may seem like an insignificant issue, but users have reported no fishy burps or aftertaste even after going through several bottles of this product. This is despite a slightly fishy smell when opening the bottle for the first time.

Price: (60 softgels) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 2 softgels (120mg EPA, 80mg DHA and 0.2mg astaxanthin)
• Guaranteed high quality krill oil
• Money back guarantee
• No fishy burps
• Reviews on Amazon indicate results are seen quickly

CON’S

• Less astaxanthin than other brands
• Slightly fishy smell when opening bottle for first time

#5 Bronson Antarctic Krill Oil

50 years of experience

When you buy this product from Bronson, you’re also buying half a century’s worth of experience and knowledge in the health and vitamin industry. This business has been around for a long time and understands how to make quality products. They ensure that this product is manufactured, tested, and packaged within their company so they know what the quality is like at all times.

Something smells fishy

From their reviews on Amazon, some users have reported a strong fishy smell to these soft gels. They recommend leaving them in the bottle until you need to take them as opposed to putting them in your pill pack and causing the smell to stick to the container. On the other hand, some reviews did advise the fishy smell is definitely there but not offensive at all. Therefore, this may not be an issue for you depending on your tolerance for odors.

Price: (60 softgels) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 2 softgels (120mg EPA, 80mg DHA and 0.2mg astaxanthin)
• Money back guarantee
• Company with 50 years’ experience
• Very affordable

CON’S

• Less astaxanthin than other brands
• Some users report softgels smell very fishy

#6 Dr. Mercola Antarctic Krill Oil

No fillers

Unlike many other brands, Dr. Mercola’s krill oil contains zero fillers. In place of fillers they have included organic olive oil and rosemary extract, which are excellent substitutes.

Enhanced shelf-life

These capsules have technology in them that stops them from oxidizing, which can happen naturally over time. By preventing this, it means the krill oil will stay even fresher. Also, the nutrients will be ready to go to work as soon as they get into your system as long as you consume them before their expiry date. This product is also backed with a huge 365-day guarantee if you’re not satisfied.

Price: (60 capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 2 capsules (120mg EPA, 55mg DHA and 2mg astaxanthin)
• Huge amount of astaxanthin
• Technology to prevent oxidation
• No fillers
• 365 day money back guarantee

CON’S

• Capsules are made with gelatin from the fish tilapia, some users have reported negative reactions to this

#7 Jarrow Formulas Krill Oil

Phospholipids a plenty

With roughly half of the 1200 mg serving size being phospholipids (650mg) this product is sure to be absorbed easily by your body so that you can reap the health benefits. Most brands will generally have less than half the serving size of phospholipids. However Jarrow’s didn’t cut any corners here.

Astaxanthin levels are relatively low

They may not have skimped on the phospholipids, but unfortunately this product only carries just over 0.1mg of astaxanthin. This antioxidant protects your krill oil from losing its potency. Therefore, it would have been good to see it in higher levels in a product such as this one that hits the mark on all other aspects.

Price: (60 softgel capsules) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1200mg of krill oil per serving of 2 softgels (120mg EPA and 70mg DHA)
• 650mg phospholipids per serving
• Hits the exact daily recommendation of krill oil
• Affordable

CON’S

• Only 0.115 mg astaxanthin per serving

#8 Purity Labs Pure Antarctic Krill Oil

Contains omega-6

Similar to omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids have been known to assist with issues like ADHD, diabetic neuropathy, allergies, and rheumatoid arthritis as well as lowering bad cholesterol. Purity Labs have included an omega-6 count of 40mg per serving which is a beneficial added bonus.

The omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in krill is about 1:12. Unfortunately, omega-3 levels have been lowered a little in this product with around 60mg EPA and 40mg DHA per serving.

Comparatively, this is a bit less than other brands. Generally, omega-6 is found in a lot of fast foods and meats which are generally abundant in everyone’s diet. Therefore, increasing it in this supplement and removing some omega-3 may have been a little counterproductive depending on your specific health needs.

Price: (60 softgels) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 1 softgel (60mg EPA, 40mg DHA and 0.4mg astaxanthin)
• 1 softgel daily
• Contains omega-6

CON’S

• Only 200 mg of phospholipids per capsule
• Less EPA and DHA than other brands

#9 Onnit Krill Oil

Big focus on sustainability

One of Onnit’s biggest selling points are that their suppliers go to great lengths to make sure only krill are caught and that other sea life does not get tangled up in the harvesting process. Because of this, Onnit has been certified a “Friend of the Sea.” This certification is from an organization that focuses on protecting our seas through sustainable seafood practices.

Price: (60 softgels) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 2 soft gels (130mg EPA, 60mg DHA and 0.2mg astaxanthin)
• Certified “Friend of the Sea” for ecologically sustainable practices
• Non-GMO as well as gluten and soy free

CON’S

• Pricier than other brands
• Lower level of astaxanthin than other brands

#10 Daily Nutra Neptune Krill Oil

Money back guarantee

Daily Nutra are so sure you’ll see benefits from their product that they offer a 60-day money back guarantee, so you can try this krill oil risk-free.

Lower your cholesterol

From the customer reviews, a huge trend with this product is that it’s been effective at lowering cholesterol. This is one of the main reasons consumers use krill oil. Therefore, it’s great to know that it’s delivering results that will lower your risk of heart disease.

Price: (60 softgels) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 2 softgels (120mg EPA, 60mg DHA and 0.1mg astaxanthin)
• Lowers cholesterol effectively

CON’S

• Pricier than other brands
• Less phospholipids than other brands (390mg per serving)
• Lower level of astaxanthin than other brands

#11 Kiva Antarctic Krill Oil

Tested by IKOS

Kiva has their krill oil third-party tested by the International Krill Oil Standard program to ensure that their product is of the highest quality and purity. It’s also been tested for heavy metals so you can be sure all measures are taken to prevent unnecessary toxins in your supplement.

Price: (60 softgels) on Amazon

PRO’S

• 1000 mg krill oil per serving of 2 soft gels (160mg EPA, 72mg DHA and 0.102mg astaxanthin)
• Good level of phospholipids (480mg per serving)
• Third party tested
• Tested for heavy metals

CON’S

• Lower level of astaxanthin that other brands

What is krill oil?

Krill are tiny, shrimp-looking crustaceans that live in the oceans of the world. At only about 10mm-20mm in size, they are food for larger sea mammals like penguins, whales, and seals.

Generally, the krill used to extract krill oil are harvested from the freezing, pristine Antarctic waters. Harvesting them from here, coupled with krill having a short lifespan, means there’s much less chance they will be carrying mercury and toxins inside their tiny bodies. This is just one of the advantages that krill oil has over fish oil.

Euphausia superba is the species of krill mostly used for krill oil. Krill all over the world make up one of the largest biomasses on this earth at an estimated 600 million tons. So, as this research article mentions, krill are an ecologically sustainable resource.

What can a krill oil supplement do for my health?

Krill oil is a supplement that provides your body with omega-3 fatty acids. Krill possess such high amounts of these acids because they feed on algae, which is a natural source of omega-3.

Your body is unable to produce these fatty acids on its own, but they are essential for human health. Therefore, unless you’re consuming the equivalent of eight ounces of fish every week, which would give you the recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids, then it may be a good idea to think about introducing a supplement to your life.

What does Krill Oil Contain?

The health benefits of krill oil boil down to the following key components:

Highly concentrated Polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids

Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, or POFAs, assist with the prevention and treatment of heart disease as well as inflammation and other related health issues.

Antioxidants in the form of carotenoids

Astaxanthin, a type of carotenoid antioxidant, provides can help fight off oxidative stress that can help prevent liver damage. In addition, it can provide protection against ultraviolet light and UV-induced skin damage.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in reproduction, bone growth, and immune system health. It is also essential to healthy vision and good skin.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage and helps to lower cholesterol

Phosphatidylcholine

Astaxanthin, a type of carotenoid antioxidant, provides can help fight off oxidative stress that can help prevent liver damage. In addition, it can provide protection against ultraviolet light and UV-induced skin damage.

So what is omega-3?

There are three types of omega-3 fatty acids that include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and the less beneficial alpha-linolenic acid. These acids help with everything from mental health to fighting chronic inflammation. Most importantly however, omega-3 can lower your cholesterol and risk of heart disease.

The great thing about krill oil is that these fatty acids are stored as phospholipids, as opposed to fish oil where they’re stored as triglycerides (more on this later). Phospholipids are thought to be more easily absorbed by the human body, however more studies need to be conducted on this before it can be confirmed.

Here’s a few of the benefits some of the best krill oil supplements can provide:

1. Easier to absorb than fish oil

As mentioned above, krill oil actually comes in the form of a phospholipid which is a molecule that is made up of two fatty acids, a phosphate group and one glycerol molecule.

All this basically means that these lipids like to line themselves up neatly with your cell membranes and therefore can be absorbed easily.

Although more research is needed to confirm this fact, the triglycerides that fish oil’s fatty acids are stored in may not be as easily absorbed into the body as the fatty acids from krill oil.

2. Reduces and prevents inflammation

Inflammation is important because it’s our body’s way of fighting off infections and healing wounds. However, not all inflammation is necessary. And when it becomes chronic inflammation, you might need a helping hand to calm things down. The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil is able to be converted into eicosanoids, or signalling molecules that tell your body to release anti-inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins.

3. Can help fight mental disorders

DHA makes up around 60% of your total brain tissue. A krill oil supplement can help to lubricate it and allow greater cognitive function. In addition, the other fatty acids will help with submitting the electrical pulses that your brain uses to communicate with the rest of your body.

Keeping your brain in top health with consistent omega-3 fatty acid intake can help with the following disorders:

• Schizophrenia
• ADHD
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Alzheimer’s

4. Lowers cholesterol to improve cardiovascular health

The heart health benefits of krill oil are perhaps the most widely known. Omega-3 acids are known to assist with lowering bad cholesterol levels, increasing good cholesterol, and reducing triglycerides in your body

As this research article details, a study conducted over 12 weeks in which the subjects were given krill oil everyday showed a 13-18% reduction in cholesterol. Therefore, your overall cardiovascular health can be greatly improved when introducing a krill oil supplement into your diet. In addition, krill oil can also reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and insulin resistance in diabetic individuals.

5. Reduces PMS Symptoms

Because omega-3 reduces inflammation, keeps hormones in balance and combats fatigue and mood-related issues, taking a daily krill oil supplement may help you around that dreaded time of the month if you suffer from bad PMS.

6. Contains the antioxidant astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in krill oil that isn’t generally found in fish oil. It protects EPA and DHA from oxidizing and losing its potency. As the levels are so low, you won’t get the normal antioxidant benefits from it. However, it will help your krill oil’s fatty acids to be protected and optimized when working throughout your body.

7. Fights autoimmune diseases

Autoimmune diseases are those that occur when your immune system starts attacking normal cells because it mistakes them for nasty, harmful ones. Diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and more are often very hard to treat. However, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to alleviating their symptoms.

8. Liver repair

Research suggests phosphatidylcholines found in Krill Oil, may have a healing effect on liver cells, and thus encourage liver repair.

9. Reduces cancer cells

Research shows that some cancer cells will respond to omega-3 by slowing and even reversing their growth. This result has been seen mostly with hormonal cancers and colorectal cancer. Because of these findings, consistent krill oil intake may help to prevent certain cancers.

10. Fetal brain development

For pregnant women, krill oil may be beneficial for two reasons. First of all, there is very little risk of heavy metal contamination. This is due to krill being at the bottom of the food chain. Therefore, the krill don’t have the time to gather pollutants compared to other marine sources. Hence, it is reasonably safe to use during pregnancy.

Secondly, the high concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial for good fetal brain development and early childhood brain development.

Please remember however that expectant mothers should always consult their doctor before taking any supplements while pregnant.

11. Skin care and wound healing

The high potency of omega-3 fatty acids present in krill oil may have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect on the skin. This can help to reduce acne and scarring and improve the healing process of wounds.

Also, since it is an oil, krill oil can benefit hair and skin by providing an all-around glow. The presence of vitamins A and E also help in the improvement of hair and skin conditions and act as antioxidants alongside the carotenoid astaxanthin.

12. Weight Loss

The omega-3 fatty acids present in krill oil is thought to speed up metabolism and fat burning, as well as reduce appetite.

These are only the findings so far on krill oil. However, after more testing on krill oil and its benefits, it is a wonder what other amazing properties it possesses.

Krill oil v fish oil

Whether to use krill oil or fish oil is one of the most commonly asked questions and has sparked a series of debates worldwide. These conversations have pointed to krill oil as being superior for the following reasons

Bioavailable

The most unique thing about krill oil is its natural composition. It contains omega-3 fatty acids which are attached to phospholipids. This means that your body can readily absorb it unlike the triglycerides in fish oil which have to be broken down in your gut.

Krill oil is therefore more effective, as it allows the body to absorb up to 15 times more omega-3 than fish oil. This also allows for a lower dosage, which can ultimately save you money.

High Antioxidant levels

Krill oil’s antioxidant levels are 48 times higher than fish oil. This is mainly due to the high potency of antioxidant astaxanthin which formulates a unique bond with omega-3 fats.

Environmentally sustainable

Krill harvesting is carefully regulated. It is considered one of the most environmentally sustainable practices on the planet.

Only 1 to 2% of krill biomass is harvested each year. This takes some of the guilt away of consuming it.

Contamination free

As krill is at the bottom of the food chain it feeds on phytoplankton as opposed to contaminated fish. This makes it pure and uncontaminated. This is in contrast to fish oil which is prone to mercury and other toxins.

No fishy aftertaste

Unlike fish oil, which gives you a terrible fishy aftertaste particularly after burping, krill oil has less of the fishy taste. Krill oil also comes in smaller-sized gel capsules, which makes them easier to swallow.

Tips and tricks for purchasing the best krill oil supplement

• Where do my krill come from?

The best krill oil comes from the southern most part of the earth. For the most toxin-free krill oil, make sure they’re being harvested from the pristine waters of Antarctica and in an ecologically sustainable way.

• Omega-3 content

Omega-3 fatty acids are the main reason you’re going to be consuming krill oil. Therefore, be sure to get a supplement that has the highest levels possible within the daily recommendation of around 1200mg and never exceeding 2000mg krill oil daily.

The best brands will list exactly how much EPA and DHA they have in them. Also pay attention to how much astaxanthin is listed. The higher the astaxanthin levels, the better your omega-3 fatty acids will be protected in your body and in their capsules before you’ve purchased them.

• Serving size

Pick a product as close to 1200mg per serving that you can find. If this is all in one capsule, it is even better since it will be easier to remember to take. However, most brands will recommend two capsules a day, so be sure the serving size measures up to the daily recommendation.

• Phospholipids

As mentioned above, the most important difference between krill oil and fish oil is that krill oil is delivered into your body in the form of phospholipids. Be sure to pick a product with a high level of phospholipids to ensure the most efficient absorption into your body.

• Steer clear of toxins, chemicals and additives

Be on the lookout for brands that bulk out their krill oil capsules with additives, allergens or fillers – steer clear of them at all costs. And if you can, do a little research into the brand’s extraction and production processes and side effects to make sure they don’t expose the supplement to any kind of harmful toxins or chemicals.

Staci Gulbin

Staci Gulbin
MS, MEd, RD, LDN.

Staci has been a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration since 2010 and has over a decade of experience in the nutrition and dietetics industry. She has graduate degrees in Biology, Human Nutrition, and Nutrition and Education from New York University, the Columbia University Institute of Human Nutrition, and Teacher’s College, Columbia University, respectively.