Introduction
Krill oil is oil that comes from small ocean crustaceans called krill. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It has been used to lower cholesterol, ease joint pain, and boost brain function. It can be taken as a capsule.
Dosages
1 to 3 grams daily
What Research Shows
Likely Effective
- High Cholesterol —likely to raise HDL (“good”) and lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol B1, B2
Not Enough Data to Assess
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take krill oil for a short time. D1 Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period or by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse, such as:
- People with shellfish allergies should not take krill oil. It may cause a reaction.
References
REFA Dry Eye Disease
REFA1 Deinema LA, Vingrys AJ, et al. A Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of Two Forms of Omega-3 Supplements for Treating Dry Eye Disease. Ophthalmology. 2017 Jan;124(1):43-52.
REFB High Cholesterol
REFB1 Berge K, Musa-Veloso K, et al. Krill oil supplementation lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels. Nutr Res. 2014 Feb;34(2):126-133.
REFB2 Ursoniu S, Sahebkar A, et al. Lipid-modifying effects of frill oil in humans: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev. 2017;75(5):361-373.
REFC Knee Pain
REFC1 Suzuki Y, Fukushima M, et al. Krill Oil Improves Mild Knee Joint Pain: A Randomized Control Trial. PLoS One. 2016 Oct 4;11(10):e0162769.
REFD Safety
REFD1 Sarkkinen ES, Savolainen MJ, et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study on safety and tolerability of the krill powder product in overweight subjects with moderately elevated blood pressure. Lipids Health Dis. 2018 Dec 20;17(1):287.