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Krill Oil: The Best Form of Omega-3s?
We Found The Answers. Plus, What To Look For In An Omega-3 Supplement, And Our Top 5.
Advertiser Disclosure
Omega-3s are some of the most vital nutrients for human health, yet some of the hardest to get. These critical fatty acids allow our joints to move smoothly, keep our cholesterol under control, and protect our mental health. Unfortunately, our bodies don't produce omega-3s by themselves, so we need to get them through our diet.
Fish and fish oil are our most-available sources of omega-3s. However, our bodies can hardly absorb omega-3s from fish, limiting their ability to support joint, heart, and mental health.
That's why Americans seeking to improve their overall health are turning to krill oil supplements. Derived from tiny, shrimp-like ocean dwellers, this omega-3 source has unique properties that significantly increase its absorbability.
However, this new trend has led to an explosion in krill oil supplements, leaving many wondering which supplements can truly help their health, and which fall short.
That's why Smarter Reviews compiled months of research on krill oil supplements. In this quick guide, we'll show you what to look for, what to avoid, and even reveal the top 5 krill oil supplements on the market today.
Studies Show Omega-3s Can Help:
Omega-3 fatty acids are rich in heart-healthy HDL cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol. HDL helps dislodge bad cholesterol from your arterial walls, supporting cardiovascular health and reduced risk of heart health issues.1
Krill omega-3s are shown to ease strained muscles around the joints. This gives your joints more room to move, helping increase mobility while combating one of the biggest causes of joint discomfort.2
Omega-3s are a key building block for brain cell membranes. Studies show that by giving your body a consistent supply of high-quality omega-3s, supplements help support optimal brain function and memory.7
In numerous studies, researchers have found links between omega-3 supplements and decreased anxiety levels.7
By helping combat muscular stress, omega-3s support relaxed, ache-free muscles. On top of promoting your overall comfort, this helps sustain an active lifestyle.19
Omega-3s make up a large portion of the macula, a part of the eye that focuses our vision. Supplements help give your body the resources it needs to keep your macula healthy long-term.4
Why Krill Oil Has The Most Effective Omega-3s
In clinical studies, krill oil is shown to be significantly more absorbable by our bodies, making it more effective at supporting heart, joint, and mental health.13 That’s because, unlike fish oil, krill omega-3s come in a unique phospholipid form.
Phospholipids are porous, soft membranes that surround krill omega-3 molecules. Our cells also have a phospholipid form. Due to this shared trait, it’s easier for our cells to absorb and use krill omega-3s.
This increased absorbability makes krill omega-3s the best way to support balanced cholesterol, smooth, comfortable joints, and a clear, relaxed mind.
But that’s not the only advantage of krill oil’s unique form.
Advantages Of Krill Oil
Safety
Toxic contaminants such as mercury and PCBs are known to accumulate in some of the larger fish used to create fish oil. These heavy metals can cause serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women. On the other hand, krill are too low on the food chain to accumulate toxic heavy metals, making them safe to consume.
Purity
Quality krill oil is held to an extremely high purity standard. As a result, it’s known to have less of the “fishy” aftertaste found in most fish oil.
Astaxanthin
This powerful antioxidant isn't available in fish oil, but it's found in high quantities in lobster, crayfish
With its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, krill oil has become essential in helping curb stiffness and joint pain, lowering triglyceride levels to boost heart health, and keeping your brain sharp and memory clear.
Your Definitive Krill Oil Checklist
Picking any krill oil off the shelf may not give you the results you were hoping for. That's why it’s important to keep these additional tips in mind when shopping for a krill oil supplement.
Clinically Recommended Dosages
Some brands will use quality ingredients, but skimp out on dosages in order to save money. So even if you’re getting the right ingredients, if they’re not in their recommended dosages, you won’t experience the full benefits. We recommend looking for a supplement that lists at least 1600 mg serving size of pure, effective krill oil.
Prioritize Quality
It's vital to prioritize quality when searching for a krill oil supplement, even if that means paying a little more for a high-quality, safe, and clinically-tested formula. Your health is far too valuable to take such a gamble.
Money-back Guarantee
It’s always a good idea to invest in a krill oil supplement that offers a 100% money-back guarantee that shows the company's faith in its product. Look for brands that offer at least a 90-day money-back guarantee.
Beware Of These Ingredients
Mercury
Mercury is a highly reactive heavy metal, and the long-term exposure to low levels of mercury are highly misunderstood.1,8 Mercury may make people susceptible to
PCBs
PCBs—or polychlorinated biphenyls—are a group of manufactured organic chemicals. PCBs account for 209 individually chlorinated chemicals.19 PCBs typically have a higher concentration in fish, even with low levels of PCBs in the water.
The major concerns with these two contaminants are that they are persistent in our oceans, and they accumulate up the food chain. Basically, big fish eat little fish, and since big fish are higher up the food chain, the concentration levels of heavy metals (mercury and PCBs) has an increased chance of being dangerous to humans. 19-20
Since fish oil may be extracted from the tissues of fish that are higher up the food chain, it might be more contaminated. However, krill are at the very bottom of the food chain, their lifespans are shorter than fish, and since krill eat algae they are relatively free of dioxins and PCBs. 20
2021's Top 5 Krill Oil Supplements On The Market
We tested 72 different omega-3 supplements, and based on our 5 pillars of excellence: ingredient safety, projected effectiveness, value, return policy, and customer satisfaction, we discovered the Top 5 Krill Oil Supplements of 2021.
1. KrillMDTM
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Total Ranking
147 votes
9.5/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- 1600 mg of Pure Krill Oil with 174 mg of EPA, 120 mg of DHA
- 550 mg of phospholipids
- 2 mg of astaxanthin
- 100% natural with zero synthetic ingredients
- Lemon oil coated, easy-to-swallow pills
- 90-day unconditional 100% money-back return policy
CONS
- Due to popular demand, frequently out of stock
The Bottom Line
KrillMDTM by 1MD is Smarter Review's number one choice. This superior omega-3 supplement uses a scientifically studied krill oil formula that contains 1600 mg of krill
Additionally, they also provide 2 mg of astaxanthin and 550 mg of phospholipids. It's clear that 1MD has done their homework.
We verified that their formula doesn't contain synthetic fillers or artificial ingredients. 1MD stands by their products by offering a generous 90-day unconditional money-back guarantee.
1MD is endorsed by two board-certified doctors, and this is the only brand we found to work with top physicians. They also offer bundled discounts— click below to learn more about their specials.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn About Our Top Pick2. KrillWell
Total Ranking
151 votes
9.1/10
A-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Contains a potent dose of EPA & DHA
- Contains powerful phospholipids and astaxanthin
- Non-GMO & non-dairy
- Made in USA
- Gluten & Soy Free
- 365-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Not endorsed by an MD
The Bottom Line
KrillWell by LiveWell Nutrition comes in a close second with its potent amounts of EPA and DHA in their sustainably-sourced krill oil.
It also contains the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin and is phospholipid-bound, ensuring increased bioavailability.
We also found that LiveWell recently opened an Amazon store where you can buy this krill oil supplement for a discounted price. It does, however, appear to be a new listing, explaining the lack of reviews.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn More3. MegaRed Ultra Concentration Omega-3 Krill Oil
Total Ranking
573 votes
8.4/10
B
Overall Grade
PROS
- Many positive customer reviews*
- 225 mcg of astaxanthin (from krill oil)
- Krill-derived omega supplement
CONS
- Only contains 750 mg of krill oil
- Contains artificial sweeteners
- No money-back guarantee offered
The Bottom Line
MegaRed by Schiff is a well-known and popular brand name. However, this product contains a significantly lower amount of krill oil than the others on this list. It also contains the artificial sweetener sorbitol. After thoroughly searching the website we cannot find any sort of money-back guarantee to be found. These setbacks bump it down our top list.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn More4. Kori Krill Oil Superior Omega-3TM
Total Ranking
453 votes
7.7/10
C+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Derived from well-sourced, natural krill
- High purity standard
- Gluten and GMO-Free
CONS
- Contains only 250 mg of DHA and EPA
- Only 1200 mg of krill oil per serving
- Insufficient 120 mcg dose of astaxanthin
- No money-back guarantee
The Bottom Line
Sustainably sourced from Antarctic krill, Kori Krill adheres to an extremely high standard of purity and quality. Unfortunately, one serving brings a wanting 1200 mg of krill oil. Its combined 250 mg of DHA and EPA is well below standard. With only 120 mcg of astaxanthin, Kori Krill offers limited benefit to skin health. Still, Kori Krill earns a spot in our Top 5 for their commitment to all-natural ingredients and total purity.
*Results are based on users' personal experiences collected on this page and do not necessarily reflect typical results of using these products. Please see product website for more information.
Learn More5. Omega XL
Total Ranking
263 votes
7.0/10
C-
Overall Grade
PROS
- 300 mg proprietary blend
- Has only 40 mg of mussel oil
CONS
- Amounts of EPA and DHA are not specified
- Many customers are unhappy with the product overall*
- 90-day (conditional) guarantee
The Bottom Line
Omega XL is a mussel source omega product. It contains a 300 mg proprietary blend. The amounts of EPA and DHA in this product are not specified. We found the product only offers 40 mg of mussel oil, which is obviously low and not krill-based. We found many negative reviews about the product on Amazon. They offer a 90-day conditional money-back guarantee that does not include shipping. Ultimately, this was the bottom of our top five.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageAuthor
Tom
Tom is a lifelong nutrition enthusiast who recently retired from his career in pharmacology to write about natural health. When he isn't researching health products, Tom enjoys exploring local farmers markets and growing his own organic vegetables.
Our Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. Smarter-Reviews.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 5 Minutes
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