Whether you want to focus on heart health, or less aches and pains, many of us will look for ways to support our health. Besides diet and keeping active, supplements can be a great way to provide some extra support. One popular supplement is krill oil. An alternative to the more traditional fish oil supplement, krill oil is rich in omega-3s to help support your health and wellbeing.  

But what is krill oil, how does it work and what is krill oil good for? Let’s take a closer look at everything you need to know about krill oil.  

Where does krill oil come from? 

Krill oil comes from the most abundant of all crustaceans, krill. This tiny marine creature can be found in oceans around the world, with its rich omega-3 fatty acid contents making them a popular food source for many animals, including penguins, whales, fish and other sea creatures. Of course, this is also the main reason they are sourced for human supplements too. 

Krill oil omega-3 fatty acids 

Like fish oil, krill oil contains two of the main omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)¹. Omega-3 is found in large concentrations in the brain and eyes. Overall, omega-3 has plenty of other benefits like supporting overall wellbeing, brain health and eye health.  

With this in mind, you might be wondering how does krill oil work and why is it so beneficial? This is thanks to a large portion of the omega-3 fatty acids found in the form of a molecule called phospholipids, which makes them more readily available for the body to use².  

So what are the krill oil benefits for your health? 

So, what are the benefits of taking krill oil? Research has found that taking krill oil can support your health in various ways³.  

From supporting your cardiovascular system and heart health to joint health, let’s take a closer look at some of the many benefits of krill oil.  

Krill oil for arthritis 

You may have heard about taking krill oil for osteoarthritis, arthritis and knee pain. Taking a krill oil supplement can help provide mild improvement in symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis.  

Pain and stiffness are often the main symptoms of arthritis and can often result from inflammation. One of the main krill oil benefits for arthritis is relieving knee pain and stiffness associated with mild to moderate osteoarthritis⁴. 

How much krill oil for arthritis?  

The amount of krill oil needed for mild to moderate arthritis will depend on the levels of DHA and EPA in the supplements. However, it’s always best to read the label on the product and consult with your healthcare professional before taking any supplement.  

Krill oil for heart health 

Krill oil has also been linked to supporting cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be ‘cardio-protective⁵ which means it may also help support your heart health. 

The verdict: Is krill oil good for you? 

In general, krill oil may be a great option to support your health and wellbeing. Whether you suffer from mild osteoarthritis symptoms of the knee, or are looking to support your heart health, there are plenty of benefits to taking a krill oil supplement.  

However, like any changes to your supplements or diet, you should consult with your doctor before switching up your regular routine.  

Krill oil aside, there may be other benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, including for your hair, skin and nails, during pregnancy and to help boost kids’ immune systems heart, brain and eye health. Check out the Swisse Wellness Hub for more on the potential benefits of omega-3 and other nutrients.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. May only provide a mild improvement in symptoms and take up to 6 months to see effects. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. 

References: 

1. Swanson, D., Block, R., & Mousa, S. A. (2012). Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life. Advances in Nutrition, 3(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.111.000893 
2. Ulven, S. M., & Holven, K. B. (2015). Comparison of bioavailability of krill oil versus fish oil and health effect. Vascular Health and Risk Management, 511. https://doi.org/10.2147/vhrm.s85165 
3. A Look at Krill Oil’s Benefits. (n.d.). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved February 26, 2024, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/krill-oil-vs-fish-oil 
4. LL Laslett, et al. “KARAOKE: Krill Oil versus Placebo in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial.” Trials, vol. 21, no. 1, 14 Jan. 2020, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3915-1. Accessed 2 Apr. 2024. 
5. Mori, Trevor A. “Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Cardiovascular Disease: Epidemiology and Effects on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.” Food Funct., vol. 5, no. 9, 2014, pp. 2004–2019, https://doi.org/10.1039/c4fo00393d.