Krill Oil Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Krill Oil Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Krill oil, derived from small shrimp-like creatures, is considered possibly safe for short-term oral use at doses up to 4 grams daily. However, caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient information.

How Does Krill Oil Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are essential for our health. These fatty acids are incorporated into phospholipids, aiding in various bodily functions.

The oil also contains omega-9 fatty acids, vitamins, and astaxanthin. Some potential mechanisms include anti-inflammatory effects, potential anti-cancer properties, cardiovascular benefits, and improved cognitive function.

Pharmacokinetics

Compared to fish oil, krill oil may have slightly lower concentrations of EPA and DHA. The phospholipid-bound EPA and DHA in krill oil might be more bioavailable than the triglyceride-bound forms in fish oil, although this is still debated among researchers.

Interaction Overview (See Full List Below)

Krill oil may interact with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs and antidiabetes drugs, potentially affecting blood clotting and blood sugar levels. It's important to exercise caution when using krill oil alongside these medications.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Some common side effects of krill oil include bloating, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fishy burps, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Krill oil products are often standardized to contain specific percentages of EPA and DHA. Different products may have varying compositions, so it's essential to check the label for details.

What is Krill Oil Typically Used For?

Krill oil has shown potential effectiveness in managing dry eye symptoms. However, its efficacy for other conditions like Alzheimer's disease, cancer prevention, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes needs further research for confirmation.

What Is The Difference Between Krill Oil & Fish Oil?

Fish oil and krill oil are both popular sources of omega-3 fatty acids, essential for supporting overall health. However, they differ in their composition and potential benefits.

Fish oil is derived from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna, and contains high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are in triglyceride form.

On the other hand, krill oil is extracted from krill, small crustaceans found in the ocean. Krill oil also contains EPA and DHA, but they are in phospholipid form, potentially making them more bioavailable (i.e., better absorbed).

Additionally, krill oil contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that is absent in most fish oil supplements. Some studies suggest that krill oil may be more efficiently absorbed due to the phospholipid-bound fatty acids and could result in smaller doses for similar benefits compared to fish oil. However, research is ongoing to determine if these differences translate into significant health advantages.

Drugs that interact with Krill Oil