Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 2 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Krill Oil 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Puritan's Pride

Softgel Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Krill Oil 500 mg is a dietary supplement by Puritan's Pride with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, skin health and aging, eye health.Based on those ingredients, 838 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, Ester-Omega Krill Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Krill Oil 500 mg by Puritan's Pride

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Partial disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Partial

Most active ingredients list an amount, but at least one is hidden in a blend or missing.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 4 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (86 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Ester-Omega Krill Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (500 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This krill oil supplement contains 5 active ingredients. The main active components are omega-3 fatty acids — specifically eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid — plus phospholipids, other fatty acids, and astaxanthin, a natural pigment from krill.

The supplement also contains inactive ingredients: gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and sorbitol, which help form and stabilize the softgel capsule.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Astaxanthin's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: reduce risk of coronary heart disease.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hyperlipidemia (Natural Medicines).

The effectiveness data for astaxanthin — the one ingredient we could rate — shows insufficient reliable evidence for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The facts we hold don't establish that this product works for any specific condition.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Krill Oil

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Astaxanthin appears generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects reported are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools.

At higher doses, some people experienced severe stomach or abdominal pain. Because there isn't enough safety data, the evidence advises against using this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your personal situation and whether this is right for you.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Krill Oil

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Astaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 672 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you take any medications broken down by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes — this includes many common statins, heart drugs, immunosuppressants, and some other prescriptions. No interactions are documented for the other fatty acid ingredients we could not check, but that is not a guarantee none exist.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glancePartially disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Krill Oil 500 mg may be worth considering if you're interested in omega-3 supplementation, but the astaxanthin it contains could affect how your liver clears certain medications. If you take any prescription drugs — especially those for cholesterol, heart conditions, or immune function — check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Pregnant people and those breastfeeding should avoid it unless cleared by their healthcare provider.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 5 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 24, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Krill Oil 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Puritan's Pride
Barcode (UPC) 025077535385
Net contents 30 Rapid Release Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 24, 2023
DSLD ID 286006
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Qualified Health
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Krill Oil 500 mg by Puritan's Pride, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
025077535385
IngredientAmount% DV
Phospholipids202 mg--
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids86 mg--
Other Fatty Acids0 NP--
Docosahexaenoic Acid25 mg--
Eicosapentaenoic Acid40 mg--
Astaxanthin101 mcg--
Ester-Omega Krill Oil500 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Sorbitol

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Puritan’s Pride supplements are produced from the finest raw materials under stringent quality control standards. State-of-the-art manufacturing and packaging facilities ensure you the highest quality nutritional supplements money can buy. When it comes to your health...choose the best.

To reorder item # 53538 www.puritan.com 1-800-645-1030

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, including blood thinners, planning any medical or surgical procedure or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if seal under cap is broken or missing.

Contains shellfish (krill) ingredients.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

Formula

Krill Oil 500 mg provides 86 mg Omega-3 fatty acids per serving. Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Ester-Omega

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2019 Puritan's Pride, Inc.

Ester-Omega is a registered trademark of The Ester C Company.

Seals/Symbols

QA Quality Assured

Formulation

May reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (see side panel)

No artificial color or flavor, no preservatives, no sugar, no starch, no milk, no lactose, no gluten, no wheat, no yeast. Sodium free.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: For adults, take one (1) softgel daily, preferably with a meal.

See for yourself

Krill Oil 500 mg by Puritan's Pride label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Krill Oil 500 mg by Puritan's Pride

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Phospholipids

202 mg per serving

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
101 mcg per serving

Astaxanthin is a reddish carotenoid pigment with strong antioxidant activity in the lab, and it is widely promoted for skin, eye, heart, and exercise...

Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Ester-Omega Krill Oil

Interacts with
208 drugs
500 mg per serving

Krill oil is a source of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) bound to phospholipids, which may help absorption. It is most studied for lowering triglyce...

Ester-Omega Krill Oil monograph & interactions
  • › Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Vegetable Glycerin, Sorbitol. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Krill Oil 500 mg by Puritan's Pride Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Krill Oil 500 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
838Drugs
838 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Krill Oil 500 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Astaxanthin2 drug types · 671 drugs

Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces cytochrome CYP2B6 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, astaxanthin may decrease levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin induces CYP3A4 enzyme activity in human hepatocytes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Ester-Omega Krill Oil2 drug types · 208 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, krill oil may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
Taking high doses of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can modestly decrease platelet aggregation. Since krill oil also contains these fatty acids, taking high doses of krill oil might also inhibit platelet aggregation. Theoretically, taking high doses of krill oil with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs might increase the risk of bleeding. However, the omega-3 content of krill oil is much lower than that of fish oil.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking krill oil with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Some research in animals and humans shows that krill oil might lower blood glucose levels. However, a small study shows that taking krill oil does not reduce blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Krill Oil 500 mg, from the product label.

Puritan's Pride

See all Puritan's Pride products
Name
Puritan's Pride, Inc.
City
Ronkonkoma
State
NY
ZipCode
11779
Phone Number
1-800-645-1030
Web Address
www.puritan.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Krill Oil 500 mg by Puritan's Pride: Common Questions

Does Krill Oil 500 mg by Puritan's Pride interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Krill Oil 500 mg has a known interaction with 838 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Krill Oil 500 mg contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What are omega-3 fatty acids, and why are they in krill oil?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat your body uses for cell function and inflammation control. This krill oil contains two main omega-3s — eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid — which come naturally from krill (tiny shrimp-like sea creatures). Krill oil also contains phospholipids and astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant pigment.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for astaxanthin isn't complete enough to recommend it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's appropriate for your situation.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. Higher doses have caused severe stomach pain in a small number of people. Most people tolerate it well, but long-term safety data are limited.
Does this work for memory loss or aging skin?
The evidence for astaxanthin — the active ingredient we could rate — is insufficient to say whether it works for age-related cognitive decline, memory problems, aging skin, or several other uses. We don't have established effectiveness data for this product.
Are there any fillers or additives I should know about?
This softgel contains gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and sorbitol as inactive ingredients to form and stabilize the capsule. If you have allergies or restrictions to any of these, check the label or ask your pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Krill Oil 500 mg is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Krill Oil 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Krill Oil 500 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 16 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Astaxanthin 3 references
  1. Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled
  2. Kistler, A., Liechti, H., Pichard, L., Wolz, E., Oesterhelt, G., Hayes, A., and Maurel, P. Metabolism and CYP-inducer properties of astaxanthin in man and primary human hepatocytes. Arch.Toxicol. 2002;75(11-12):665-675. PubMed
  3. Choi HD, Youn YK, Shin WG. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2011;66:363-369. PubMed

See these in context on the Astaxanthin monograph →

Krill Oil 13 references
  1. Leaf A. On the reanalysis of the GISSI-Prevenzione. Circulation 2002;105:1874-5. PubMed
  2. Connor WE. n-3 Fatty acids from fish and fish oil: panacea or nostrum? Am J Clin Nutr 2001;74;415-6. PubMed
  3. Calder PC. N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, inflammation and immunity: pouring oil on troubled waters or another fishy tale? Nutr Res 2001;21:309-41. DOI
  4. Bunea R, El Farrah K, Deutsch L. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the clinical course of hyperlipidemia. Altern Med Rev 2004;9:420-8.
  5. Sampalis F, Bunea R, Pelland MF, et al. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. Altern Med Rev 2003;8:171-9.
  6. Harris WS, Miller M, Tighe AP, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease risk: clinical and mechanistic perspectives. Atherosclerosis 2008;197:12-24. PubMed
  7. Tandy S, Chung RW, Wat E, et al. Dietary krill oil supplementation reduces hepatic steatosis, glycemia, and hypercholesterolemia in high-fat-fed mice. J Agric Food Chem 10-14-2009;57:9339-45. PubMed
  8. Maki, K. C., Reeves, M. S., Farmer, M., Griinari, M., Berge, K., Vik, H., Hubacher, R., and Rains, T. M. Krill oil supplementation increases plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in overweight and obese men and women. Nutr.R PubMed
  9. Albert BB, Derraik JG, Brennan CM, et al. Supplementation with a blend of krill and salmon oil is associated with increased metabolic risk in overweight men. Am J Clin Nutr 2015;102(1):49-57.
  10. Berge K, Musa-Veloso K, Harwood M, Hoem N, Burri L. Krill oil supplementation lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels. Nutr Res 2014;34(2):126-33. PubMed
  11. Lobraico JM, DiLello LC, Butler AD, Cordisco ME, Petrini JR, Ahmadi R. Effects of krill oil on endothelial function and other cardiovascular risk factors in participants with type 2 diabetes, a randomized controlled trial. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2015 PubMed
  12. van der Wurff ISM, von Schacky C, Bergeland T, Zeegers MP, Kirschner PA, de Groot RHM. Krill oil supplementation's effect on school grades in typically developing adolescents. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2023;191:102553. PubMed
  13. van der Wurff ISM, von Schacky C, Bergeland T, et al. Effect of 1 year krill oil supplementation on cognitive achievement of Dutch adolescents: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2019;11(6):1230. PubMed

See these in context on the Krill Oil monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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