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Dietary supplement

Krill Oil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Douglas Laboratories

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

Krill Oil is a dietary supplement by Douglas Laboratories with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and cholesterol support, high triglycerides, joint pain and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 838 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Krill Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Krill Oil by Douglas Laboratories

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

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 5 of its 5 active ingredients.
  • “Krill Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (1,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 5 active ingredients. The main ones are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid — two omega-3 fatty acids you'll find in krill (a small, shrimp-like creature).

The product also includes phospholipids and other omega-3 fatty acids, plus astaxanthin, a carotenoid (a natural pigment) thought to act as an antioxidant. The softgel itself is made from gelatin.

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: Heart, brain, joint, and eye health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Heart failure, Stroke, Age-related cognitive decline — and 4 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), Alzheimer disease, Heart failure, Dry eye, and more.

The data we hold doesn't establish reliable evidence for astaxanthin's effectiveness for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome — the rating for each is insufficient evidence. We don't have effectiveness data on file for the omega-3 components of krill oil in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Krill Oil Astaxanthin

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

A small number of trial participants at higher doses (40 mg daily) experienced severe stomach or abdominal pain. There isn't enough safety data to know whether astaxanthin is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

The safety notes advise against use in both situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Krill Oil Astaxanthin

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 you take Douglas Laboratories Krill Oil, double-check any medications you're on that are metabolized by CYP3A4 enzymes (a Moderate concern with astaxanthin) or CYP2B6 enzymes (also Moderate). These include certain blood pressure drugs, some immunosuppressants, and a range of other medications.

Use the checker on this page to look up your specific drugs, and talk with your own pharmacist or doctor about whether it's safe to combine.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully 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 from Douglas Laboratories may work for you if you're looking for omega-3s, though the evidence for astaxanthin's specific benefits isn't established yet. The main caution is that astaxanthin theoretically may lower levels of certain medications your liver clears — a theory supported by lab work but not yet seen in people.

If you take any prescription medications, especially ones that depend on CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes, check them against this product before you start. Talk it over with your own doctor or pharmacist.

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 Aug 23, 2020.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Douglas Laboratories
Barcode (UPC) 310539977453
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 23, 2020
DSLD ID 232648
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 by Douglas Laboratories, 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:
2 Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
310539977453
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Eicosapentaenoic Acid148 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid66 mg--
Cholesterol10 mg3%
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Phospholipids496 mg--
Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids62 mg--
Astaxanthin396 mcg--
Krill Oil1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin Capsule

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: As a dietary supplement, adults take 2 softgels daily with food or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or nursing, taking prescription medications, or have an allergy to shellfish, consult your health professional before using this supplement.

Warning: If you are pregnant or nursing, taking prescription medications, or have an allergy to shellfish, consult your health professional before using this supplement.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Use only if safety seal is intact.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formula

Neptune Krill Oil NKO Original The krill oil in Krill Oil is NKO, which is a registered trademark of Neptune Technologies & Bioresources, Inc.

Brand IP Statement(s)

The krill oil in Krill Oil is NKO, which is a registered trademark of Neptune Technologies & Bioresources, Inc.

Formulation

Gluten-free, Non-GMO

Support for cognitive, heart and joint health and overall well-being

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Scan to learn about our manufacturing excellence Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

See for yourself

Krill Oil by Douglas Laboratories label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Krill Oil by Douglas Laboratories

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Krill Oil

Interacts with
208 drugs
1000 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...

Krill Oil monograph & interactions
  • › Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • › Docosahexaenoic Acid
  • › Phospholipids
  • › Other Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Astaxanthin

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

Interaction report

Krill Oil by Douglas Laboratories Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Krill Oil?

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

Krill Oil 208

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

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

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, from the product label.

Douglas Laboratories

See all Douglas Laboratories products
Name
Douglas Laboratories
Street Address
600 Boyce Road
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15205
Phone Number
1.800.245.4440
Web Address
www.douglaslabs.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Krill Oil by Douglas Laboratories: Common Questions

Does Krill Oil by Douglas Laboratories interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Krill Oil 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 contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for astaxanthin during pregnancy and breastfeeding aren't strong enough to say it's okay. The safety notes advise against it in both situations. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or nursing.
What are the most common side effects?
Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated, but the most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. At higher doses, some people have reported severe stomach pain. If you notice any of these, stop and check with your pharmacist.
What is astaxanthin, and why is it in krill oil?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid — a natural pigment — that's found in krill and thought to work as an antioxidant. It gives krill its reddish color and is included for its potential antioxidant properties.
Does this supplement work for memory or brain health?
The evidence we hold for astaxanthin and age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer disease, or other brain conditions is rated insufficient — we don't have reliable proof that it works for those purposes yet.
Why do I see a large medication count next to this product?
Astaxanthin theoretically affects how your liver processes a broad category of medications (those cleared by CYP3A4 and CYP2B6 enzymes). That category includes many individual drugs, which is why the number is large. The checker on this page will tell you if yours are among them.

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

Not sure if Krill Oil is safe with your meds?

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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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Krill Oil'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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