Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 3 of 8 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Krill Oil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Kala Health

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

Krill Oil is a dietary supplement by Kala Health with 8 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart health, healthy cooking fat, skin moisturizing.Based on those ingredients, 840 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Total Astaxanthin, Krill Oil, Oleic Acid. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Krill Oil by Kala Health

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 8 of its 8 active ingredients.
  • “Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (240 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (10 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Total Omega-9 Fatty Acids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (80 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This krill oil supplement contains 8 active ingredients: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (two omega-3 fatty acids), along with blends of total omega-3, omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9 fatty acids, plus palmitoleic acid, oleic acid, and astaxanthin. The capsules are filled with bovine gelatin, glycerin, and water as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
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
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Heart, cholesterol, and omega-3 support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Coronary heart disease (CHD), Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Heart failure — and 3 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Oleic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Coronary heart disease (CHD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Oleic Acid is rated "Possibly Effective" for Hypercholesterolemia.
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Heart failure, Hyperlipidemia, Stroke.

For krill oil itself, the evidence points to dry eye as possibly effective. Claims about aging skin, Alzheimer disease, cancer, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and cognitive function lack reliable evidence in our data.

Oleic acid shows possibly effective ratings for high cholesterol and coronary heart disease. Astaxanthin's evidence is insufficient to rate it for age-related cognitive decline, age-related macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, or carpal tunnel syndrome.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Oleic Acid 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 2 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Krill oil is generally well tolerated at doses up to 4 grams daily. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal — bloating, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fishy burps, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, and stomach discomfort.

Headache, tiredness, and dizziness have been reported rarely. Krill oil side effects tend to be less severe than those from fish oil.

However, avoid it if you have a shellfish allergy, and use caution if you have a bleeding disorder. For pregnancy and breastfeeding, the safety data for krill oil aren't robust enough — talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Astaxanthin safety data are also insufficient, and it's best to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Oleic acid in supplement doses hasn't been well studied in pregnancy or lactation either — food amounts are considered safe, but concentrated supplements lack good safety data, so discuss this with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Oleic Acid 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?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Astaxanthin, Krill Oil, Oleic Acid.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications.
  • For scale: 841 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, double-check it with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners or anti-clotting medications) — krill oil may increase bleeding risk. Also flag antidiabetes drugs — this supplement may lower blood sugar further.

If you take medications metabolized by your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes, mention this product as well, since astaxanthin may theoretically decrease their levels, though this hasn't been confirmed in humans yet.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This krill oil supplement may be worth considering if you're dealing with dry eye, but the evidence for other uses isn't established. If you take blood thinners, antidiabetes drugs, or medications broken down by your liver, you'll want to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist before starting — the interactions are moderate and deserve a careful check of your exact medications.

Anyone with a shellfish allergy should skip it, and pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should talk with their healthcare provider first.

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

Assessment coverage: 3 of 8 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jul 25, 2024.

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 Kala Health
Barcode (UPC) 8719322752062
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 25, 2024
DSLD ID 311300
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 Kala Health, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
8719322752062
IngredientAmount% DV
Eicosapentaenoic Acid120 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid60 mg--
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids240 mg--
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids10 mg--
Palmitoleic Acid40 mg--
Total Omega-9 Fatty Acids80 mg--
Oleic Acid60 mg--
Krill Oil1000 mg--
Total Astaxanthin190 mcg--
Linoleic Acid6 mg--
Total Phospholipids400 mg--
Total Omega-7 Fatty Acids60 mg--

Other ingredients: Bovine Gelatin, Glycerin, Water

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.
Formula

Kala Health oil is a dark red colored viscous oil extrac-ted from Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba. Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, mainly bound as phospholipids which gives the fatty acids superior stability and bioavailability. Krill oil also contains the natural antioxidant astaxanthin.

Food supplement, containing fatty acids.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended use: Adults: take one capsule twice daily with a meal, or as recommended. For children adapt dosage according to body weight.

Precautions

Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Storage: store in a dark, dry place, out of reach of young children.

A food supplement should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.

Allergy information: May contains traces of crustacean proteins

Storage

Storage: store in a dark, dry place, out of reach of young children.

See for yourself

Krill Oil by Kala Health label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Krill Oil by Kala Health

These are the 8 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container60 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.

Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids

240 mg per serving
  • › Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • › Docosahexaenoic Acid

Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids

10 mg per serving
  • › Linoleic Acid

Total Omega-9 Fatty Acids

80 mg 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

Total Astaxanthin

Interacts with
673 drugs
190 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...

Total Astaxanthin monograph & interactions

Total Phospholipids

400 mg per serving

Total Omega-7 Fatty Acids

60 mg per serving
  • › Palmitoleic Acid

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

Interaction report

Krill Oil by Kala Health 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
840Drugs
840 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 they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Total Astaxanthin2 drug types · 673 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

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

Oleic Acid1 drug type · 86 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, oleic acid might increase the effects of antidiabetes drugs. Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes taking oral hypoglycemic drugs shows that eating a diet rich in oleic acid from olive oil decreases fasting blood glucose levels when compared to eating a diet rich in linoleic acid from sunflower oil. It is unknown if taking oleic acid supplements would have this effect or if this change is clinically significant. Until more is known, use caution. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Some antidiabetes drugs include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, metformin (Glucophage), pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), and others.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
The maker

Brand information

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

Kala Health

See all Kala Health products
Name
Kala Health BV
Street Address
2201 GN 40
Web Address
www.kalahealth.eu
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Krill Oil by Kala Health: Common Questions

Does Krill Oil by Kala Health interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Krill Oil has a known interaction with 840 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 8 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's the main ingredient in this krill oil?
The active ingredients are omega-3 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), along with blends of omega-6, omega-7, and omega-9 fatty acids, plus oleic acid and astaxanthin. The capsule itself is made from bovine gelatin, glycerin, and water.
Does this krill oil actually work for anything?
The evidence supports it as possibly effective for dry eye. For other uses listed — like aging skin, Alzheimer disease, cancer, high cholesterol, or cognitive function — the evidence isn't reliable enough yet to say whether it works.
What are the most common side effects?
Gastrointestinal upset is the main concern — bloating, decreased appetite, diarrhea, fishy burps, flatulence, heartburn, nausea, and stomach discomfort. Headache, tiredness, and dizziness have been reported rarely. These side effects tend to be milder with krill oil than with fish oil.
Is it safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough reliable safety data for krill oil or astaxanthin during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're pregnant or nursing — they can help you weigh the risks and benefits for your situation.
Can I take this if I have a shellfish allergy?
No — krill oil comes from krill, which are shellfish-like crustaceans, so it's best to avoid it if you're allergic to shellfish.
What's astaxanthin doing in this product?
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in krill. The data we have doesn't establish it as effective for the conditions it's claimed to address, and long-term safety data are limited, so talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this ingredient.

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

Not sure if Krill Oil 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 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 17 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.

Oleic Acid 1 reference
  1. Madigan C, Ryan M, Owens D, et al. Dietary unsaturated fatty acids in type 2 diabetes: higher levels of postprandial lipoprotein on a linoleic acid-rich sunflower oil diet compared with an oleic acid-rich olive oil diet. Diabetes Care 2000;23:1472-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Oleic Acid 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 →

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 →

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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