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Dietary supplement

Neptune Krill Oil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Quality Of Life

Softgel Capsule Category: Fat/fatty Acid
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Neptune Krill Oil is a dietary supplement by Quality Of Life with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for heart and cholesterol support, high triglycerides, joint pain and inflammation.Based on those ingredients, 848 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Neptune Krill Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Neptune Krill Oil by Quality Of Life

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 4 of its 4 active ingredients.
  • “Phospholipids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (210 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (150 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.
  • “Neptune 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.

Neptune Krill Oil contains 4 active ingredients: eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (both omega-3 fatty acids from Antarctic krill), phospholipids (the structural fats that carry those omega-3s), and two additional compounds — choline and astaxanthin — that support various functions in the body. The product comes in a 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.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: cholesterol, triglycerides, and joint comfort.
  • We looked for evidence on: Hyperlipidemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Joint inflammation — and 2 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Choline is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hyperlipidemia, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The evidence for this product's ingredients is limited in what we hold. Choline shows insufficient reliable evidence for most uses listed — age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, hay fever, and bronchitis — and is rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance.

Astaxanthin likewise shows insufficient evidence for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer's disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The omega-3 fatty acids are part of the formula, but we don't have effectiveness ratings on file for them within 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 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Choline is generally well tolerated at food amounts but can cause side effects at high doses above 3.5 grams daily — including a fishy body odor, diarrhea, nausea, and sweating. Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in studies, though abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools have been reported at higher doses.

The safety data we hold advise against astaxanthin during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient information. Choline is rated likely safe in pregnancy and lactation, but your doctor should guide any supplemental dosing during those times, since choline needs are higher then.

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?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Choline, Astaxanthin.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 682 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, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any medications metabolized through your liver's CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes (Moderate severity) — a wide range of statins, antihistamines, and immunosuppressants fall into this group. Also flag any use of atropine or similar anticholinergic drugs (Minor severity), as choline may reduce their effects.

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.

This product is for people interested in omega-3 and antioxidant support, but the interactions with liver-metabolized medications and atropine mean you'll want to clear it with your own doctor or pharmacist first — especially if you take prescriptions. The long-term safety profile for astaxanthin is not fully established.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a conversation with your healthcare provider about appropriate dosing.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 4 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 25, 2018.

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 Neptune Krill Oil, straight from the product label.

Brand Quality Of Life
Barcode (UPC) 812259003219
Net contents 30 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 25, 2018
DSLD ID 182313
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
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 Neptune Krill Oil by Quality Of Life, 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
812259003219
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories5 Calorie(s)--
Calories from Fat5 Calorie(s)--
Eicosapentaenoic Acid75 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid45 mg--
Phospholipids210 mg--
Cholesterol10 mg3%
Total Fat0.5 Gram(s)1%
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids150 mg--
Choline28 mg--
Astaxanthin0.5 mg--
Neptune Krill Oil500 mg--

Other ingredients: Softgel

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

Researchers attribute the efficacy of Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) to its unique structure.

A randomized, placebo-controlled human clinical trial found that NKO was significantly better than fish oil at maintaining cholesterol and triglyceride levels already within the normal range. NKO was also shown to promote joint comfort and flexibility versus placebo in another human study.

Essential nutrients

Promotes heart, joint & cognitive health

2.6 times more bioavailable than fish oil (500 mg)

Formula

NKO includes omega-3 EPA and DHA bonded to phospholipids - not triglycerides - giving it 2.6 times greater bioavailability than fish oil.

100% pure Neptune Krill Oil is uniquely extracted, ecologically harvested from pure Antarctic krill, and produced in Canada.

Delivers omega-3 EPA/DHA fatty acids

Contains krill (Crustacean shellfish).

Brand IP Statement(s)

NKO is a registered trademark of Neptune Technologies and Bioressources Inc.

Neptune Krill Oil NKO Original

Formulation

This product is gluten-free.

Non-GMO

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

GF GMO GMP

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1 softgel daily for joint and cognitive health. 2 softgels for heart health.

Precautions

Contains krill (Crustacean shellfish).

Warning: Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Consult your healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or lactating, have or had a medical condition, or are taking prescription drugs.

Storage

Store at room temperature.

General

321.H.030.100

See for yourself

Neptune Krill Oil by Quality Of Life label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Neptune Krill Oil by Quality Of Life

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

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

Neptune 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...

Neptune Krill Oil monograph & interactions
  • › Phospholipids
  • › Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • › Astaxanthin

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

Interaction report

Neptune Krill Oil by Quality Of Life Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Neptune 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
848Drugs
838 Moderate 10 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Neptune 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.

Neptune 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 Neptune Krill Oil, from the product label.

Quality Of Life

See all Quality Of Life products
Name
QOL Labs, LLC
City
Purchase
State
NY
ZipCode
10577
Phone Number
(914) 251-0981
Web Address
www.QOL.us
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Neptune Krill Oil by Quality Of Life: Common Questions

Does Neptune Krill Oil by Quality Of Life interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Neptune Krill Oil has a known interaction with 848 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Neptune 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?
Choline in this product is rated likely safe during pregnancy and lactation, and it's actually important during those times — but dosing should be guided by your doctor. Astaxanthin, however, doesn't have enough safety data, so the guidance is to avoid it in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you during these periods.
What's astaxanthin, and why is it in krill oil?
Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment found in krill and other marine organisms. It's an antioxidant — a compound that may help protect cells from damage. It's included here for that cellular-support role, though the evidence for what it actually does in the body is still developing.
Will this help my memory or brain health?
Both choline and astaxanthin are studied for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease, but our data show insufficient reliable evidence to say whether they work for those purposes. The evidence isn't established well enough to make that claim.
What side effects might I notice?
Choline at normal doses is usually well tolerated, but at high doses can cause a fishy body odor, diarrhea, nausea, and sweating. Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated, though some people have reported abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools, especially at higher doses.
Does this product contain any fillers?
The only inactive ingredient listed is the softgel capsule itself, which is the capsule material that holds the liquid inside.

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

Not sure if Neptune 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.

Neptune Krill Oil label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Neptune 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 30 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.

Choline 14 references
  1. Yates AA, Schlicker SA, Suitor CW. Dietary reference intakes: The new basis for recommendations for calcium and related nutrients, B vitamins, and choline. J Am Diet Assoc 1998;98:699-706. PubMed
  2. Cho E, Willett WC, Colditz GA, et al. Dietary choline and betaine and the risk of distal colorectal adenoma in women. J Natl Cancer Inst 2007;99:1224-31. PubMed
  3. Schmidt, C., Abicht, A., Krampfl, K., Voss, W., Stucka, R., Mildner, G., Petrova, S., Schara, U., Mortier, W., Bufler, J., Huebner, A., and Lochmuller, H. Congenital myasthenic syndrome due to a novel missense mutation in the gene encoding choline acetyl
  4. Tamminga, C., Smith, R. C., Chang, S., Haraszti, J. S., and Davis, J. M. Depression associated with oral choline. Lancet 10-23-1976;2(7991):905. PubMed
  5. Wood, J. L. and Allison, R. G. Effects of consumption of choline and lecithin on neurological and cardiovascular systems. Fed.Proc. 1982;41(14):3015-3021.
  6. Growdon, J. H. and Gelenberg, A. J. Choline and lecithin administration to patients with tardive dyskinesia. Trans.Am.Neurol.Assoc. 1978;103:95-99.
  7. Smith, C. M., Swash, M., Exton-Smith, A. N., Phillips, M. J., Overstall, P. W., Piper, M. E., and Bailey, M. R. Choline therapy in Alzheimer's disease. Lancet 8-5-1978;2(8084):318. PubMed
  8. Morrison, L. M. and W. F. Gonzales. Choline in coronary atherosclerosis. Amer.Heart J. 1950;39:729.
  9. Christie, J. G. Blackburn 1. M. Glen A. I. M. Zeisel S. Shering A. & Yates C. M. Effects of choline and lecithin on CSF choline levels and on cognitive functioning in patients with presenile dementia of the Alzheimer type. Nutrition and the brain 1979;5
  10. Sidhu N, Davies S, Nadarajah A, et al. Oral choline supplementation for postoperative pain. Br J Anaesth 2013;111(2):249-55. PubMed
  11. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders has high feasibility and tolerability. Nutr Res. 2013;33(11):897-904. PubMed
  12. Wozniak JR, Fuglestad AJ, Eckerle JK, et al. Choline supplementation in children with fetal alcohol disorders: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;102(5): 1113-25.
  13. Ross RG, Hunter SK, McCarthy L, et al. Perinatal choline effects on neonatal pathophysiology related to later schizophrenia risk. Am J Psychiatry. 2013;170(3):290-8. PubMed
  14. Food and Nutrition Board, Institute of Medicine. Choline. Dietary Reference Intakes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Vitamin B-12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press; 1998:390-422.

See these in context on the Choline 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 →

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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