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Dietary supplement

Omega 3 Krill Oil Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Crystal Star

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

Omega 3 Krill Oil is a dietary supplement by Crystal Star with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for antioxidant support, skin health and aging, eye health.Based on those ingredients, 848 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Astaxanthin, SuperbaBoost Krill Oil. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Omega 3 Krill Oil by Crystal Star

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 7 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “SuperbaBoost Krill Oil” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (2,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Crystal Star Omega 3 Krill Oil is a softgel containing 7 active ingredients centered on Antarctic krill extract. The main components are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid — two omega-3 fatty acids — along with phospholipids, polyunsaturated fat, and total omega-3 fatty acids from the krill itself.

It also includes astaxanthin, a natural red pigment from krill with antioxidant properties, and choline, a nutrient important for cell and brain function. The softgel capsule also contains gelatin, sorbitol, glycerin, and purified water as inactive ingredients.

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: heart, brain, eye and liver 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: Choline is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Choline is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Alzheimer disease, Cardiovascular disease (CVD), Cognitive function, Dementia.
  • Also on file: Astaxanthin is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Age-related cognitive decline, Age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The evidence supporting astaxanthin for age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome is insufficient to rate it reliably. Choline is rated possibly ineffective for athletic performance, and evidence for its use in bronchitis, cognitive decline, liver fat buildup with IV nutrition, hay fever, and Alzheimer disease is also insufficient.

We hold no effectiveness data for the omega-3 fatty acids in this product.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Krill Oil Choline

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.

Astaxanthin is generally well tolerated in studies, though long-term safety data are limited. The most common side effects from astaxanthin are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools; at higher doses, severe stomach pain has been reported.

Choline is well tolerated at food amounts, but high-dose supplements can cause fishy body odor, and doses above 9 grams daily have caused diarrhea, nausea, salivation, and vomiting. Because there isn't enough safety data for astaxanthin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it's best to avoid it at those times.

Choline is likely safe in pregnancy and is important then, but use only doses advised by your doctor; breastfeeding needs are higher, so use supplements only under professional guidance.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Astaxanthin Krill Oil Choline

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.

If you take any medication metabolized by CYP3A4 or CYP2B6 enzymes — ask your pharmacist if you're unsure — or if you use atropine, check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product. We couldn't fully check the krill oil fatty acids themselves, so there may be additional interactions we haven't documented.

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 krill oil supplement may appeal to you if you're looking for omega-3s and antioxidant support, but be careful if you take medications processed by your liver — astaxanthin may theoretically affect how those drugs work — or if you use atropine. The evidence for astaxanthin's effectiveness for most claimed uses isn't established.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications.

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

Assessment coverage: 2 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 25, 2021.

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 Omega 3 Krill Oil, straight from the product label.

Brand Crystal Star
Barcode (UPC) 747889000041
Net contents 60 Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 25, 2021
DSLD ID 243916
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Girls: (All), 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 Omega 3 Krill Oil by Crystal Star, 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
747889000041
IngredientAmount% DV
Calories20 Calorie(s)--
Eicosapentaenoic Acid300 mg--
Docosahexaenoic Acid140 mg--
Phospholipids1120 mg--
Cholesterol40 mg13%
Total Fat2 Gram(s)2%
Polyunsaturated Fat0.5 Gram(s)--
Astaxanthin170 mcg--
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids540 mg--
Saturated Fat0.5 Gram(s)2%
Choline140 mg9%
SuperbaBoost Krill Oil2000 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Sorbitol, Glycerin, purified 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.
General Statements

Crystal Star ESTD 1978

Formula

More concentrated EPA, DHA & Phospholipids 1000 mg SUPERBABoost

Omega 3 phospholipids choline & astaxanthin

Formulation

Sustainably fished

Non-GMO product

3rd party tested

Promotes heart, brain, eye & liver health Pure antarctic krill no fishy aftertaste

Does not contain gluten.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Take 2 softgels daily.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2020 Healthy Healing Enterprises LLC.

SUPERBABoost is a registered trademark of Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS.

Precautions

Contains: Shellfish (krill)

Warning: Do not use if tamper proof seal is damaged or missing.

Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Consult a health care professional prior to use if you have any pre-existing medial conditions or are taking any prescription medications.

Keep out of reach of children.

Seals/Symbols

U.S. F.D.A. REG. FACILITY

See for yourself

Omega 3 Krill Oil by Crystal Star label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Omega 3 Krill Oil by Crystal Star

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

Serving size2 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

1120 mg per serving

Astaxanthin

Interacts with
671 drugs
170 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

SuperbaBoost Krill Oil

Interacts with
208 drugs
2000 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...

SuperbaBoost Krill Oil monograph & interactions
  • › Eicosapentaenoic Acid
  • › Docosahexaenoic Acid
  • › Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids
  • Choline

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

Interaction report

Omega 3 Krill Oil by Crystal Star Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Omega 3 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 Omega 3 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.

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

SuperbaBoost 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 Omega 3 Krill Oil, from the product label.

Crystal Star

See all Crystal Star products
Name
Healthy Healing Enterprises, LLC
City
Minneapolis
State
MN
Phone Number
800-736-6015
Web Address
WWW.CRYSTALSTAR.COM
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Omega 3 Krill Oil by Crystal Star: Common Questions

Does Omega 3 Krill Oil by Crystal Star interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Omega 3 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?
Omega 3 Krill Oil 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.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Astaxanthin in this product doesn't have enough safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it's best to avoid it at those times. Choline is likely safe in pregnancy, but use only the dose your doctor advises. If you're breastfeeding, choline needs are higher — use supplements only under professional guidance. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this product is right for you.
What are the most common side effects from astaxanthin?
The most common side effects are abdominal pain, diarrhea, and red-colored stools. At higher doses (40 mg daily), severe stomach pain has been reported in a small number of people.
Does choline in this product have side effects?
Choline at typical doses is well tolerated, but very high doses — above 9 grams daily — can cause diarrhea, nausea, sweating, salivation, and vomiting. A fishy body odor is also possible with high-dose choline. The amount in this supplement is likely far lower than these problem doses.
What is astaxanthin supposed to do?
Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment from krill with antioxidant properties. The product claims it may help with age-related cognitive decline, macular degeneration, aging skin, Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, and carpal tunnel syndrome, but the evidence to support these uses is insufficient to rate reliably.
What is choline for in this product?
Choline is a nutrient important for cell function and brain health. The product includes it as one of its active ingredients, though evidence that it helps with most of the claimed uses — like athletic performance, cognitive decline, or Alzheimer disease — is insufficient or shows it may be ineffective.

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

Not sure if Omega 3 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.

Omega 3 Krill Oil label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Omega 3 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.

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 →

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 →

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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