Comparison Between Fish Oil and Krill Oil

Omega 3 is one of the essential nutrients that the human body cannot produce on its own. Therefore, getting it from food or supplements is extremely important. Today, the two most common Omega 3 supplements are fish oil and krill oil. Although both provide essential fatty acids, they differ significantly in origin, structure, absorption rate, and overall effectiveness.

In this article, Eikenbi explains the key differences between fish oil and krill oil so you can make the best choice for your health.

What Is Krill Oil Omega 3? What Is Fish Oil Omega 3?

Both krill oil and fish oil are excellent sources of essential fatty acids that support heart, brain, and eye health. Since the human body cannot synthesize these nutrients on its own, supplementation is often necessary. However, these two oils have many differences that affect how efficiently they work. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Krill Oil Omega 3?

Krill oil, also known as Omega 3 Krill Oil, is extracted from krill, tiny crustaceans that live in the pristine waters of Antarctica. It contains high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid), along with the natural antioxidant Astaxanthin, which gives the oil its distinct red color.

What makes krill oil unique is that its Omega 3 fatty acids exist in the form of phospholipids. This structure allows the body to absorb them more easily and efficiently compared to other Omega 3 sources. This is one of the main reasons krill oil has become increasingly popular as a premium Omega 3 supplement.

What Is Fish Oil Omega 3?

Fish oil is extracted from the tissues of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, and tuna. Some types are also derived from fish liver. It has long been the most common and widely available Omega 3 supplement. Typically, about 30 percent of fish oil consists of Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), while the rest includes other fats along with small amounts of vitamins A and D.

In fish oil, Omega 3 fatty acids mainly exist in the form of triglycerides. Fish oil has been studied extensively for decades, with thousands of scientific papers proving its health benefits. However, issues such as unpleasant odor, lower absorption, and concerns about purity still make some users hesitant.

Key Differences Between Fish Oil and Krill Oil

Both fish oil and krill oil provide valuable Omega 3 fatty acids, but they differ in composition, absorption, and purity. Understanding these differences can help you choose the option that best fits your health goals.

Origin and Source

The first major difference lies in where they come from. Fish oil is derived from large marine fish that live in oceans all around the world. Because of this, the quality of fish oil can vary depending on the fish’s environment, especially the levels of heavy metals and pollutants in the water.

Krill, on the other hand, are harvested from the cold Antarctic Ocean, one of the cleanest and least polluted marine environments on Earth. This means Antarctic krill oil is typically purer and contains minimal heavy metals, mercury, or harmful toxins.

Krill are also at the bottom of the marine food chain, feeding only on algae and plankton. This minimizes the accumulation of environmental toxins, making krill oil a cleaner and safer source of Omega 3 compared to oil extracted from larger fish.

Structure and Absorption

This is perhaps the most important difference that affects how well your body uses Omega 3. In fish oil, Omega 3 fatty acids exist mainly as triglycerides, which are not water-soluble. They must first be broken down by digestive enzymes into free fatty acids before the body can absorb them. This process can be slow and may reduce overall efficiency.

In contrast, krill oil contains Omega 3 in the form of phospholipids, which closely resemble the structure of human cell membranes. This allows the body to recognize and absorb them more quickly and effectively without multiple metabolic steps.

Because of this natural compatibility, krill oil is generally absorbed better than fish oil. If your goal is to maximize Omega 3 absorption, krill oil is often the more efficient choice.

Nutrient Content

Fish oil usually provides higher overall levels of EPA and DHA per capsule, depending on its concentration. For example, a 1000 mg fish oil capsule typically contains around 300 mg of Omega 3.

Krill oil capsules, often 500 mg each, usually provide around 120 mg of Omega 3, about 20 to 25 percent of their content. However, due to its superior absorption, the body can use these fatty acids more effectively, often matching or even exceeding the biological effectiveness of fish oil.

Health Benefits

Both fish oil and krill oil support cardiovascular health, brain function, eye health, joint comfort, and inflammation control. However, some studies suggest that krill oil may deliver faster results at lower doses because of its better absorption.

Krill oil is also particularly suitable for people with digestive issues or difficulty absorbing fats. Thanks to its antioxidant Astaxanthin, it helps reduce premenstrual symptoms, support skin health, and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Fish oil, with its higher concentration of EPA and DHA, may be more appropriate for people who need high-dose Omega 3 therapy, such as those managing high triglyceride levels or mood disorders.

Antioxidant Content

One of krill oil’s strongest advantages is its natural Astaxanthin content, a powerful antioxidant that is up to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C. It not only protects Omega 3 fatty acids from oxidation but also supports skin, vision, and immune health. This compound gives krill oil its characteristic red color.

Fish oil, by contrast, does not naturally contain Astaxanthin. Manufacturers often add synthetic antioxidants like vitamin E to prevent oxidation during storage. If you prefer a natural supplement with added antioxidant benefits, krill oil is the better choice.

Taste and User Experience

Taste plays a big role in daily use. Many people experience a fishy aftertaste or burping after taking fish oil, which can be unpleasant and discourage consistent use.

Krill oil, on the other hand, is much easier to digest. Its phospholipid structure allows for quicker absorption, reducing the chance of fishy burps or nausea. Most users find it much more comfortable to take.

Price and Value

Krill oil is generally more expensive than fish oil. Harvesting krill in the Antarctic is more challenging, and the extraction technology required to preserve Omega 3 in phospholipid form is more complex and costly.

Fish oil is produced on a much larger scale from many types of fish, so it is usually more affordable and accessible. If you simply need a basic Omega 3 supplement at a lower cost, high-quality fish oil is a practical option. However, if you value purity, higher absorption, and natural antioxidants, krill oil is worth the extra investment.

What to Look for When Choosing Krill Oil Omega 3

When buying a krill oil supplement, it is important to consider the source, nutrient content, certifications, and brand reputation. These factors ensure that you get a product that is safe, effective, and truly beneficial for your long-term health.

Clean and Sustainable Sourcing

Choose products made from Antarctic krill, harvested from one of the cleanest marine environments in the world. Check whether the manufacturer clearly discloses its sourcing and uses sustainable fishing practices. Look for certification from organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which ensures environmentally responsible harvesting.

Clear and Transparent Omega 3 Content

Pay attention to the EPA and DHA levels listed on the label to make sure they meet your daily needs. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommend that healthy adults consume about 250 to 500 mg of EPA and DHA daily for optimal heart and brain health.

Trusted Brands and Quality Certifications

Because the supplement market varies widely in quality, it is safest to buy from reputable brands, especially those from countries with strict manufacturing standards such as Japan, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Look for products manufactured under GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and tested by third parties to verify purity and potency.

One standout product is Eikenbi Antarctic Sourced Krill Oil Omega 3 Supplements, which combines Antarctic krill oil with Astaxanthin, Phospholipids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. It supports brain function, memory, and vision while improving blood circulation, heart health, and lipid balance. It can also reduce inflammation, support joint health, enhance mood and sleep quality, slow aging, and promote youthful skin.

Conclusion

Both fish oil and krill oil are excellent sources of Omega 3. Each offers distinct advantages. If you want a cost-effective option with high Omega 3 content, quality fish oil is a great choice. If you prefer superior absorption, a cleaner source, and added antioxidant protection, krill oil is the ideal solution.

For authentic Japanese-made health supplements at fair prices, visit Eikenbi.com to receive expert consultation and exclusive offers. Take care of your health and your family’s well-being with premium products you can trust.