Omega-3 Content & Absorption
★ 500-1,000mg per standard serving. High concentration available.
EPA+DHA Per Serving
100-300mg per standard serving. Lower concentration.
Triglyceride or ethyl ester form.
Absorption Form
Phospholipid form — may be better absorbed per mg. ★
Good — triglyceride form is well-absorbed with food.
Bioavailability
Potentially higher per-mg absorption due to phospholipid structure. ★
★ Easy to reach 2-4g EPA+DHA daily.
Effective Dose Achievable
Difficult/expensive to reach high doses.
Additional Benefits
None.
Astaxanthin Content
Contains natural astaxanthin — a potent antioxidant. ★
None (unless specifically added).
Phospholipids
Contains phospholipids that support cell membrane health. ★
Common with lower-quality products. Enteric coating helps.
Fish Burps
Rare — smaller capsules and phospholipid form reduce reflux. ★
Practical Considerations
★ Very affordable — $0.03-0.10 per gram.
Cost Per Gram EPA+DHA
Expensive — $0.20-0.50+ per gram.
Large softgels (can be an issue for some).
Capsule Size
Smaller capsules — easier to swallow. ★
Varies — look for MSC or FOS certified.
Sustainability
Generally sustainable — krill is abundant. Look for MSC certified.
Moderate — can oxidize. Keep refrigerated after opening.
Shelf Stability
Better — astaxanthin provides natural antioxidant protection. ★
Our Verdict
For most people, high-quality fish oil is the better choice due to higher EPA/DHA content per serving and significantly lower cost. Krill oil has some absorption advantages due to its phospholipid form and contains astaxanthin, but the lower omega-3 content per capsule means you'd need to take more (at higher cost) to match fish oil doses. Choose krill oil if you have trouble absorbing fish oil or want the added astaxanthin benefit.