Most krill oil reviews tout the benefits of this natural source of omega 3 fatty acids. Popular as an alternative regular fish oil, krill oil is now widely used as an immunity booster and anti-aging defense.
User reviews also discuss its effects upon memory, reasoning, mood, and other cognitive functions.
The following will explore how this safe, easy to tolerate dietary supplement works to improve mental and physical wellbeing. We’ll also address some common side effects and environmental contamination fears. Read on to find out if krill oil is an appropriate addition to your routine.



- Source of EPA and DHA Omega-3's
- Contains astaxanthin - a potent anti-oxidant
- Supports brain & cardiovascular health
Why Omega 3 Acids Are Important
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Omega 3s are part of a class or organic compounds called essential fatty acids.
They are necessary for healthy bodily function, yet cannot be produced inside the body.
Traditionally, humans acquire them through food sources (such as Alpha Linolenic acid), but we can also use supplements to give the body proper amounts of the substances.
Once consumed, omega 3 acids play a huge role in proper organ function throughout the body. They reinforce the strength of cell membranes and create healthy tissue by facilitating the delivery of nutrients and the removal of wastes.
Their effects are most prominent in all immune functions, in the health and resiliency of skin, and in the detoxification functions of the liver. Omega 3s have also been linked to improved cognitive function and protection against age-related illnesses. It is this area which is of most interest to mental health-related krill oil reviews.
Krill Oil Review
Krill oil’s mechanism of action is a combination of short-term fortification and long-term protection. Its constituent parts, DHA and EFA (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid), are taken up by cells throughout all of the body’s tissue matter. There the substance improves the permeability of cell membranes.
As krill oil’s omega 3s can easily cross the blood brain barrier, they have a direct effect upon cognitive function. In the brain, the strengthening of cellular function results in improved signaling and more efficient distribution of physical resources. This results in improved cognitive processing related to memory, reasoning, and concentration.
Krill oil also acts as a powerful anti-oxidant due to its phospholipid content. This material, phosphatidyl choline, fights free radical damage while boosting levels of choline and acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is essential for proper memory function and communication in the brain.
In fact, it is the presence of acetylcholine which most accounts for the cognitive increases mentioned in many krill oil reviews. There are many supplements which boost acetylcholine levels. Among them, krill oil is one of the safest and easiest to tolerate.
Why People Take Krill Oil
Most reviews and testimonials for this supplement cite immunity and good skin as the prime reasons to take it. In fact, many people first discover krill oil when searching for remedies to chronic skin conditions like acne and eczema. A steady intake of good fats like can improve these problems.
Now, krill oil tablets are gaining ground as a daily brain supplement. Because it boosts brain cell health and acetylcholine levels, this translate into better memory.
It is a common theme in user reviews for individuals to say that taking Omega 3 supplements for two or more months at a time makes them feel more clear-headed and alert.
With continuous use, it can further improve overall mood. By supporting brain function, it makes managing stress triggers and thoughts easier, resulting in relief from mild anxiety.
Krill oil also benefits many functions throughout the body, including alleviating from joint pain, lowering LDL cholesterol, and increasing resistance to the common cold and flu. Any of these are excellent reasons to take the supplement.
User Reported Side Effects
The list of user reported side effects in krill oil reviews is relatively short. While some people experience stomach upset, this is a rare outcome. Another Omega 3 source, regular fish oil, is known to cause a fishy odor on the breath and on the skin when sweating. Krill oil does not seem to produce this effect for most reviewers.
Some experience logs express concern over the connection between krill oil usage and existing shellfish allergies, but there have been no conclusive studies on this to date. The best option for people with this allergy is probably to avoid krill oil, even though no warnings have been issued on the matter by the FDA.
Common Krill Oil Fears
The biggest fear mentioned regarding krill oil supplementation is the possibility of environmental contamination. The oceans are notoriously at risk for pollution from man-made industry and commercial seafaring.
While many fish are known to carry residue of heavy metals for this reason, krill are considered safe. Krill, as a tiny creature less than 5 cm long, is at the very bottom of the food chain in in the ocean, and all of the species above it act as filters for environmental toxins.
Final Review
The benefits of krill oil far outweigh any small side effects it may cause. As a part of a daily health regimen, a krill oil supplement (between 1000 – 2000 mg for most people) constitutes a safe way to deliver omega 3 acids to the body and brain.
Organ function will be strengthened, skin conditions may improve, and most importantly, brain cells will be supported and protected from free radical decay. Choline content within the oil may even be comparable to taking a standalone choline supplement.
As most krill oil reviews state, this easy to take supplement is an excellent way to boost overall wellness.
- Kagan ML, Levy A, Leikin-Frenkel A. Comparative study of tissue deposition of omega-3 fatty acids from polar-lipid rich oil of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata with krill oil in rats. Food Funct. 2015
- Burri L, Berge K, Wibrand K, Berge RK, Barger JL. Differential effects of krill oil and fish oil on the hepatic transcriptome in mice. Front Genet. 2011
- Araujo P, Zhu H, Breivik JF, Hjelle JI, Zeng Y. Determination and structural elucidation of triacylglycerols in krill oil by chromatographic techniques. Lipids. 2014
- Kagan ML, West AL, Zante C, Calder PC. Acute appearance of fatty acids in human plasma--a comparative study between polar-lipid rich oil from the microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata and krill oil in healthy young males. Lipids Health Dis. 2013
- Spindler SR, Mote PL, Flegal JM. Dietary supplementation with Lovaza and krill oil shortens the life span of long-lived F1 mice. Age (Dordr). 2014
- Salem N Jr, Kuratko CN. A reexamination of krill oil bioavailability studies. Lipids Health Dis. 2014
- Tandy S, Chung RW, Wat E, Kamili A, Berge K, Griinari M, Cohn JS. Dietary krill oil supplementation reduces hepatic steatosis, glycemia, and hypercholesterolemia in high-fat-fed mice. J Agric Food Chem. 2009
Article last updated on: April 29th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
I’m just getting over breast cancer do you think the cod tablets and krill tablets would help me as I’ve lost a lot off weight ?and these were recommended to me ..
Hey Catherine,
Thanks for your question. I would recommend asking your doctor whether these supplements are appropriate for you or not. Unfortunately we can’t provide individual medical advice as we are not doctors!