Krill oil delivers the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in a phospholipid form. It also supplies the antioxidant astaxanthin. Many people pick it over fish oil because phospholipids ease absorption in the body.
People take it for heart health, joint flexibility, skin and hair appearance, and mental sharpness. Some use it to help keep mood steady.
Take krill oil alongside a meal that contains fat so your body can absorb it well. Follow the dosage on the label, since concentration varies across products.
Krill oil comes from shellfish. Skip it if you have a shellfish allergy. It can thin the blood slightly, so check with your doctor before using it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. A mild stomach upset can happen, most often when you first start taking it.