Krill oil is absorbed so much better that it beats fish oil
MisleadingThe Claim
Krill oil is marketed as a superior omega-3 source because its phospholipid form is supposedly absorbed far better, so a small dose works better than regular fish oil.
Origin
The claim originates from krill oil's phospholipid-bound EPA/DHA and from short-term absorption studies funded by manufacturers.
What Science Says
In a 12-week randomized study with similar EPA+DHA doses (~250-290 mg/day), krill oil, fish oil and Calanus oil raised the Omega-3 Index by nearly the same amount (1.15 vs 1.0 vs 1.09 percentage points). A single-dose crossover trial found total EPA+DHA absorption over 24 hours was similar between krill oil and a phospholipid-enhanced fish oil. A comprehensive review concluded that differences seen in acute absorption studies often do not translate into differences with long-term supplementation; what matters most is the EPA+DHA dose.
Verdict
Misleading
Sources
- PMID:36960737 Equal bioavailability of omega-3 PUFA from Calanus oil, fish oil and krill oil: A 12-week randomized parallel study.
- PMID:37413768 Comparison of the effects of a phospholipid-enhanced fish oil versus krill oil product on plasma levels of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids after acute administration: A randomized, double-blind, crossover study.
- PMID:39736417 Bioavailability of EPA and DHA in humans - A comprehensive review.
- PMID:26328782 Similar eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid plasma levels achieved with fish oil or krill oil in a randomized double-blind four-week bioavailability study.