Krill Oil – Omega-3 EPA & DHA for Heart, Brain & Joint Health

Discover krill oil supplements providing marine omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA, in a naturally phospholipid-rich form to support cardiovascular health, brain function, and overall wellness.

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About Krill Oil

Krill oil is a marine-source omega-3 supplement derived from Antarctic krill, small crustaceans naturally containing the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).

Unlike conventional fish oils, much of the EPA and DHA in krill oil is associated with phospholipids. Krill oil also naturally contains astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant responsible for its characteristic reddish colour.

The Krill Oil collection at Coal Harbour Pharmacy features pharmacist-curated supplements for people looking to complement dietary omega-3 intake and support cardiovascular health, brain function, joint wellness, and healthy aging.

Key Benefits

• Provides marine-source EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids

• Supports cardiovascular health

• DHA supports normal brain function

• Provides phospholipid-associated omega-3s

• Naturally contains the antioxidant astaxanthin

• Offers an alternative to conventional fish oil supplements

• Supports foundational omega-3 nutrition and healthy aging

Who It’s Ideal For

Krill oil may be appropriate for:

• Adults looking to increase marine omega-3 intake

• People who eat limited amounts of fatty fish

• Individuals seeking an alternative to traditional fish oil

• Adults supporting cardiovascular wellness

• People looking for foundational brain and cognitive nutrition

• Active adults incorporating omega-3s into a joint and mobility routine

People with shellfish allergies, bleeding disorders, upcoming surgery, pregnancy or breastfeeding, or those taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should seek professional advice before using krill oil.

What Makes Krill Oil Different?

Both krill oil and fish oil provide EPA and DHA, but their composition differs.

In standard fish oil, omega-3s are commonly present primarily as triglycerides or ethyl esters, depending on the formulation.

In krill oil, a significant portion of EPA and DHA is associated with phospholipids.

This structural difference is one of krill oil’s distinguishing characteristics, although it does not mean that every krill oil product is automatically more effective than every fish oil product.

The actual EPA + DHA provided per serving remains an important consideration when comparing supplements.

EPA & DHA Omega-3 Fatty Acids

EPA

EPA is a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid commonly found in marine foods and supplements.

Together with DHA, it contributes to the nutritional benefits associated with marine omega-3 intake.

DHA

DHA is an important structural fatty acid found in the brain and retina and contributes to normal brain function.

DHA is also an important component of overall omega-3 nutrition throughout adulthood and healthy aging.

Astaxanthin

Krill naturally contains astaxanthin, a carotenoid pigment with antioxidant properties.

Astaxanthin helps protect against oxidative processes and also gives krill oil its naturally reddish appearance.

The amount of astaxanthin varies considerably between products, so check the individual supplement label when comparing formulas.

Krill Oil & Heart Health

EPA and DHA are widely studied for their roles in cardiovascular nutrition.

Marine omega-3 supplementation may be used as part of a broader heart-healthy lifestyle that also includes:

• A balanced diet

• Regular physical activity

• Healthy sleep

• Appropriate blood pressure management

• Avoiding smoking

• Management of cholesterol and triglycerides when medically necessary

Krill oil should complement—not replace—prescribed cardiovascular treatment.

Krill Oil & Brain Health

DHA is an important structural component of brain tissue.

Maintaining adequate omega-3 intake can therefore form part of a broader nutritional strategy supporting normal brain function and healthy aging.

Omega-3 supplements should not, however, be presented as treatments for memory disorders or neurological disease.

Krill Oil & Joint Wellness

Omega-3 fatty acids are also commonly incorporated into nutritional routines for joint and musculoskeletal wellness.

For active adults, krill oil can complement appropriate exercise, mobility work, recovery, adequate protein intake, and an overall nutrient-rich diet.

Krill Oil vs Fish Oil

Neither option is universally better.

When comparing krill oil and fish oil, consider:

• EPA per serving

• DHA per serving

• Total EPA + DHA

• Number of capsules required

• Phospholipid content

• Astaxanthin content

• Source and sustainability practices

• Third-party quality testing

• Cost per meaningful dose

Krill oil products may contain a lower total amount of EPA and DHA than some concentrated fish oils, making the Supplement Facts or medicinal ingredient panel more useful than simply comparing the total milligrams of “krill oil.”

Choosing a Krill Oil Supplement

Look beyond the front-label amount and compare:

EPA + DHA

Check how much EPA and DHA the recommended serving actually provides.

Serving Size

Some products require multiple softgels to provide the labelled daily serving.

Krill Source

Many products use Antarctic krill. Look for clear sourcing information from the manufacturer.

Astaxanthin

Check whether the product identifies naturally occurring or added astaxanthin and the amount provided where relevant.

Quality Testing

Consider manufacturers that provide appropriate purity, identity, oxidation, and contaminant testing.

Sustainability

For environmentally conscious shoppers, look for clearly documented responsible harvesting or recognized sustainability certification rather than relying solely on general marketing claims.

FAQs

Is krill oil the same as fish oil?
No. Both provide marine omega-3 fatty acids, but they come from different sources and have different lipid compositions. Krill oil contains a significant proportion of phospholipid-associated omega-3s and naturally occurring astaxanthin.

Is krill oil better absorbed than fish oil?
Some research has examined differences in bioavailability, but this does not establish that every krill oil supplement is superior to every fish oil. Dose, formulation, and actual EPA and DHA content all matter.

Does krill oil contain EPA and DHA?
Yes. Krill oil naturally provides both EPA and DHA, although amounts vary substantially between products.

Does krill oil contain astaxanthin?
Yes. Krill naturally contains astaxanthin, which contributes to its red colour. The amount differs by product.

Can I take krill oil every day?
Many products are formulated for daily use. Follow the individual product directions and consider your total omega-3 intake from both food and supplements.

Can someone with a shellfish allergy take krill oil?
Krill are crustaceans. Anyone with a shellfish or crustacean allergy should consult a healthcare professional before considering krill oil and should follow product allergy warnings carefully.

Can I take krill oil with blood thinners?
Because omega-3 supplements can be relevant to bleeding risk, people using anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications should discuss supplementation with their healthcare professional.

Why Shop Krill Oil at Coal Harbour Pharmacy?

• Pharmacist-curated omega-3 supplements

• EPA and DHA formulas from trusted brands

• Phospholipid-rich marine omega-3 options

• Astaxanthin-containing krill oil products

• Quality-focused and responsibly sourced options

• Fast Canada-wide shipping

• Personalized guidance available from our Vancouver pharmacy team

Related Collections

• Omega-3 & Fatty Acids

• Fish Oil Omega-3

• Heart & Cardiovascular Health

• Brain & Cognitive Support

• Joint & Connective Tissue Support

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