Fish Oil vs Krill Oil
Is krill oil worth the premium?
Fish oil for value and high doses. Krill oil if fish burps bother you and you're okay paying 3-4x more for lower doses. For most people, quality fish oil (triglyceride form) is the better choice.
Head-to-Head Comparison
Fish burps (reduced with quality brands)
Key Fact: Higher EPA/DHA per capsule. Triglyceride form absorbs 70% better than ethyl ester.
Rarely causes fish burps
Key Fact: Phospholipid form may absorb slightly better. Contains astaxanthin (antioxidant). But lower EPA/DHA per capsule.
Which One For Your Goal?
| Your Goal | Winner |
|---|---|
| Heart health (high dose) | Fish Oil |
| General wellness | Tie |
| Avoiding fish burps | Krill |
| Value per dollar | Fish Oil |
| Small capsules | Krill |
| Sustainability | Depends |
Myth vs Reality
Myth: "Krill oil is 48x better absorbed." Reality: This stat comes from a flawed industry-funded study comparing krill to the worst form of fish oil (ethyl ester). Compared to triglyceride fish oil, krill is only marginally better absorbed, if at all.
Why It Depends Sometimes
Fish oil wins on value and dose flexibility. Krill oil wins on no fish burps and convenience. If you need therapeutic doses (2-3g EPA/DHA), fish oil is the only practical option. For general maintenance, krill is fine if you don't mind paying more.
Common Questions
Freeze your fish oil capsules. Take with meals. Choose triglyceride form. Or just switch to krill.
The Bottom Line
Quality fish oil (triglyceride form) is the smart choice for most people. Krill is a premium option with minor benefits that don't justify 3-4x the cost. The "48x absorption" claim is marketing, not science.
More Showdowns
About this information: Our recommendations draw from peer-reviewed clinical trials, systematic reviews, and the same medical databases your doctor uses. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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