🇺🇸 FDA
GRAS · DSHEA dietary supplement · qualified health claims under the omega-3 framework when EPA+DHA dose meets the food-labelling threshold
Krill Oil (Phospholipid-Esterified Omega-3 · Astaxanthin co-content)
Also known as: Euphausia superba oil · Phospholipid omega-3 · PL-omega-3
Mechanism of action
- Phospholipid-esterified EPA and DHA facilitate transfer through the intestinal wall
- Native co-content of astaxanthin provides intrinsic carotenoid antioxidant
- Same downstream EPA/DHA pathways once incorporated into membranes
Molecular + tissue targets
- Erythrocyte membrane EPA + DHA pool (omega-3 index)
- Cardiovascular outcomes via EFSA-authorized claims
- Triglyceride-lowering pathway at sufficient EPA+DHA doses
Dosage range
600 mg n-3 PUFA daily was sufficient for a significantly larger omega-3 index increase vs fish oil at the same EPA+DHA dose in a 4-week double-blind crossover RCT (Ramprasath 2013 PMID 24304605 Lipids Health Dis n = 24); commercial product doses typically deliver 240-600 mg EPA+DHA per serving · adjust upward for the 250 mg EFSA cardiovascular threshold
Safety notes
Shellfish allergens may be present (Euphausia superba is a crustacean); contraindicated in shellfish-allergic individuals; standard caution regarding anticoagulant therapy applies at very high EPA+DHA doses
Cross-market regulatory status
🇪🇺 EFSA
Authorized claim Reg 432/2012 (cardiovascular) when EPA+DHA per-serving threshold reached; Novel Food authorisation Reg 258/97 covered phospholipid krill oil
🇧🇷 ANVISA
RDC 243/2018 dietary supplement · IN 28/2018 Anexo V alegação funcional verbatim: "Os ácidos graxos ômega 3 EPA e DHA auxiliam na redução dos triglicerídeos." (≥ 1.500 mg EPA+DHA/dia)
Authorized claims · verbatim (2)
Direct quotes from each jurisdiction's framework · never paraphrased · with framework reference and conditions of use.
🇪🇺 EFSA · 1 claim
Reg 432/2012
EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.
Conditions: Reg 1924/2006 art 10(2): claim may be used only for food which provides a daily intake of at least 250 mg of EPA and DHA; consumer informed that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA
Authorized 2012
🇧🇷 ANVISA · 1 claim
IN 28/2018 Anexo V alegação funcional
Os ácidos graxos ômega 3 EPA e DHA auxiliam na redução dos triglicerídeos.
Conditions: IN 28/2018 Anexo V: alegação restrita a suplementos que forneçam ao menos 1.500 mg de EPA + DHA por dia
Authorized 2018
Common use cases
- omega-3 index optimisation at lower absolute EPA+DHA doses than triglyceride-form fish oil
- GI tolerance preference (lower reflux burden in some users)
- co-delivery of astaxanthin within an omega-3 stack
Cross-reference
Health goals: heart health cognitive support inflammation relief
Lifestyles: senior 60 plus athletic performance
Full dossier: /ingredients/krill-oil/
Machine-readable JSON: /api/nc/krill-oil.json