Red Krill Oil Supplements
Discover the unique benefits of Bioglan Red Krill Oil™. Our phospholipid-rich omega-3 formula with EPA, DHA, and astaxanthin supports heart, brain, eye, and joint health.
All
Tablets/Capsules 
Red Krill Oil™ Explained: Phospholipid Omega-3s and Health Support
Red Krill Oil™ is Bioglan's krill oil range, providing the marine omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA naturally associated with phospholipids, together with naturally occurring astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids.[1,2
While both fish oil and krill oil provide EPA and DHA, krill oil has a naturally different nutrient profile. It contains a phospholipid-rich omega-3 matrix, as well as naturally occurring astaxanthin and choline-containing compounds that are not typically defining features of standard fish oil products.[3,4]
Red Krill Oil™ is positioned to support heart, brain, eye and joint health. Much of the evidence behind these areas comes from broader research on EPA and DHA, studies investigating krill oil composition and bioavailability, and selected clinical research exploring blood lipid markers and mild joint symptoms.[5,6]
This article explores what the science says about krill oil, EPA and DHA, and how these findings relate to Bioglan's Red Krill Oil™ range.[1]
Why Bioglan uses Red Krill Oil™
Bioglan uses Red Krill Oil™ because krill oil naturally delivers EPA and DHA within a phospholipid-rich matrix. Alongside omega-3s, it also contains naturally occurring astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids, creating a nutritional profile that differs from many traditional fish oil products.[1,3,4]
This allows Bioglan to explore not only the benefits associated with omega-3s, but also the importance of their source, structure and accompanying nutrients.
What are EPA and DHA?
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are long-chain marine omega-3 fatty acids found naturally in seafood, fish oil and krill oil.[5]
These omega-3s become part of cell membranes throughout the body and are involved in a range of normal biological functions. DHA is particularly concentrated in the brain and retina, making it especially relevant to brain and eye health.[5]
Because Red Krill Oil™ provides both EPA and DHA, it is often positioned as a whole-body omega-3 ingredient that supports heart, brain and eye health.[5]
Discover the unique - Bioglan Red Krill Oil™
Key Features of Red Krill Oil
Red Krill Oil™ Feature Why It Matters EPA and DHA Long-chain marine omega-3 fatty acids that support heart, brain and eye health Phospholipid-rich matrix. A natural structural feature that distinguishes krill oil from many fish oils Naturally occurring astaxanthin A red-orange carotenoid that contributes to krill oil's colour Choline-containing phospholipids Part of krill oil's distinctive phospholipid composition Antarctic krill source Connects the ingredient to marine sourcing and sustainability considerations Red Krill Oil™ vs fish oil: what is the difference?
Krill oil and fish oil are both sources of marine omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. The main difference lies in how those omega-3s occur naturally and the additional compounds found alongside them.[3,4] In many fish oils, EPA and DHA are present primarily in triglyceride or ethyl ester forms. In krill oil, a substantial proportion of EPA and DHA is naturally associated with phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine.[3,4] Krill oil also naturally contains astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids, which contribute to its distinctive nutritional profile.[3]
Attribute Red Krill Oil™ / Krill Oil Fish Oil Source Krill, commonly Antarctic krill Fish Key omega-3s EPA and DHA EPA and DHA Common lipid form Omega-3s naturally associated with phospholipids Commonly triglyceride or ethyl ester forms Naturally contains astaxanthin Yes Usually absent or present in very small amounts Contains choline-containing phospholipids Yes Not typically a defining feature Best description Phospholipid-rich marine omega-3 oil Marine omega-3 oil Rather than saying krill oil is "better" than fish oil, a more accurate statement is that both provide EPA and DHA, but krill oil delivers these omega-3s within a different phospholipid-rich matrix and naturally contains astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids.[3,4]
What is Red Krill Oil™?
Red Krill Oil™ is Bioglan's krill oil range, sourced from Antarctic krill. It provides omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA together with naturally occurring phospholipids and astaxanthin, and is positioned to support heart, brain, eye and joint health.[1]
Krill are small crustaceans that play an important role in marine ecosystems. Antarctic krill oil is typically derived from the species Euphausia superba.[2,8]
Why is krill oil red?
Krill oil gets its distinctive red colour from astaxanthin, a naturally occurring red-orange carotenoid found in marine organisms.[3]
Astaxanthin contributes to both the colour and antioxidant profile of krill oil and is one of the key compositional differences between krill oil and many fish oils.[3]
Is Red Krill Oil™ suitable for everyone?
Krill oil is generally well tolerated in clinical studies. Reported side effects are typically mild and may include digestive discomfort, nausea, heartburn or an unpleasant aftertaste.[5,15]
Because krill oil is derived from a crustacean source, people with seafood or shellfish allergies should avoid use unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.[7,26]
Individuals with health considerations should seek professional advice before taking krill oil supplements.[5]
Safety Considerations
Avoid use if you are allergic to seafood or shellfish unless advised by a healthcare professional.
Seek healthcare advice before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, preparing for surgery or taking blood-thinning medication.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.[5,7,26]How Red Krill Oil™ fits Bioglan’s premium ingredient approach
Red Krill Oil™ allows Bioglan to explore omega-3 nutrition from multiple perspectives.
It combines marine omega-3s with naturally occurring phospholipids, astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids, while also providing an opportunity to discuss sourcing, bioavailability and ingredient composition.
Through Red Krill Oil™, Bioglan can help consumers better understand:
- The differences between krill oil and fish oil
- The role of phospholipid-associated omega-3s
- The functions of EPA and DHA
- Why krill oil naturally has a red colour
- The contribution of astaxanthin and phospholipids
- What current krill oil research does and does not show
- The importance of responsible marine sourcing
Is Red Krill Oil™ sustainably sourced?
Sustainable sourcing is an important consideration for krill oil because Antarctic krill play a significant role in the Southern Ocean ecosystem.[24]
Bioglan's Red Krill Oil™ is sourced from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba), the species most commonly used in krill oil production.[1,2]
The Antarctic krill fishery is managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which sets catch limits and management measures designed to support long-term ecosystem sustainability.[24]
What are phospholipid omega-3s?
Phospholipids are specialised fats that form an important part of cell membranes. In krill oil, a significant proportion of EPA and DHA is naturally associated with phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine.[3]
This structure is one reason krill oil is often studied in relation to omega-3 bioavailability. Bioavailability refers to how effectively a nutrient is absorbed and incorporated into the body, including markers such as plasma fatty acids and the omega-3 index.[9]
Several studies have shown that krill oil can effectively increase blood levels of EPA and DHA, and some research has reported favourable incorporation into plasma phospholipids compared with certain fish oil formats.[10,11]
However, current evidence does not support the claim that krill oil is always better absorbed than fish oil. In a matched-dose study, krill oil and fish oil produced similar EPA and DHA levels when equivalent amounts were consumed.[12]
Key Features of Red Krill Oil
| Red Krill Oil™ Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| EPA and DHA | Long-chain marine omega-3 fatty acids that support heart, brain and eye health |
| Phospholipid-rich matrix. | A natural structural feature that distinguishes krill oil from many fish oils |
| Naturally occurring astaxanthin | A red-orange carotenoid that contributes to krill oil's colour |
| Choline-containing phospholipids | Part of krill oil's distinctive phospholipid composition |
| Antarctic krill source | Connects the ingredient to marine sourcing and sustainability considerations |
Red Krill Oil™ vs fish oil: what is the difference?
Krill oil and fish oil are both sources of marine omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. The main difference lies in how those omega-3s occur naturally and the additional compounds found alongside them.[3,4]
In many fish oils, EPA and DHA are present primarily in triglyceride or ethyl ester forms. In krill oil, a substantial proportion of EPA and DHA is naturally associated with phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine.[3,4]
Krill oil also naturally contains astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids, which contribute to its distinctive nutritional profile.[3]
| Attribute | Red Krill Oil™ / Krill Oil | Fish Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Krill, commonly Antarctic krill | Fish |
| Key omega-3s | EPA and DHA | EPA and DHA |
| Common lipid form | Omega-3s naturally associated with phospholipids | Commonly triglyceride or ethyl ester forms |
| Naturally contains astaxanthin | Yes | Usually absent or present in very small amounts |
| Contains choline-containing phospholipids | Yes | Not typically a defining feature |
| Best description | Phospholipid-rich marine omega-3 oil | Marine omega-3 oil |
Rather than saying krill oil is "better" than fish oil, a more accurate statement is that both provide EPA and DHA, but krill oil delivers these omega-3s within a different phospholipid-rich matrix and naturally contains astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids.[3,4]
What the evidence can and cannot show
Red Krill Oil™ vs fish oil: what is the difference?
Krill oil and fish oil are both sources of marine omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA. The main difference lies in how those omega-3s occur naturally and the additional compounds found alongside them.[3,4]
In many fish oils, EPA and DHA are present primarily in triglyceride or ethyl ester forms. In krill oil, a substantial proportion of EPA and DHA is naturally associated with phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine.[3,4]
Krill oil also naturally contains astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids, which contribute to its distinctive nutritional profile.[3]
| Attribute | Red Krill Oil™ / Krill Oil | Fish Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Krill, commonly Antarctic krill | Fish |
| Key omega-3s | EPA and DHA | EPA and DHA |
| Common lipid form | Omega-3s naturally associated with phospholipids | Commonly triglyceride or ethyl ester forms |
| Naturally contains astaxanthin | Yes | Usually absent or present in very small amounts |
| Contains choline-containing phospholipids | Yes | Not typically a defining feature |
| Best description | Phospholipid-rich marine omega-3 oil | Marine omega-3 oil |
Rather than saying krill oil is "better" than fish oil, a more accurate statement is that both provide EPA and DHA, but krill oil delivers these omega-3s within a different phospholipid-rich matrix and naturally contains astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids.[3,4]
What role does choline play in krill oil?
Krill oil naturally contains choline-containing phospholipids, particularly phosphatidylcholine.[3]
Choline is an essential nutrient involved in normal cell membrane structure and lipid metabolism. In krill oil, it is present as part of the phospholipid matrix rather than as a standalone nutrient source.[3]
| Health Area | Red Krill Oil™ Health Support |
|---|---|
| Heart Health Support |
The heart health story behind Red Krill Oil™ is largely linked to EPA and DHA, the two key marine omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil.[5] EPA and DHA have been widely studied for their role in supporting cardiovascular health and helping maintain healthy blood lipid metabolism.[5] Researchers have also explored krill oil's effects on blood lipid markers. It's important to note that these studies focus on cardiovascular risk markers rather than clinical outcomes. |
| Brain Health Support |
DHA is one of the most abundant omega-3 fatty acids in the brain and plays an important role in maintaining normal brain structure and function.[5] While some krill oil studies have explored cognitive outcomes, the strongest evidence remains the broader body of research linking DHA and EPA to healthy brain function.[5,16] |
| Eye Health Support |
DHA is also highly concentrated in the retina, where it contributes to normal eye structure and function.[5] |
| Joint Health Support |
Joint health is one of the areas where krill oil has been studied directly, although findings have been mixed. Some clinical trials have reported improvements in measures of joint comfort, mobility and mild knee pain, while others have found little or no benefit compared with placebo.[19–21] Differences in study design, dosage, duration and participant characteristics may help explain these varying outcomes. |
Rather than saying krill oil is "better" than fish oil, a more accurate statement is that both provide EPA and DHA, but krill oil delivers these omega-3s within a different phospholipid-rich matrix and naturally contains astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids.[3,4]
Is Red Krill Oil™ better absorbed than fish oil?
One of the most common questions about krill oil is whether it is absorbed more effectively than fish oil.
Krill oil has been studied extensively for bioavailability, and several studies have shown that it can effectively increase blood levels of EPA and DHA.[9–11]
Some research has reported favourable outcomes for krill oil compared with certain fish oil formulations. However, other studies have found similar EPA and DHA levels when equivalent doses are consumed.[12]
How to read a Red Krill Oil™ supplement label
When comparing krill oil supplements, capsule size alone does not tell the full story. A 500 mg or 1000 mg krill oil capsule does not necessarily provide that amount of EPA and DHA.
Instead, it is helpful to look at the active omega-3 content and serving recommendations.
What to Check on the Label
| Label Item | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Krill oil amount | Total krill oil provided per capsule or serving |
| EPA amount | Shows how much EPA is supplied |
| DHA amount | Shows how much DHA is supplied |
| Daily dose | Indicates omega-3 intake when used as directed |
| Allergy warnings | Important because krill oil is derived from crustaceans |
| Directions for use | Helps ensure appropriate daily intake |
| Sustainability information | Should be supported by appropriate sourcing documentation |
What the evidence can and cannot show
Overview of the Evidence
| Evidence Area | What It Supports |
|---|---|
| Red Krill Oil™ information | Product and ingredient positioning |
| Krill oil research | Composition, bioavailability and selected health outcomes |
| EPA and DHA research | Heart, brain and eye health support |
| Bioavailability studies | How omega-3s are absorbed and incorporated into the body |
| Joint health studies | Mild joint symptoms and mobility outcomes |
| Sustainability research | Responsible sourcing and fishery management |
1. Red Krill Oil™ Brand Evidence
Publicly available information describes Red Krill Oil™ as Bioglan's krill oil range. The active ingredient listed in the ARTG is Antarctic krill oil (Euphausia superba oil).[1,2]
2. Krill Oil Evidence
Krill oil has been studied in humans for bioavailability, blood lipid markers, eye health research and mild joint symptoms.[9,14,17,20]
3. EPA and DHA Evidence
The strongest support for heart, brain and eye health comes from the broader scientific literature on EPA and DHA.[5]
4. Bioavailability Evidence
Research suggests krill oil is an effective source of EPA and DHA and has been widely studied for bioavailability. However, findings vary between studies and formulations.[9,10,12,23]
5. Joint Health Evidence
Studies investigating joint health have produced mixed results, with some reporting benefits and others showing no significant difference compared with placebo.[19–21]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red Krill Oil™?
Red Krill Oil™ is Bioglan's krill oil range. It provides EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids naturally associated with phospholipids, together with naturally occurring astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids.[1,3]Is Red Krill Oil™ the same as fish oil?
No. Both krill oil and fish oil provide EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, but they differ in their natural composition. Krill oil naturally contains phospholipids, astaxanthin and choline-containing phospholipids, while fish oil typically contains omega-3s in different lipid forms.[3,4]What are phospholipid omega-3s?
Phospholipid omega-3s are omega-3 fatty acids that occur naturally alongside phospholipids. In krill oil, a substantial proportion of EPA and DHA is associated with phospholipids, creating a distinctive phospholipid-rich omega-3 matrix.[3]Is krill oil better absorbed than fish oil?
Current research does not support a simple yes-or-no answer. Some studies have found favourable bioavailability outcomes for krill oil, while others have reported similar EPA and DHA blood levels when krill oil and fish oil are consumed at matched doses.[9,12,23]Why is krill oil red?
Krill oil gets its natural red colour from astaxanthin, a red-orange carotenoid found in marine organisms. Astaxanthin contributes to the colour of krill oil.[3]What does Red Krill Oil™ support?
Red Krill Oil™ provides EPA and DHA omega-3s that support heart, brain and eye health.[5]
It is also positioned to support joint health and mobility. While krill oil has been studied for mild joint symptoms, research findings have been mixed and should be interpreted carefully.[19–21]
Is Red Krill Oil™ suitable for everyone?
Krill oil is generally well tolerated in clinical studies. However, because it is derived from a crustacean source, people with seafood or shellfish allergies should avoid use unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.[7,26]
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking blood-thinning medication, preparing for surgery or managing a medical condition, seek advice from a healthcare professional before use. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.[5,7,26]