Nutrition Diet: What is krill used for? Exploring its versatile applications

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

With an estimated biomass of around 300 million tonnes in the Southern Ocean, Antarctic krill are among the most abundant animal species on Earth. Due to their rich nutritional profile, many consumers are asking: What is krill used for? These tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans are harvested for a variety of commercial uses, including dietary supplements, animal feed, and even human food.

Quick Summary

Krill are tiny crustaceans used for nutritional supplements like omega-3-rich oil, aquaculture and animal feed, and human consumption in some cultures. They also contain valuable antioxidants and enzymes.

Key Points

Nutritional Supplements: The most recognized use of krill is for producing krill oil, a popular supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids and the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin.
Superior Absorption: Krill oil's omega-3s are bound to phospholipids, which may allow for better absorption and less fishy aftertaste compared to fish oil.
Aquaculture and Animal Feed: A significant portion of the krill harvest is processed into meal or hydrolysate for use in aquaculture and animal feeds, boosting growth and health.
Food and Flavoring: Krill is consumed directly in some cultures, like Japan and Southeast Asia, or used as a natural flavoring and coloring agent in processed foods.
Medical and Industrial Applications: Krill enzymes are being researched for potential medical uses, while chitin from their exoskeletons is extracted for various industrial applications.
Keystone Species: Krill are a vital keystone species in the Antarctic ecosystem, forming the base of the food chain for whales, penguins, and seals.
Sustainable Sourcing: Responsible fisheries operate under strict international regulations and voluntary conservation measures to ensure the sustainability of the krill population.

The Primary Use: Krill Oil for Nutritional Supplements

For most people in Western countries, krill is best known as the source of krill oil, a popular dietary supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, phospholipids, and the antioxidant astaxanthin. It is often marketed as a superior alternative to traditional fish oil due to the unique way the omega-3s are structured, which may lead to better absorption by the body.

Benefits of Krill Oil

Krill oil's benefits are primarily linked to its omega-3 fatty acid content (EPA and DHA) and potent antioxidant properties. Potential health advantages include supporting cardiovascular health by improving blood lipid levels, reducing joint inflammation and pain due to anti-inflammatory effects, and aiding brain and eye health thanks to DHA and astaxanthin. It may also help manage PMS symptoms.

Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil: A Comparison


Parameters	Krill Oil	Fish Oil
Omega-3 Structure	Mostly bound to phospholipids, making it highly bioavailable.	Typically bound to triglycerides, may be less efficiently absorbed.
Antioxidant Content	Naturally rich in astaxanthin.	Does not naturally contain astaxanthin.
Purity	Lower on the food chain, less likely to accumulate heavy metals.	Can accumulate more contaminants, requires extensive purification.
Side Effects	Less prone to causing fishy burps.	More commonly associated with fishy burps.
Cost	Generally more expensive.	More affordable and widely available.

Krill in Aquaculture and Animal Feed

Krill is extensively used in the aquaculture and animal feed industries as meal and hydrolysate. These ingredients act as feeding stimulants, improving appetite and growth rates in farmed aquatic species. Krill meal provides essential amino acids, lipids, and omega-3s. The astaxanthin in krill is used for pigmentation in fish like salmon, and studies suggest krill can enhance the immune system and stress resistance in farmed animals.

Krill for Human Consumption and Bait

Krill is consumed directly in some cultures, notably in Japan and Southeast Asia, in dishes like boiled okiami or fermented bagoong alamang. A significant portion of the krill catch, particularly in Japan, is used as high-quality bait for sport fishing. Processed krill is also utilized as a natural flavoring and coloring agent in various food products.

Other Industrial and Medical Uses

Krill contain valuable biochemicals and enzymes. Researchers are exploring purified krill enzymes for potential medical applications, such as treating necrotic tissue. The exoskeleton of krill is a source of chitin, which can be processed into chitosan for various applications, including industrial uses.

The Ecological Impact and Sustainability

Krill are a keystone species in the Antarctic ecosystem, vital for the survival of many marine animals. Sustainable harvesting practices are crucial to protect this ecosystem. Fisheries are regulated by international bodies like CCAMLR, which sets catch limits. Some companies implement additional conservation measures and may hold MSC certification for sustainable sourcing. Monitoring krill populations is essential to prevent ecosystem disruption. The industry invests in research to minimize bycatch and reduce its environmental impact.

Conclusion

Krill is a versatile marine resource with uses ranging from nutritional supplements and animal feed to potential medical applications, valued for its omega-3s and astaxanthin. However, its crucial role as a keystone species in the marine ecosystem necessitates careful management. Sustainable harvesting practices, governed by international regulations and independent certifications, are vital to balance commercial use with ecological protection. Choosing certified sustainable krill products can support responsible sourcing.

For more information on krill and its role in the Southern Ocean, you can visit the official website of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in the molecular structure of the omega-3 fatty acids. In krill oil, omega-3s are primarily bound to phospholipids, which are more easily absorbed by the body. In contrast, fish oil's omega-3s are typically bound to triglycerides, which require more processing before absorption.

Yes, krill harvesting is managed by international conventions, like the CCAMLR, which sets precautionary catch limits to ensure sustainability. Reputable krill fisheries also pursue independent certifications from organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and implement voluntary conservation measures.

Yes, krill oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly for those with arthritis. The omega-3s help combat inflammation, which is often the cause of joint discomfort.

Yes, krill oil is naturally rich in the antioxidant astaxanthin, which gives it a red-orange color. This powerful antioxidant helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and supports the oil's stability.

In some regions, particularly Japan and Southeast Asia, krill is used for human consumption in traditional dishes. It can be consumed fresh, frozen, boiled, or fermented into paste or sauce.

No, if you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid krill oil. Krill are small crustaceans, and people with a shellfish allergy may experience an allergic reaction to krill oil supplements.

In aquaculture, krill meal and oil are used as feed ingredients for farmed fish and shrimp. They act as feeding stimulants, provide essential nutrients, and contain astaxanthin for pigmentation, leading to better growth, health, and stress resistance.