Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that play an important role in human nutrition. The two most recognised omega-3s are EPA and DHA, which contribute to the normal function of the heart. DHA also contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and normal vision.
But when choosing an omega-3 supplement, it is not only the amount of EPA and DHA that matters. The form in which these fatty acids are delivered can also influence how they are absorbed and reflected in the body.
A new published clinical study, Loukil et al. 2026, in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, compared Superba Krill Oil with fish oil in triglyceride form. The results support what is known as the “phospholipid advantage” of krill oil. (1)
Introduction
What Makes Krill Oil Different?
Krill oil naturally provides omega-3 fatty acids in phospholipid form.
Phospholipids are an important part of cell membranes and help support the structure and function of cells throughout the body. This makes phospholipid-bound omega-3s an interesting area of research when looking at omega-3 absorption and incorporation.
Krill oil naturally contains:
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EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids
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Phospholipids
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Choline
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Astaxanthin
This naturally occurring combination makes krill oil different from many traditional fish oil supplements, which commonly provide EPA and DHA in triglyceride or ethyl ester form.
The New Clinical Study
The 2026 double-blind clinical study compared Superba Krill Oil with fish oil in triglyceride form over 12 weeks. (1)
The study included 72 healthy adults and used equivalent EPA and DHA doses. This is important because it allowed researchers to compare the delivery form of the omega-3s, rather than simply comparing different amounts of EPA and DHA. (1)
Key Findings
The results included:
- Superba Krill produced a 1.4x higher increase in plasma EPA compared with fish oil in triglyceride form. (1)
- Superba Krill produced a 1.5x higher increase in plasma DHA compared with fish oil in triglyceride form. (1)
- Both were compared at the same EPA and DHA dose and over the same 12-week duration. (1)
These results suggest that the phospholipid form of krill oil can support higher omega-3 levels in the blood at the same dosage and duration. (2)
Why the Delivery Form Matters
Omega-3 supplements are often compared by looking at the amount of EPA and DHA on the label. However, this study highlights that the form of omega-3 may also be important. (2)
Krill oil delivers EPA and DHA mainly in phospholipid form, while the fish oil used in this study delivered EPA and DHA in triglyceride form.
This difference may influence:
• How omega-3s are absorbed
• How they are transported in the body
• How they appear in plasma omega-3 levels
• How efficiently EPA and DHA are incorporated into the body
The findings do not mean that all fish oils are the same, or that fish oil has no value. Fish oil remains a widely used omega-3 source. However, the study supports the idea that omega-3 delivery form is an important part of the conversation.
What Are Plasma EPA and DHA Levels?
Plasma EPA and DHA levels show how much of these omega-3 fatty acids are circulating in the blood.
In research, they are useful markers for understanding how the body responds after supplementation.
In the Loukil et al. 2026 study, Superba Krill led to greater increases in plasma EPA and DHA compared with triglyceride-form fish oil at equivalent EPA and DHA doses. (1)
Naturally Occurring Nutrients in Krill Oil
Krill oil is more than just a source of EPA and DHA. It naturally provides a unique profile.
With Superba Krill, this natural nutrient profile is carefully protected from source to finished ingredient, helping deliver a consistent, premium source of phospholipid-form omega-3s.
Why We Use Superba Krill
Superba Krill is naturally rich in phospholipid omega-3s and also contains choline and astaxanthin. Superba’s own whitepaper, Superba Krill and the Phospholipid Advantage, explores the science behind phospholipid-form omega-3s and their role in omega-3 absorption and bioavailability. (2)
KIKI Health Krill Oil provides:
• Omega-3s in phospholipid form
• Naturally occurring EPA and DHA
• Naturally occurring choline
• Naturally occurring astaxanthin
• A premium Superba Krill source
• A convenient daily omega-3 supplement
KIKI Health Krill Oil is made with Superba Krill, a premium krill oil ingredient sourced from Antarctic krill.
Sustainability & Traceability
KIKI Health Krill Oil is made with Superba Krill, sourced from Antarctic krill through Aker BioMarine / Aker QRILL Company. (3,5)
Antarctic krill fishing is managed under CCAMLR, an international science-led framework created to help conserve the Antarctic marine ecosystem. (6)
Our krill source is supported by:
• MSC-certified fishery (4)
• CCAMLR-managed harvesting (6)
• 100% independent observer coverage (5)
• Near real-time catch reporting (5)
• GPS batch-level traceability (5)
• Eco-harvesting mid-water trawl technology (7)
• Low estimated bycatch (7)
• Voluntary restricted zones near penguin breeding colonies (6)
Current Antarctic krill harvesting is reported to be less than 1% of the estimated krill biomass, helping ensure the fishery operates within strict precautionary limits. (6,7)
We choose Superba Krill because it supports a more responsible approach to omega-3 sourcing, with a focus on traceability, scientific monitoring and long-term ocean health. (3,5,7)
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Krill Oil
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Krill Oil
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