Premium krill oil packs major heart health benefits, but choosing the right product can be challenging. Look no further: In this head-to-head analysis, we delve into two leading brands; Onnit Krill Oil Capsules and Kori Krill Oil Softgels. From sourcing and purity to potency and overall benefits, discover which krill oil brand is right for your wellness journey.
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Boost Your Heart Health with the Ultimate Krill Oil: Onnit Krill Oil vs. Kori Krill Oil Softgels is an original (BetterNutritionNews) article.
Krill oil:
A great source of heart-healthy omega-3s
Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans abundant in the pure, icy waters of Antarctica. Krill oil is rich in omega-3 DHA and EPA phospholipids, which remain highly bioavailable and absorbable even after harvesting and processing. Krill oil has been clinically proven to raise serum omega-3 levels, which provide heart-healthy benefits:
- “People who eat omega-3s in their diet may have less plaque buildup in their arteries, lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke,” according to Cleveland Clinic registered dietitian Anna Taylor, MS, RDN, LD.
- “Omega-3s lower triglyceride levels and may raise ‘good’ HDL cholesterol levels.” Studies show that omega-3s can help those with moderate to severe high blood pressure (Mayo Clinic).
The need for omega-3 supplements
Omega-3s are essential; they must be ingested as they cannot be constructed from other nutrients. Fish and crustaceans—especially krill—are the richest source, but the majority of Americans rarely eat seafood, resulting in a deficiency of omega-3s. This has led to the market growth of omega-3 supplements; the majority of which are fish oil-based. Krill oil supplements are an emerging, superior alternative, especially for those concerned about heart health.
Omega-3 Supplements:
Fish Oil vs. Krill Oil Benefits
Fish and krill oil supplements provide excellent levels of omega-3s whereas, the omega-3s in fish oil supplements have diminished bioavailability: “While people who eat dietary sources of fish at least twice a week have a lower risk of dying of heart disease, taking fish oil supplements seems to have little to no benefits to heart health,” reports the Mayo Clinic.
Further, while generally considered safe, too much fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding and may affect the immune response. Fish oil can also leave a “fishy” aftertaste, acid reflux, nausea, or mercury buildup.
Onnit Krill Oil Capsules or Kori Krill Oil Softgels®
Overview: Two premium brands—Onnit Krill Oil capsules and Kori Krill Oil Softgels— compared side-by-side. There are similarities, but also some differences that may influence your preference:
- Onnit offers a variety of nutritional products, which include proteins, fats and oils, and snacks. “Onnit’s nutritional products have been carefully selected to support a foundation of health and peak performance.” Onnit Krill Oil capsules are one of many Onnit nutritional products for mood, sleep, focus, digestion, performance, brain, heart, and immune system health.
- Kori is dedicated exclusively to producing and providing krill oil for heart and overall health. “Kori Krill Oil is a pure Antarctic omega-3 source with phospholipids for superior omega-3 absorption. It supports heart, immune, brain, joint, eye, and skin health.”
Sustainable and natural: The two brands are sourced responsibly and sustainably from cold, pristine Antarctic waters; but Kori Krill Oil is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The operations have earned an “A” rating for a well-managed fishery by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership for 7 years running.
Both brands are natural: Neither contains synthetics, artificial preservatives, or colors, and both are non-GMO, soy-free, and gluten-free.
Key nutrient: Choline “Supports various bodily functions, including cellular growth and metabolism. Choline deficiency can lead to health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and muscular damage” (Medical News Today). Onnit Krill Oil capsules does not list choline as an ingredient, but states “The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil are incorporated in phosphatidylcholine,” in an unspecified amount. Kori Krill Oil Softgels lists 60 mg choline; 11% of the RDV and at this level is considered a good source of choline by the FDA.
Dosage: The daily serving of Kori Krill Oil provides a moderately greater portion of krill oil and its key nutrients:
- A daily serving of Onnit Krill Oil (two 500 mg capsules) provides 190 mg DHA + EPA omega-3s, and 450 mg phospholipids.
- A daily serving of Kori Krill Oil (one 1200 mg capsule) provides 250 mg DHA + EPA omega-3s, and 480 mg phospholipids.
Pricing: There is a distinct advantage for one brand:
- A 30 day supply of Onnit Krill Oil (60 count, 500 mg capsules) is $29.95 ($1.00/day). Free shipping over $150.
- A 30 day supply of Kori Krill Oil (30 count, 1200 mg Softgels) is $19.99 ( 67¢/day). Free shipping over $35.
Krill oil options: Kori Krill Oil offers a diversity of sizes, product forms, and formulations:
- Based on its website, Onnit Krill Oil’s bottle of 60 count, 500 mg capsules are the only version offered.
- Kori Krill Oil, in comparison, offers Softgels in four differing potencies, chewable Gummies, and specialized formulations:
30 Softgels, 1200 mg (30 day supply)
60 Softgels, 600 mg (30 day supply)
90 Softgels, 400 mg (30 day supply)
90 Softgels, 800 mg (90 day supply)
120 Gummies, 125 mg (60 day supply)
Trial sizes are available plus new Mind & Body, and Stress & Body Softgels.
Website: This is where you can learn about krill oil, omega-3s, and heart health, and place your order. Both brands are easy to locate online, but Kori’s site is far more functional:
- Onnit Krill Oil’s site is clean and simple at the expense of information and ease of navigation: It can be challenging to find the page where you can place an order, and the listing of vendors where the product may be purchased may not always be accurate.
- Kori Krill Oil’s site is well-constructed, highly informative, and educational. It is easy to navigate the website, find the products offered, and place an order. Nancy Chan, CEO, expresses her company’s commitment:
“We believe that Antarctic krill is one of the most brilliant resources we have to promote human health,” and “Advances in science and increased attention to our health may be leading us to live longer lives.”
To order: Both brands may be ordered online, but Kori Krill Oil appears to be available from more online and retail sources:
- Onnit Krill Oil capsules can be purchased from the website as well as CVS and Walmart. Onnit lists many other popular pharmacy and natural foods chains on its store locator page, but availability for ordering or at retail is difficult to confirm.
- Kori Krill Oil Softgels and Gummies can be ordered online directly from Kori, or at Amazon, CVS, H-E-B, Health Warehouse, Kroger, Rite-Aid, Sam’s Club, Swanson, Target, VitaCost, Walgreens, and Walmart. Some of these chains may stock Kori Krill Oil at retail, but check ahead to confirm availability in your area.
Brand selection criteria
Both Onnit Krill Oil and Kori Krill Oil are pure, sustainably sourced, and responsibly harvested in Antarctica, and both are natural and free of chemicals and synthetics. But our review has uncovered the advantages of Kori Krill Oil – both regarding the nutrients provided in the daily dosage, as well as the far more extensive krill oil product offerings than Onnit’s single option.
Importantly, Kori Krill Oil’s superiority is apparent with its much more informative and navigable website, providing easier ordering options from a much wider choice of vendors. Perhaps compellingly, Kori Krill Oil costs 1/3 less than Onnit Krill Oil and offers a much lower free shipping threshold. Additionally, Kori Krill Oil is made by the world’s #1 maker of krill oil – the only omega brand that is vertically integrated from harvesting to processing to bring the powerful benefits of krill oil direct to consumers. Kori does not need to go through a supplier to get its krill oil, getting it directly from the source for superior quality.
For your consideration
Krill oil supplements may be taken daily and can help ensure optimum omega-3 levels. As tiny krill consume algae, they do not accumulate mercury the same way larger, longer-lived ocean fish do. As with all major dietary changes and when considering dietary supplements, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional before following through.
Further Reading for Additional Knowledge:
Cleveland Clinic: “Why Omega-3s are Good For You”
ThoughtCo: “What is Krill?”
U.S. FDA: “Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements”
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
