Krill oil
Krill oil is extracted from small marine crustaceans, mainly Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). Krill are usually processed at sea into a meal or paste, and the oil is then extracted, often with ethanol, and concentrated. Much of its EPA and DHA is bound to phospholipids rather than triglycerides, and it carries the red carotenoid astaxanthin. Brands usually buy it as a dark red oil for softgels or as a powder.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Bulk oil sold against minimum EPA, DHA, phospholipid and astaxanthin levels for softgel filling.
Oil further extracted or fractionated to raise the phospholipid share, sold at a higher price per kilogram.
Oil adsorbed or encapsulated on a carrier for tablets, capsules and powder blends.
Krill oil combined with fish oil or algal oil to reach a target EPA and DHA level per softgel.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store sealed under nitrogen, away from light, in a cool place; many suppliers specify refrigeration or below 25 C. Krill oil is viscous, so drums may need gentle warming before pumping. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and peroxide and anisidine values are retested on aged stock.
Phospholipid, EPA and DHA, and astaxanthin levels move with krill catch season and processing, so record the actual values from each lot COA. Rotate first-expiry, first-out and check oxidation values on any opened drum.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 242 for krill oil, notified by Neptune Technologies and Bioressources, closed with FDA having no questions and noting some uses may require a color additive listing.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 371, for krill oil notified by EVP Documentation (Aker Biomarine address), also closed with FDA having no questions.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)Health Canada's krill oil monograph lists Euphausia pacifica and Euphausia superba (whole) as source materials and sets a maximum peroxide value of 5 mEq/kg.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Saskatoon, Canada
Sells it as Rimfrost
Canadian supplier of plant and marine oils, coconut and MCT oils, seeds and proteins in bulk and finished formats for food, supplement and pet nutrition brands.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include standard krill oil, high-phospholipid concentrate, krill oil powder and blends. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect ePA and DHA, phospholipids, astaxanthin, peroxide, anisidine and TOTOX, dioxins, PCBs and metals and residual solvents, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store sealed under nitrogen, away from light, in a cool place; many suppliers specify refrigeration or below 25 C. Krill oil is viscous, so drums may need gentle warming before pumping. Shelf life is set by the supplier specification, and peroxide and anisidine values are retested on aged stock.
FDA's GRAS Notice Inventory lists GRN 242 for krill oil, notified by Neptune Technologies and Bioressources, closed with FDA having no questions and noting some uses may require a color additive listing. GRN 371, for krill oil notified by EVP Documentation (Aker Biomarine address), also closed with FDA having no questions. Health Canada's krill oil monograph lists Euphausia pacifica and Euphausia superba (whole) as source materials and sets a maximum peroxide value of 5 mEq/kg.
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