Which specific allergy represents a clear and significant contraindication for taking krill oil supplements?
A known allergy to shellfish, including crustaceans like shrimp or crab
Krill are classified as small crustaceans, meaning that krill oil supplements pose a direct and significant risk to anyone with a confirmed allergy to shellfish. This risk exists because the supplement is derived directly from these organisms. Manufacturers implement purification steps designed to eliminate the proteins commonly responsible for triggering allergic reactions. However, due to the inherent nature of extracting a compound from a known allergen source, a residual risk of reaction always remains. Because the potential severity of an allergic response far outweighs any potential omega-3 benefits, individuals with any history of reactions to crustaceans must strictly avoid krill oil supplementation unless explicitly cleared by a healthcare provider.
