Calamari Oil

Fatty-acidOmega-3Best with a meal

What is it

Calamari oil is an omega-3 oil extracted from squid (typically Dosidicus gigas), notable for a high proportion of DHA relative to EPA compared with most fish oils.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cardiovascular health

Strong Evidence

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglycerides and have modest effects on blood pressure. Calamari oil is presumed to perform similarly to fish oil based on its fatty acid profile.

Cognitive and visual function (DHA)

Good Evidence

DHA supports retinal and neural membrane function; calamari oil is a concentrated DHA source.

How it works

Calamari oil delivers omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) in triglyceride form, with DHA often making up two-thirds or more of the total omega-3 content. DHA is particularly important for retinal and neural membranes. Effects are similar to other marine omega-3 sources: anti-inflammatory eicosanoid shift, triglyceride lowering, and support for cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Dosage

No RDA; combined EPA+DHA intake of 250-500 mg/day is recommended for general cardiovascular health. Calamari oil products typically provide 300-1000 mg combined omega-3 per serving.

When and how to take it

Fat-soluble; take with a meal containing fat to support absorption.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Triglyceride form

Most common in calamari oil products.

Higher bioavailability than ethyl ester forms.

Safety

Well tolerated. GI symptoms (fishy reflux, loose stool) are most common. Calamari is generally considered a sustainable source compared with some forage-fish-derived oils.

Who should be cautious

Anyone allergic to seafood should be cautious. People on anticoagulants should discuss high doses with a clinician. Pregnancy: DHA-rich oils are generally encouraged.

Interactions

Theoretical additive bleeding risk with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs at high doses. Clinically significant interactions are uncommon at typical supplement doses.

Food sources

Squid/calamari, 100 g

Amount
~500-700 mg combined EPA+DHA
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is calamari oil better than fish oil?⌄

It has a higher DHA-to-EPA ratio, which can be useful for cognitive or retinal targets. For triglyceride lowering, EPA-rich oils may be preferred. Both are effective sources.

Is it sustainable?⌄

Squid fisheries are generally considered more sustainable than some forage-fish sources, but practices vary by supplier.

References

Calamari Oil on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Calamari Oil (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Calamari Oil with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.