Lee Swanson Research Update

Krill Oil May Reduce Symptoms of Arthritis

September 2010

A new study suggests that daily supplementation with krill oil may reduce the symptoms of arthritis. It is believed the benefits are linked to krill oil’s omega-3 and antioxidant content.

The study, which compares krill oil and fish oil, showed that the addition of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to the diet of mice reduced levels of inflammation in a mouse model of arthritis.

"Krill oil provides protection in terms of arthritis scores and joint pathology in the CIA model. Thus, this source of (omega-3) fatty acids deserves more investigation as a food supplement for patients suffering from not only rheumatoid arthritis, but also osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions," wrote the researchers in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Krill are tiny shrimp gaining attention recently as a rich source of omega-3 as well as other nutrients.

The researchers used an animal model of arthritis to evaluate the effects of krill or fish oil on markers of joint health. The levels of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA in the krill oil was 0.44 g per 100 g of diet and 0.47 g per 100 g of diet in the fish oil group.

Results showed that animals supplemented with krill or fish oil experienced significant reductions in measures of arthritis and swelling of the hind paw compared to control animals not supplemented with EPA and DHA. The effects were greater for the krill oil than fish oil, the researchers said.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Published online ahead of print.