Krill oil: half reduction in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Daily intake of krill oil, a supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Reporting the news is the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, which published the results of a research collaboration between researchers from MD Biosciences (Zurich, Switzerland), Aker BioMarine (Oslo, Norway) and Clanet (Espoo, Finland). According to the authors, the benefits of krill oil depend on the presence within it of both Omega-3s and other molecules with antioxidant properties.

Krill oil, a valuable aid

Krill consists of small crustaceans known for their high content of Omega-3 and other important nutrients. Its habitat is deep sea waters, home to about 85 species of these critters, which together make up the most abundant animal biomass on the planet. Once caught, an oil that contains 48 times higher concentrations of antioxidants than traditional fish oil can be obtained from krill. In addition, compared to the latter, krill oil also contains more Omega-3-rich phospholipids and astaxanthin, an antioxidant that could help reduce inflammatory phenomena. Krill oil and arthritis, a proven efficacy The authors of the research investigated the potential of krill oil in treating arthritis in mice predisposed to the development of this disease. The animals were divided into three groups. While the first was given no supplement, the second group of mice was fed a diet enriched with enough krill oil to provide 0.44 grams of Omega-3 - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) - per 100 grams of food. The remaining mice received EPA and DHA in the form of fish oil, totaling 0.47 grams of Omega-3 per 100 grams of food. Arthritis was assessed in each group of animals by analyzing joint tissues. In addition, at the end of the study, serum samples were taken in which to determine the levels of molecules participating in inflammation processes--several interleukins and the so-called Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-beta)--that are associated with the disease. The data thus collected showed that although a decrease in markers of inflammation was not observed, both krill oil intake and fish oil supplementation significantly reduced arthritis symptoms and hind leg swelling. However, the researchers explain, the effects obtained with krill oil were greater. In fact, while fish oil reduced the degree of disease by 26 percent, krill oil reduced symptoms by 47 percent. According to the researchers, the greater effect obtained with krill oil could be due to a higher bioefficacy of the EPA and DHA in it than those in fish oil.

A hope for several diseases

Although this study focused onrheumatoid arthritis, the authors believe that the same efficacy could be found against osteoarthritis and other inflammatory diseases.  

Source

1. Ierna M, Kerr A, Scales H, Berge K, Griinari M, "Supplementation of diet with krill oil protects against experimental rheumatoid arthritis," BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2010 Jun 29;11:136