Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms

J Am Coll Nutr. 2007 Feb;26(1):39-48. doi: 10.1080/07315724.2007.10719584.

Abstract

Objectives: a) To evaluate the effect of Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) on C-reactive protein (CRP) on patients with chronic inflammation and b) to evaluate the effectiveness of NKO on arthritic symptoms.

Methods: Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. Ninety patients were recruited with confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and/or rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis and with increased levels of CRP (>1.0 mg/dl) upon three consecutive weekly blood analysis. Group A received NKO (300 mg daily) and Group B received a placebo. CRP and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis score were measured at baseline and days 7, 14 and 30.

Results: After 7 days of treatment NKO reduced CRP by 19.3% compared to an increase by 15.7% observed in the placebo group (p = 0.049). After 14 and 30 days of treatment NKO further decreased CRP by 29.7% and 30.9% respectively (p < 0.001). The CRP levels of the placebo group increased to 32.1% after 14 days and then decreased to 25.1% at day 30. The between group difference was statistically significant; p = 0.004 at day 14 and p = 0.008 at day 30. NKO showed a significant reduction in all three WOMAC scores. After 7 days of treatment, NKO reduced pain scores by 28.9% (p = 0.050), reduced stiffness by 20.3% (p = 0.001) and reduced functional impairment by 22.8% (p = 0.008).

Conclusion: The results of the present study clearly indicate that NKO at a daily dose of 300 mg significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Animals
  • Arthritis / drug therapy*
  • Arthritis / pathology
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology
  • C-Reactive Protein / drug effects*
  • C-Reactive Protein / metabolism
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / pathology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Euphausiacea / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy*
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oils / therapeutic use*
  • Osteoarthritis / drug therapy
  • Osteoarthritis / pathology
  • Prospective Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Oils
  • C-Reactive Protein