A newly published pilot study has suggested that supplementing daily with krill oil could reduce chronic muscle and joint pain in older adults.
The research was conducted by researchers at the University of Florida, in collaboration with Aker BioMarine’s Open Innovation Center.
The 12-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of krill oil supplementation on pain and physical function in 40 older adults (aged 60 and above) with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Researchers found that krill oil was safe, well-tolerated and showed early signs of benefit compared with a placebo.
Participants taking krill oil (Superba Boost, 4 g/day) saw their blood omega-3 levels rise from 4.3% to 7.4%, moving toward the optimal range of 8-12%, which is linked to significant health benefits.
Low omega-3 levels are common and associated with chronic health issues and so boosting omega-3 through diet or supplementation is crucial for overall wellness.
The researchers stressed that the findings are still preliminary; however, those in the krill oil group showed trends toward lower pain intensity and fewer painful body sites, suggesting the potential to manage chronic pain in this population and supporting healthier ageing and improved quality of life.
"Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a leading cause of disability among older adults globally, therefore, there is a clear need for safe, acceptable and effective non-pharmacological approaches, especially for older adults who often live with multiple chronic conditions and use multiple medications," said Dr Javier A. Tamargo, Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida.
"We were encouraged by the high acceptability and satisfaction reported by participants in this pilot study, as well as the clinically meaningful improvements in omega-3 status."
We also observed preliminary signals suggesting that krill oil may support pain management, although larger and longer studies are needed to determine whether these effects translate into meaningful improvements in daily function.
About one-third of older adults in the US experience mobility limitations, with chronic musculoskeletal pain significantly contributing to these limitations, leading to reduced physical function and a higher risk of disability.
However, pain management remains challenging, with existing treatments often inconsistently effective. There is a growing demand for safe, non-drug options, such as krill oil, to help address pain and enhance physical function.
"For years, we have advanced research in healthy ageing through partnerships with leading institutions and active participation in open innovation initiatives and we believe this study marks a meaningful step forward," added Line Johnsen, SVP of Human Health Ingredients R&D at Aker BioMarine.
"Our previous research has shown that krill oil can play a valuable role in supporting joint and muscle health, among other benefits."
While these findings are still preliminary, they add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that krill oil may be an effective nutritional approach for managing pain and helping to reduce mobility limitations and functional decline in ageing populations.