Omega-3 Fatty AcidsRheumatoid Diseases

Effect of krill oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms

Compared to placebo, it’s effective at reducing arthritis symptoms and inflammation.

First, the details.

  • 90 patients with cardiovascular disease and/or rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis and with increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) were studied.
    • CRP is a protein in the blood that increases with inflammation.
  • Group A received Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) 300 mg daily.
  • Group B received placebo.
  • CRP and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis score were measured at the start and days 7, 14, and 30.
    • WOMAC is a questionnaire used to assess the symptoms of pain, stiffness and physical function.

And, the results.

  • After 7 days of NKO, CRP was significantly reduced by 19% vs 16% with placebo.
  • After 14 and 30 days of NKO, CRP significantly decreased another 30% and 31%, respectively.
  • CRP levels with placebo increased to 32% after 14 days and decreased to 25% at day 30.
    • The between group difference was statistically significant both times.
  • NKO was associated with a significant reduction in all WOMAC scores.
  • After 7 days of NKO, pain scores were significantly lower and there was significant functional improvement.

The bottom line?
Dr. Luisa Deutsch concluded, “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.”

This product is an alternative source of omega-3 fatty acids. People with allergies to seafood shouldn’t use krill oil. People with bleeding disorders should ask their healthcare professional before taking this product.

More about what’s in NKO is here.

1/12/08 18:31 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.