Aker BioMarine’s Superba Boost krill oil boosts omega-3 levels in lupus patients, research finds

17 Jul 2024 --- Aker BioMarine’s phospholipid-rich krill oil helps to increase omega-3 levels significantly among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared to a control group in a new study. Although the researchers found no reduction in disease activity among the patients, a post-hoc sub-analysis showed a temporarily reduced disease activity among people with severe symptoms.

Commonly called lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease affecting millions globally. In those affected, the immune system develops antibodies that prompt other immune cells to attack the body’s cells as they recognize them as foreign. The disease can damage organs such as kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin and joints. 

“This clinical study is hopeful for the estimated five million people worldwide living with lupus,” says Line Johnsen, SVP of human health ingredients R&D at Aker BioMarine. “We were pleased to work with the Lupus Research Alliance and the clinical affiliate Lupus Therapeutics to conduct the study.” 

“We were also pleased to see that in a small subset of study participants with severe lupus, phospholipid-rich krill oil temporarily lessened the severity of symptoms associated with the disease while increasing the Omega-3 Index.”

Study set up  
The researchers posit that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are critical in regulating inflammation and lipid metabolism and are associated with cardiovascular health. They aimed to assess the frequency of omega-3 deficiency in lupus patients and determine whether krill oil supplementation could replenish those omega-3 levels and decrease disease activity. 

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 78 adult lupus patients divided into two groups. For the first 24 weeks, participants received either 4 g daily of krill oil concentrate or a placebo vegetable mixture. After that, patients could opt to enter an open-label extension with krill oil supplementation. 

The research team tested participants’ red blood cell Omega-3 Index — which measures the levels of omega-3 fatty acids — from baseline to week 24. They also monitored changes in clinical features, including the systemic lupus erythematosus Disease Activity Index that assesses lupus disease activity scores. The results are published in Lupus Science & Medicine. 

Krill oil supplementation increased the Omega-3 Index within one month and maintained this improvement over the trial.Omega-3 deficiency  
According to the study, omega-3 fatty acid levels were consistently low among the test group, suggesting a deficiency in lupus patients. In addition, previous research indicates that people with lupus are at an elevated risk of cardiovascular complications. 

At baseline, the Omega-3 Index of all participants averaged 4.43%, which increased to 7.17% after four weeks of treatment and 8.05% after 24 weeks. Research links an Omega-3 Index of 8–12% to better health incomes. 

“It’s gratifying that we were able to correct the deficiency of Omega-3 fatty acid levels in lupus patients,” comments Jane Salmon, MD, director of the Lupus APS Center of Excellence and co-director of the Mary Kirkland Center for Lupus Research at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, and lead researcher.  

“Restoring these levels has the potential to influence cardiovascular risk, and there are suggestions that it improves disease activity. The clinical benefits must be demonstrated in future studies.”

Severe lupus 
Moreover, during the first 16 weeks of krill oil supplementation, disease activity scores decreased among nine lupus patients with higher disease activity at baseline than the placebo group. However, this difference was not statistically significant at 24 weeks. 

Albert Roy, president and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance, adds: “Initial data shed some light on a potential supportive option of omega-3 for people with lupus. While not statistically significant, there were preliminary signals of improved disease activity in the small subset of patients with more severe lupus. These results will need to be confirmed with further study.” 

However, he cautions: “Individuals should not make any changes to their treatment regimen without speaking with their healthcare provider.”

Fatty acid benefits 
Aker BioMarine and the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network conducted the study at 20 US research centers. Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical research affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, oversaw it. 

“Our mission is to improve human health, and since inception, we have prioritized research and development and intellectual property to understand the nutritional value and potential health benefits of krill oil nutrients,” says Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine. “This new study is one of the biggest investments we have contributed to regarding clinical trials, and we are excited to see what the future holds.”

This week, researchers linked omega-3 supplementation to acne reduction. Moreover, a recent study explored how omega-3 influences children’s brain development, mood and behavior. 

In an interview with Nutrition Insight, Aker BioMarine’s CEO highlighted omega-3 supply issues. Fisheries are a vital source of fatty acids but cannot keep up with expanding consumer demand. Johansen underscored the need for alternative sources like krill and algal oils. 

By Jolanda van Hal