Aker BioMarine’s Superba krill oil may enhance elderly muscle health and function, study finds

12 May 2022 --- Supplementing with Aker BioMarine’s Superba krill oil at a dosage of 4 g per day may improve skeletal muscle function and size in healthy elderly populations.

This is according to researchers from the UK-based Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences at the University of Glasgow, who observed daily krill oil supplements increased thigh muscle strength by 9.3%, grip strength by 10.9% and thigh muscle thickness by 3.5%.

“This new study strengthens previous research showing that daily krill oil supplementation for an extended period can improve thigh muscle strength, grip strength and muscle thickness in healthy, older adults,” Line Johnsen, VP of Science and Regulatory Affairs, Aker BioMarine, tells NutritionInsight.

“The research also suggests that choline in krill oil may have additional beneficial effects for skeletal muscle metabolism and health.”

According to a new study, krill oil is good for senior muscle function and size.Looking ahead, Johnsen adds: “Considering the findings, there is potential to further investigate whether krill oil could be a useful treatment for those who already have muscle weakness.”

Krill oil is abundant in the omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been established in past scientific research to be crucial nutrition for the body as it ages.

Johnsen details that Superba krill oil is a “next-generation” phospholipid complex with omega 3s and choline.

Investigating protein muscle synthesis and strength
A total of 102 men and women over the age of 65 participated in the double-blind, controlled study. The participants were relatively inactive on entry to the trial, with less than one hour of self-reported exercise each week.

The participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a placebo control group and a test group that received four grams of Superba krill oil per day from Aker BioMarine.

The findings revealed that participants receiving daily krill oil supplements showed an increase in red blood cell fatty acid profile for EPA 214%, DHA 36% and the omega 3 index 61%, relative to the control group.

“As we age, we experience a slow deterioration of our muscle mass and function. Krill oil contains high concentrations of the omega 3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, which previous scientific studies have shown are important nutrients for the body as it ages,” says Johnsen.

Researchers took participants’ baseline measurements for short-term physical function and other parameters like body fat and blood lipid levels.Additionally, findings showed an increased M-Wave (muscle response) of 17% (relative to the control group), which shows the excitability of the muscle membrane within the muscle.

“This research shows that EPA and DHA supplementation can positively impact muscle protein synthesis, muscle volume and strength,” Johnsen details. “This is important for the elderly population.”

Holistic health ingredient?
Aker BioMarine’s krill oil may be an “all-around” ingredient. The company previously pegged krill oil as a suitable dietary supplement that meets consumer demand for ingredients that promote general health and well-being.

“Our science team is continually venturing into new territories, working with leading partners and investing in scientific research to explore all the health benefits that krill has to offer,” adds Johnsen.

“We are always looking at new opportunities and working with our customers, and industry as a whole, to bring insights and new market opportunities for growth and product expansion in the krill oil market.”

According to a separate study funded by Aker BioMarine, krill oil may benefit the liver. Aker’s Superba Krill oil “profoundly suppressed” disease-promoting lipids in mice while inhibiting obesity-related inflammation.

By Nicole Kerr