Aker BioMarine’s krill oil demonstrates efficiency for chronic muscle and joint pain in study

Aker BioMarine has announced that a new study on its krill oil Superba demonstrates it may reduce chronic muscle and joint pain in adults aged 60 and above. The company considers the finding a “promising direction for future research.” 

The US-based study used multiple tools to examine whether krill oil is an achievable method for chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain management and if it enhances mobility. It also investigated krill oil’s biological effects by tracking key blood fatty acid changes.

“Chronic MSK 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,” says lead author of the study Javier A. Tamargo, Ph.D., a registered dietitian and postdoctoral fellow at the Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, US.

“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.” 

Increased omega-3 levels

The double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study lasted for 12 weeks and evaluated the effects of krill oil on 40 adults aged 60 and above. The study has been published in The Journal of Nutrition.

Krill oil also contains choline and astaxanthin, which may represent a feasible nutrition-based intervention for chronic MSK pain.The participants were divided by gender and then randomly assigned to the control or placebo group. The control group received a daily dose of 4 g of Superba Boost, containing 1,288 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) combined.

Krill oil also contains choline and astaxanthin, which may represent a feasible nutrition-based intervention for chronic MSK pain, details the report.

Nutrition Insight recently spoke with Lisa Miller, global communications director at Aker BioMarine Human Ingredients, about other scientific research around Superba. She said the ingredient’s phospholipid form allows the body to efficiently absorb, transport, and utilize its nutrients to support cellular, organ, and whole-body health.

“Backed by more than 50 human clinical studies and official health claims, its benefits are extensively validated by scientific research. In addition, it is harvested from one of the world’s most sustainable fisheries, certified for low environmental impact, traceability, and ecological responsibility. These attributes position Superba Krill Oil as an ideal choice within the growing and evolving omega-3 category,” she told us.

In the new study, the group taking the supplement showed increased blood levels of omega-3, from 4.3% to 7.4%, says Aker BioMarine. Omega-3 is associated with protective health benefits, and the optimal omega-3 index is 8–12%.

The company notes that global omega-3 levels are low and have been linked to chronic health concerns. “Improving omega-3 status through diet or supplementation is an important step toward supporting overall wellness.”

The research team also found that krill oil supplementation was safe, well-tolerated, and beneficial at early stages when compared to the placebo.

The krill oil-consuming group showed lower pain intensity and a lower rate of painful places on the body. Although the findings are preliminary, Aker BioMarine says krill oil has potential for managing chronic pain in this population, and that it may support healthy aging and quality of life.

Increased focus on mobility

MSK pain plays a major role in mobility limitations, which impacts one-third of older adults in the US, according to Aker BioMarine. This reduces physical function and increases the risk of disability over time. It is also the leading cause of disability. 

Chronic MSK is the leading cause of disability, according to the study.Focus has shifted from simply living longer to living better, prioritizing healthspan and overall quality of life. People increasingly recognize that mobility, brain health, metabolism, and emotional well-being are interconnected rather than separate concerns.

Line Johnsen, SVP of Human Health Ingredients R&D at Aker BioMarine, says: “For years, we have advanced research in healthy aging through partnerships with leading institutions and active participation in open innovation initiatives, and we believe this study marks a meaningful step forward.”

“Our previous research has shown that krill oil can play a valuable role in supporting joint and muscle health, among other benefits. And 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 aging populations.” 

Tamargo adds: “I am excited to collaborate with Aker BioMarine to build on these findings and further evaluate krill oil as a strategy for chronic pain management and healthier aging trajectories in older adults, while also exploring the biological pathways that may underlie these effects.” 

The demand for mobility and joint health supplements is also growing among younger consumers looking for preventative care and wanting to live an active lifestyle for longer.