Krill oil supplements may improve muscle strength for all older adults

As the U.S. Population ages, maintaining muscle health is becoming increasingly critical. Recent research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging suggests a potential strategy: supplementation with krill oil. A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial found that six months of daily supplementation with four grams of Aker BioMarine’s SuperbaBoost krill oil was associated with increases in muscle strength, size, and physical function in adults aged 65 and older.

The Growing Challenge of Muscle Loss

The number of Americans aged 65 and over is rising rapidly. In 2022, over 17% of the U.S. Population—32 million women and 26 million men—were in this age group, a figure projected to reach 23% by 2050, according to the Population Reference Bureau. This demographic shift brings with it a greater focus on age-related health concerns, including sarcopenia—the degenerative loss of muscle mass and strength.

Muscle loss is a natural part of aging, with individuals potentially losing 1% to 2% of their muscle mass each year after age 50. Strength declines as well, at a rate of 1.5% annually starting at age 50, accelerating to 3% after age 60. The economic impact of sarcopenia is substantial; direct healthcare costs were estimated at $18.5 billion in the United States in 2000, representing approximately 1.5% of total healthcare expenditures that year.

Did You Know? Researchers from the University of Glasgow (UK), Monash University (Australia), Nottingham Trent University (UK), and Northumbria University (UK) conducted the analysis.

How Krill Oil May Help

The study involved 94 participants, both men and women, aged 65 and older. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either krill oil or a placebo for six months. Researchers observed improvements in muscle strength, size, and physical function across different age groups (over or under 70), sexes, and body mass index (BMI) categories (under or over 25 kg/m2) in those taking the krill oil supplement.

Interestingly, the study revealed differences in how krill oil affected men and women. While strength increases were comparable between the sexes, measurements of the “M-wave”—the electrical signal recorded from a muscle—differed. This suggests that the underlying mechanisms through which krill oil influences muscle strength may vary between men and women, warranting further investigation.

Expert Insight: This research highlights the potential for nutritional interventions to support muscle health in older adults, even without structured exercise. The observed benefits across diverse subgroups suggest a broadly applicable strategy for maintaining physical function as we age.

What’s Next?

Researchers suggest that further studies are needed to fully understand the differing mechanisms of action in men and women. Future research will focus on tailoring supplementation strategies based on sex to maximize benefits. Investigations could explore the combined effects of krill oil supplementation and exercise programs, potentially amplifying the positive outcomes. Healthcare systems may also consider the role of accessible interventions like krill oil supplementation as they address the growing demands related to mobility impairment in aging populations.

Study Details

The findings are based on a secondary analysis of a previous randomized controlled trial. The krill oil used in the study was SuperbaBoost, produced by Aker BioMarine. Riccardo Calvani, Emanuele Marzetti, and Anna Picca from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore and Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCSS in Rome noted that the analysis provides “interesting insights to a rapidly evolving field.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an M-wave?

The M-wave is the electrical signal recorded from a muscle after a motor nerve is stimulated. It serves as a measure of muscle membrane excitability.

Did the study involve any exercise?

No, the study did not require participants to engage in structured exercise. The observed improvements in muscle strength and size occurred with krill oil supplementation alone.

What did researchers say about the broader implications of this research?

Researchers stated that krill oil supplementation may represent a practical and biologically meaningful strategy to support muscle strength and size in older adults, regardless of sex, age, or BMI.

As populations worldwide continue to age, what role do you think accessible nutritional interventions will play in supporting healthy aging and preserving quality of life?