A new study from the University of Glasgow suggests that taking krill oil supplements can help older adults improve their muscle strength and size. The research, published in Clinical Nutrition, found that taking four grams of krill oil every day for six months had clear benefits for muscle health in people over the age of 65.
As people get older, they naturally lose muscle mass and strength. This process, called sarcopenia, makes it harder to move around, affects balance, and increases the risk of falls. Staying strong is important for older adults because it helps them stay active and independent.
Krill oil comes from tiny shrimp-like animals found in the ocean. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA, which are important for overall health. Previous studies have shown that these nutrients can help build and maintain muscle. Krill oil also contains choline, a nutrient that may further support muscle health.
To test whether krill oil could improve muscle strength in older adults, scientists recruited 102 healthy men and women over 65. They split the participants into two groups: one group took four grams of krill oil daily, while the other group took a placebo (a fake supplement with no active ingredients).
The study lasted for six months, and researchers tracked changes in muscle strength, size, and other related factors.
At the end of the study, the people who took krill oil showed clear improvements compared to those who took the placebo. Their thigh muscle strength increased by 9.3%, their grip strength improved by 10.9%, and their thigh muscles became 3.5% thicker. These results suggest that krill oil helps muscles stay strong and healthy.
The researchers also found big changes in the participants’ blood omega-3 levels. Those who took krill oil had much higher levels of EPA and DHA, showing that their bodies were absorbing these important nutrients. In addition, their muscles responded better to movement, which suggests that krill oil could help muscles work more efficiently.
The study suggests that taking krill oil every day may be a simple and effective way for older adults to maintain their muscle strength and size. Since losing muscle can make everyday tasks harder, this supplement could help older people stay more independent and active. Stronger muscles also mean a lower risk of falling, which is a common problem among seniors.
Although more research is needed to see if these benefits apply to people with muscle-related conditions or less active lifestyles, the findings are promising. For now, krill oil seems like a helpful supplement for healthy aging, allowing older adults to stay strong and enjoy a better quality of life.
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