A study conducted by scientists at the University of Glasgow suggests that krill oil supplements can help improve muscle strength and size in healthy adults over the age of 65.
The research, published in Clinical Nutrition and led by Dr. Stuart Gray, found that taking four grams of krill oil daily for six months had notable benefits for muscle function and overall muscle health.
As people age, they naturally lose muscle mass and strength, a process called sarcopenia. This decline in muscle health can lead to reduced mobility, balance issues, and an increased risk of falls. Maintaining muscle health is therefore crucial for older adults to stay active and independent.
Krill oil, a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, has been shown in earlier studies to support muscle protein synthesis and improve muscle volume and strength. These nutrients are essential for various bodily functions, particularly as we age.
Additionally, krill oil contains choline, a compound that may further enhance muscle metabolism and health.
In the study, researchers recruited 102 healthy men and women aged 65 and older. The participants were divided into two groups: one received a placebo, while the other took four grams of Superba krill oil daily.
Over six months, the team measured changes in muscle strength, size, and other related factors.
The results were impressive. Participants who took krill oil supplements experienced a 9.3% increase in thigh muscle strength, a 10.9% increase in grip strength, and a 3.5% improvement in thigh muscle thickness compared to those in the placebo group.
The study also found significant changes in the participants’ blood omega-3 levels. The krill oil group showed a 214% increase in EPA, a 36% increase in DHA, and a 61% improvement in their overall omega-3 index. These changes reflect the body’s improved availability of these important nutrients.
Another finding was a 17% increase in the muscle membrane excitability (measured as the M-Wave), which indicates better muscle function and responsiveness. These results highlight the potential of krill oil in supporting healthy muscle performance as people age.
The study strengthens the idea that daily krill oil supplementation can be a simple and effective way for older adults to improve muscle strength, maintain muscle thickness, and enhance overall muscle health.
While omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in these benefits, the choline content in krill oil may offer additional advantages by supporting skeletal muscle metabolism.
This research points to krill oil as a promising supplement for older adults who want to maintain their muscle health. By preserving strength and muscle mass, krill oil could help older individuals stay more active, reduce the risk of falls, and improve their quality of life.
Further studies could explore how these benefits apply to people with muscle-related conditions or less active lifestyles, but for now, krill oil appears to offer a powerful boost for healthy aging.
If you care about muscle, please read studies about factors that can cause muscle weakness in older people, and scientists find a way to reverse high blood sugar and muscle loss.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about an easy, cheap way to maintain muscles, and results showing these vegetables essential for your muscle strength.
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