A new study from the University of Glasgow suggests that krill oil supplements could help older adults improve their muscle strength and size.
The study, led by Dr. Stuart Gray and published in the journal Clinical Nutrition, showed that taking four grams of krill oil daily for six months had noticeable benefits for people over the age of 65.
As we get older, it’s common to lose muscle mass and strength. This natural process is called sarcopenia. It can make everyday activities harder, cause balance problems, and increase the risk of falls. That’s why keeping muscles healthy is important for older adults who want to stay active and independent.
Krill oil comes from small shrimp-like sea animals called krill. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA, which are important for the body. These nutrients help with many functions, including muscle health. Krill oil also contains choline, which may help the body use muscles more efficiently.
In this study, scientists worked with 102 healthy men and women who were at least 65 years old. They divided the participants into two groups. One group received a placebo (a pill with no active ingredients), while the other group took four grams of Superba krill oil every day.
The researchers looked at changes in muscle strength, size, and other health markers over six months. The results were encouraging. People who took krill oil had a 9.3% increase in thigh muscle strength, a 10.9% increase in grip strength, and a 3.5% improvement in thigh muscle size, compared to those who took the placebo.
Blood tests showed that the krill oil group also had much higher levels of omega-3 in their blood. Their EPA levels rose by 214%, DHA increased by 36%, and their overall omega-3 index improved by 61%. This means their bodies had more of these helpful nutrients available to use.
The study also found that muscle function improved. One key measure, called the M-Wave, showed a 17% increase in how well muscles responded. This means the muscles worked better and were more ready to move.
These findings suggest that krill oil could be a simple and useful way for older adults to support their muscles. Omega-3 fatty acids play a big role in this, and choline might also help by supporting how muscles work at the cellular level.
This study shows that krill oil might be a great supplement for people who want to stay strong and active as they age. It could help prevent falls, improve daily movement, and boost overall quality of life.
More research is needed to see if these benefits also help people who are less active or who already have muscle problems. But for now, krill oil looks like a promising option 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 health information, 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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