As people grow older, it is very common to notice a gradual loss of muscle strength and size. This natural process is known as muscle aging.
Over time, it can make daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries more difficult. For many older adults, this decline can also reduce independence and quality of life. Because of this, scientists are always looking for safe and simple ways to help people stay strong as they age.
A new study from the University of Glasgow has found that krill oil, a popular nutritional supplement, may help improve muscle strength, size, and function in healthy adults over the age of 65. The research was led by Dr. Stuart Gray and published in the journal Clinical Nutrition.
Krill oil comes from tiny sea creatures called krill, which live in cold ocean waters. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA. These are important nutrients that play a key role in many parts of the body, including the heart, brain, and muscles.
Previous studies have already shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help support muscle growth and strength. Krill oil also contains another nutrient called choline, which may help muscles work more efficiently.
In this study, researchers wanted to see whether taking krill oil every day could help older adults maintain or improve their muscle health. They recruited 102 healthy men and women aged 65 and older.
These participants were then divided into two groups. One group took four grams of krill oil every day for six months. The other group took a placebo, which looked the same but did not contain active ingredients.
At the end of the six months, the researchers carefully measured changes in muscle strength, muscle size, and several markers in the blood. The results showed clear differences between the two groups.
People who took krill oil became stronger. Their thigh muscle strength increased by about 9.3 percent, and their grip strength improved by 10.9 percent. Grip strength is often used as a simple way to measure overall muscle health, so this improvement is important.
In addition to becoming stronger, participants in the krill oil group also showed small but meaningful increases in muscle size. The thickness of their thigh muscles grew by 3.5 percent. This suggests that krill oil may help slow down or even partly reverse muscle loss in older adults.
The blood tests also showed major changes. Levels of omega-3 fatty acids increased significantly. EPA levels rose by 214 percent, DHA levels increased by 36 percent, and the overall omega-3 index went up by 61 percent. These changes show that the body was absorbing and using the nutrients from the supplement.
Another interesting finding was related to muscle function. The researchers measured something called the M-wave, which reflects how well muscles respond to signals from nerves. This measure improved by 17 percent in the krill oil group, suggesting better communication between nerves and muscles.
So why might krill oil have these effects? Scientists believe the answer lies in its nutrients. EPA and DHA are known to support muscle protein production, which helps build and maintain muscle tissue.
They may also reduce inflammation in the body, which can otherwise weaken muscles over time. Choline, another component of krill oil, may help improve how muscles use energy and function during movement.
These findings are important because they suggest a simple and natural way to support muscle health during aging. Maintaining muscle strength can help older adults stay active, reduce the risk of falls, and improve overall wellbeing.
However, the researchers also note that more studies are needed. This study focused on healthy older adults, so it is not yet clear whether krill oil would have the same benefits for people with more serious muscle loss or other health conditions. Long-term effects also need to be studied further.
Even so, this research adds to growing evidence that omega-3 fatty acids are essential for healthy aging. For older adults looking for ways to stay strong and active, krill oil may be a helpful option to consider.
As always, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. This ensures that the choice is safe and suitable for individual health needs.
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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