As people get older, their muscles usually become smaller and weaker.
This gradual change can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, getting out of a chair, or carrying shopping bags more difficult.
Loss of muscle can also increase the risk of falls and make it harder for older adults to remain independent. Scientists are therefore studying simple ways to protect muscle health as people age, including exercise, nutrition, and dietary supplements.
A study from the University of Glasgow suggests that krill oil may offer some benefits. Led by Dr. Stuart Gray, the research was published in the journal Clinical Nutrition and examined healthy adults aged 65 and older.
Krill are tiny sea animals that live in oceans around the world, particularly in cold waters. Krill oil is commonly sold as a supplement because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA.
These fats are best known for their possible benefits for heart and brain health. Researchers have also become interested in their effects on muscles because omega-3 fats may influence the way the body builds and maintains muscle tissue.
Krill oil also provides choline, a nutrient the body needs for many functions. Choline is involved in communication between nerves and muscles, which may be important for maintaining movement and physical performance with age.
For the study, the researchers recruited 102 healthy men and women who were at least 65 years old. Participants were assigned to take either four grams of krill oil each day or a placebo for six months.
A placebo is a product designed to look like the treatment being tested but without the active ingredients. Using a placebo helps researchers determine whether changes are truly linked to the treatment rather than expectations or other factors.
After six months, the people taking krill oil showed improvements in several measures of muscle health. Their thigh muscle strength increased by about 9.3%, while their grip strength improved by about 10.9%.
Grip strength is often used in research as a quick measure of general muscle strength and physical health. Weak grip strength in older adults has been linked with frailty and poorer health outcomes, although it is only one part of a person’s overall health.
The researchers also found a modest increase in muscle size. Thigh muscle thickness increased by about 3.5% in participants who received krill oil, suggesting that the supplement may have helped support muscle tissue.
Blood tests confirmed that the participants were absorbing the omega-3 fats. EPA levels rose sharply, DHA levels increased, and the participants’ overall omega-3 index also became higher during the study.
The researchers also examined how muscles responded to signals from nerves. One measurement of this response improved in the krill oil group, suggesting that the supplement may have affected communication between nerves and muscles as well as muscle strength.
There are several possible explanations for these results. EPA and DHA may help the body make muscle proteins, while their effects on inflammation could also help create conditions that support healthier muscles.
Choline may provide another benefit because nerves use it to help send signals that tell muscles to contract. However, the study cannot prove exactly which part of krill oil was responsible for the improvements.
The findings are encouraging, but they do not mean krill oil can replace physical activity. Strength training and regular movement remain important ways for older adults to maintain muscle, balance, mobility, and independence.
The study also involved healthy older adults and lasted only six months. More research is needed to learn whether similar benefits occur in people with significant muscle loss, frailty, or chronic health conditions and whether the effects continue over longer periods.
Krill oil may eventually become one useful part of a broader approach to healthy aging, but supplements are not suitable for everyone. Older adults considering krill oil should discuss it with a healthcare professional, particularly if they take medicines or have medical conditions.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the power of beetroot juice, and the risks of mixing medications with dietary supplements.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
