Krill oil demonstrated protective potential against a form of inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis that is characterized by inflammation and sores in the gastrointestinal tract, according to a study performed at the University of Bergen, Norway, and published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology.

The study included 30 male rats divided into three groups: a control group, a group with induced colitis and a group with induced colitis that received krill oil supplementation. The group that received krill oil supplementation showed significant preservation of colon length, a reduction of oxidative stress markers and consistent beneficial changes as compared to the untreated colitis group.

"This study demonstrates the potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of Superba krill oil for ulcerative colitis disease,” said Kjetil Berge, R&D Director of Aker BioMarine Antarctic. “Chronic inflammation is involved in other health concerns, including cardiovascular risk, joint discomfort, cancer, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, allergy and diabetes. The results from this study open up new possibilities for krill oil for digestive health, and may provide a basis for future studies in humans." For further information: www.akerbiomarine.com