04.24.07
Indication: Inflammation and arthritic symptoms
Source: J Am Coll Nutr, February 2007;26(1):39-48.
Research: In this study, researchers wanted to assess the effect of Neptune krill oil (NKO) on C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with chronic inflammation; they also set out to evaluate the effectiveness of NKO on arthritic symptoms. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design, 90 subjects with confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and/or rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis and with increased levels of CRP (>1.0 mg/dl) were recruited to undergo blood analysis for three consecutive weeks. Group A received NKO (300 mg daily) and Group B received a placebo. CRP and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) osteoarthritis score were measured at baseline and days 7, 14 and 30.
Results: After 7 days of treatment, NKO reduced CRP by over 19% compared to an increase of 15% observed in the placebo group. After 14 and 30 days of treatment, NKO further decreased CRP by 30% and 31%, respectively. The CRP levels of the placebo group increased to 32% after 14 days and then decreased to 25% at day 30. NKO also showed a significant reduction in all three WOMAC scores. After 7 days of treatment, NKO reduced pain scores by 29%, reduced stiffness by 20%, and reduced functional impairment by 23%. Researchers believe these results clearly indicate that NKO at a daily dose of 300 mg significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days.