Getting old is hard. Muscles begin to wear out and it is difficult to maintain your mental sharpness. However, a new study led by the University of Glasgow has shown that krill oil supplements can help people over 65 maintain better muscle size and function. After just six months, the scientists noticed a clinically significant increase in muscle function and size.
Krill oil is a popular dietary supplement, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fatty acids derived from phospholipids. Image credit: ystein Paulsen qua Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Krill oil is rich in phospholipid-derived fatty acids (PLFA) and omega-3 fatty acids. It is somewhat similar to fish oil, but krill oil has more bioavailable choline, which is an essential nutrient for humans. Essentially, krill oil, prepared from an Antarctic krill, is stronger and better than fish oil, although more expensive.
A new blind controlled trial included 102 men and women over 65 years of age. All participants had to be healthy so the scientists could minimize the variables and observe the impact of krill oil on muscle function and size. However, the participants in this study were also relatively inactive – they exercised less than an hour per week. This is way below recommended, but pretty much the average for a 65-year-old.
The participants were divided into two groups. The first person received four grams of Superba krill oil per day, while the second (the control group) was given a placebo. Scientists noticed significant changes at the end of six months. First of all, participants in the krill oil group showed an increase in thigh muscle strength (9.3%), grip strength (10.9%) and thigh muscle thickness (3.5%) ) compared with the placebo group. Other biological measures were also improved. For example, participants in the krill oil group had more omega-3 fatty acids in their red blood cells.
The scientists believe these results suggest that krill oil may help older people maintain their muscles, which is important for mobility and overall quality of life. Dr Stuart Gray, one of the study’s authors, said: “This is another strong indication that the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are important nutrients for adults as we age. aging and we wanted to investigate this further, especially whether this could be a useful treatment for people who already have muscle weakness. ” EPA and DHA are two omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil.
Everyone gets weaker as they get older. You will get older and you will notice some muscle mass leaving your body. As our population ages, it is critically important to help people maintain their mobility and independence. Krill oil supplements seem to be a good way to do it, even if more research is definitely needed.
The source: University of Glasgow
