Krill Oil Benefits Heart Health In Largest Human Study

OSLO, NorwayKrill oil lowers serum triglycerides without increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults with borderline high or high triglyceride levels, according to new research from Aker BioMarine Antarctic AS.

Researchers investigated the effects of Superba Krill on blood lipids in subjects with borderline high or high triglyceride levels. A total of 300 volunteers were divided into five groups and supplemented with krill oil at either 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 grams per day or placebo (olive oil). The subjects included in the study had blood triglyceride values between 150 and 499 mg/dL. Blood lipids were measured at baseline, six weeks and 12 weeks of treatment.

Full results of the study will be published in the journal Nutrition Research in early 2014. This marks the largest krill study conducted in humans to date.

"This study helps further document the health benefits of phospholipid-bound EPA and DHA from krill and represents an important addition to our growing research portfolio," said Tove Flem Jacobsen, vice president, R&D and regulatory affairs, Aker BioMarine Antarctic.

Earlier this year, Aker BioMarine research found krill oil improves cognitive function and has antidepressant effects.