Does Krill Oil Help Arthritis

Investigating The Effect Of Deep Sea Krill Oil Supplementation In Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

To evaluate the effectiveness of 4 g Swisse High Strength Deep Sea Krill Oil daily on pain reduction in adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee compared to placebo over a 6 month period.

This is a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-arm study.

Applicants will attend a screening visit following pre-screening assessments to assess their general health and eligibility for inclusion into the study.

On Day 1 eligible participants will be randomly allocated to receive one of two study treatments. Participants will take the assigned treatments daily for six months.

Participants will return to the clinic at 3 months and 6 months for study assessments. Participants will complete an online survey at 1, 2, 4 and 5 months to assess protocol compliance, adverse events and use of concomitant medications. Any queries from the survey will be followed up by phone call.

A final participant online survey and phone call will be conducted 28 days after the 6 month visit for a final safety assessment.

What To Look For

The recent popularity of krill oil supplements has raised serious concerns that it could threaten populations of its predators, including penguins, seals, and whales.

Besides nutritional supplements, commercially fished krill are used for aquaculture and aquarium feeds, sport fishing bait, and for food consumption. In Japan, krill is considered a delicacy and is called okiami. In 2010, Whole Foods Market stopped selling krill oil supplements, citing environmental concerns.

It is important to purchase krill oil supplements that are certified as coming from sustainable sources. Look for a label certifying that the krill oil contained in the product comes from an MSC- and Friends of the Sea-certified sustainable fishery. This ensures that harvesting practices were subject to oversight by the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, which is working to protect 1.5 million square kilometers of krill habitat in collaboration with 24 countries and the European Union.

What Human Studies Show

While these and other studies have established a connection between omega-3 and joint health in several animal species, their authors say more research is needed to determine if the supplements will prevent OA or decrease its severity in people. So far there have been no human studies that have consistently shown benefits of fish oil on cartilage, according to a 2015 literature review published the American Journal of Orthopaedics.

At least one study published since that review suggests that fish oil may help relieve OA symptoms. But that study, too, raises questions.

The multicenter study, published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases in January 2016, compared the effects of high-dose fish oil to a mixture of one-tenth that dose combined with nine parts unrefined sunflower oil in 202 people with knee OA and knee pain. They evaluated patients on pain scores and several other measures including function, quality of life, use of analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs at 3, 6, 12 and 24months. The researchers then measured the patients change in cartilage volume at 24months.

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Krill Oil For Dogs Side Effects

You must understand that there may be certain side effects associated with giving your dog fatty acid supplements from Krill oil.

Although there are rare worst-case scenarios, the occurrence of pancreatic problems has been reported. The most reported outside symptoms include vomiting followed by diarrhea leading to quick dehydration.

Therefore, you need to contact a veterinarian if you notice such symptoms. You must also describe in detail your dogs preceding detail in such an event.

The probability that the cause of your pets condition is different from the consumption of this oils capsules is imminent.

Most probably, the main issue could be prolonged improper nutrition, which requires you to balance out your dogs diet based on the advice of your veterinarian.

Conventional Arthritis Treatments Have Limitations

Theres no doubt that you can pop a pill and get temporary pain relief. But if that pill is aspirin, you will mostly likely get stomach upset, particularly after long term use.

If it is either aspirin, or another form of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aleve, it will interfere with the growth of cartilage in your joints, which they must have to remain stable.

And if it is an opioid narcotic like Vicodin or Oxycontin, you probably know about drug dependency and needing ever-increasing doses for pain relief, too.

There is good reason to be skeptical of the use of immune modulators to treat rheumatoid arthritis, too.

First, there is the price. If you get your prescription for Humira filled at your local CVS, and its not covered by insurance, you will plunk down $5,678 for a months supply, although they offer a coupon that brings the price down to a mere $4,981.05! Or you can get the same drug at Walmart for a mere $4,950.30.

Even if you can get immunomodulator drugs paid by insurance, there is the matter of side effects. Drugs that keep your immune system from attacking your joints also keep your immune system from attacking germs and cancer.

You may get relief for your joints only to have a greater medical nightmare waiting, caused by the use of the drug.

Fortunately, there is another approach. Krill oil plays an important part in it, but the main reason to use krill oil is to make sure all your other efforts succeed.

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Few Scientists Find Green Lipped Mussel Ineffective In Arthritis

A review study reveals that there is insufficient evidence to comment on green lipped mussels efficacy in arthritis but 2 out of 5 clinical trials reveal that it is indeed beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The low dose of green-lipped mussel oil is found to have no effect on inflammatory parameters. A clinical trial demonstrated that Seatone is ineffective in rheumatoid arthritis.

What does this mean? Few research studies have found that other preparations of green lipped mussel extract, apart from Lyprinol, are ineffective in arthritis treatment.

Krill Oil Or Fish Oil To Soothe Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Omega-3 fatty acids may help people with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. EPA and DHA from whole fish and oil supplements can and resolve existing inflammation. Studies have shown reduced joint swelling and pain, morning stiffness, and reduction of pain.

What about krill oil? In 2019, researchers studied the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects of both krill and fish oil on rodents. They found that while both krill and fish oil reduced inflammation and pain, krill oil was significantly more effective.

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Which Is Better For You Fish Oil Or Krill Oil

None of the studies truly prove one over the other. It really comes down to testing out things and seeing what works for you.

Those who prefer krill oil often point to the fact that it is more bioavailable, more sustainable, and less likely to be contaminated by mercury or heavy metals. Which all helps in the long run .

**In 2020, I found a fish oil that is 100% clean, never ever gives me burps and has actually been tested to show it includes what it claims. It turns out the average stuff you buy on the shelf in the big pharmacies are more filler than fish oil and thats the cause of your burps.

Previnex Omega Pure is what I have switched back to from previously using Krill Oil.

• Better sleep, less fatigue
• My brittle hair is repairing and growing thicker again!!
• My skin looks so refreshed as a bonus
• Its tested to be free of heavy metals and fillers

Again, I believe it so much I have an added discount for our Virtual Run Club members . If you arent in the crew, again use RTTF15 to test it out!

How To Use Krill Oil

A typical recommended dose of krill oil is 1-3 g daily.

Many grains, fruits, vegetables, sea vegetables, and vegetable oils contain significant amounts of essential fatty acids, but krill oil is an especially rich source.

Carotenoids are also found in many foods, especially yellow/orange and dark green fruits and vegetables. They are not essential nutrients , but they might offer some health benefits.

Phospholipids are utilized in the body for numerous purposes, but they are not essential nutrients.

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Why Krill Oil Can Be Better Than Fish Oil

The Omega-3s that are bound to phospholipids in krill oil can be absorbed quicker and more efficiently because of that. Additionally, phospholipids are soluble in water which allows the body to absorb the nutritional benefits more naturally and faster. This also means that the Omega-3s that we consume in this form, form a complete mixture in the stomach instead of sitting on top of the stomach fluid like it can be the case with other Omega-3s such as fish oil.

Many of the benefits of fish oil can be lost due to poor absorption, this is where krill oil presents an advantage because it is easier for our bodies to absorb and the fatty acids therefore reach our cells quicker and can be absorbed more efficiently. Because krill oil also has a higher concentration of EPA and DHA, the capsules are often smaller and do not have a fishy aftertaste like some people experience with fish oil capsules. The experience of consuming krill oil can therefore be more pleasant. Because of its content of the antioxidant astaxanthin, krill oil is less likely to go bad because it has a more stable structure and it also helps protect cells, organs and other body tissues from free radicals.

Rapid Relief From Joint Pain

Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of joint pain and disability in middle-aged and elderly people.5,6 Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive loss of joint cartilage that eventually leads to degradation of many important components of the joint.5 Unchecked, osteoarthritis progresses to greater degrees of inflammation and the release of destructive enzymes that literally tear the joint apart.5,7

To date, no drug therapy has proved effective at slowing or reversing joint damage in osteoarthritis.6,8 Natural compounds like glucosamine and chondroitin have shown some benefit at relieving symptoms, especially in patients with moderate to severe disease.8,9

Glucosamine and chondroitin help protect cartilage from further damage.10 Used over the long term, they can restore joint cartilage to a more youthful state, increasing its pressure resistance and naturally high elasticity.10 Laboratory and clinical studies show glucosamine and chondroitin can modify, stabilize, retard, or even help reverse the joint damage in osteoarthritis.10,11

So why not simply supplement with fish oil along with your regular joint health supplements? Fish oils, after all, lower levels of inflammatory cytokines throughout the body. They also provide major cardiovascular benefits, as is well known.13,14

So those with arthritic concerns should continue using fish oil to support heart health and add a lower dose of krill oil to manage joint pain, as well now see.

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Krill Oil Is Good For Your Heart

Studies have shown that krill oil can have a positive impact on our cardiovascular system and heart health. The Omega-3 fatty acids that occur in red krill oil, namely eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are considered to be healthy for the heart. They can improve blood lipid levels and studies show that krill oil might be particularly effective at lowering the levels of triglycerides and other blood fats. Other studies also showed that krill oil can raise good high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and lower bad low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol.

But krill oil not only impacts the contents of our blood but also has an influence on our arteries. EPA and DHA can inhibit the development of artery clogging blood clots and the stiffening of the walls of blood vessels and therefore have a positive impact on our blood pressure and can contribute to reducing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.

Easy To Swallow Without Unpleasant Digestive Issues

Phospholipids make krill oil more bio-efficient allowing for smaller capsules than regular omega-3 supplements. As demonstrated in the video above, due to its phospholipid structure krill oils omega-3s mix well with stomach contents preventing the fishy aftertaste, belching, and other unpleasant digestive issues so that you can get on with life and enjoy the far-reaching health benefits of regular omega-3 supplementation.

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Is Krill Oil Recommended For High Blood Pressure Does It Have Side Effects

Krill oil is a supplement that is sourced naturally hence, it could come with only very few side effects compared to a lab-based chemical .

For someone with high blood pressure, krill oil may not pose a danger. However, it is likely to interfere with certain drugs or medications, so what I recommend is to talk to your doctor before introducing krill oil to your system.

You should know that EPA and DHA fatty acids have blood-thinning potentials hence, if you are already on a blood pressure medication or other related medications, you should take caution in consuming this supplement. In fact, it has been warned that krill oil could enhance the effects of such tablets.

Other medications that are likely to be affected by this oil supplement include diuretics, beta-blockers, orlistat and anti-inflammatory drugs. It can also affect medications that contain estrogen such as birth control and hormone therapeutic medications.

Therefore, as suggested earlier, it would be best you discuss with your doctor before you start out on a krill oil supplement.

Study Procedure And Time Points

Research assistants will first conduct screening over the telephone. If early checks of study eligibility are favourable, participants will be booked in for a face-to-face screening visit to further determine eligibility and explain what is involved in the study. At the screening face-to-face visit, patients will complete questionnaires, have a knee x-ray and MRI, supply a blood sample and have a clinical assessment by a study doctor to ensure inclusion criteria are met. The study knee will be defined as the one with symptomatic OA meeting all inclusion criteria. If both knees meet these criteria, the study doctor will decide which is the study knee, typically the one with the highest pain score.

Table outlines the schedule of assessments. After screening, there will be three study visits . The same research assistants, who are blinded to treatment allocation, will measure all clinical variables, administer questionnaires, monitor compliance and record adverse events at these visits. Additional questionnaire mail outs will occur monthly. MRI scans will occur at screening and week 24 knee x-ray will be performed at screening blood samples are taken at screening, 12 and 24weeks, and urine samples are taken at baseline and week 24.

Table 1 Schedule of assessments, KARAOKE study

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Krill Oil Versus Fish Oil: Is There Any Difference

Both krill oil and fish oil are said to contain two types of Omega-3 acids but are they the same thing? What is the difference? Lets find out.

When you make a study of the marine food chain, you would understand that krill oil is a more natural source of omega-3. Algae inhabit the bottom of the ocean and are the major originators of omega-3, which is in the form of EPA.

Krill, which is a smaller crustacean feeds on the algae, digests the EPA and then uses it to synthesize another form of omega-3, which is the DHA. Krill, in turn, forms the primary source of food for most marine animals fish inclusive. Thus, krill provides the fish with DHA and EPA too.

Even though it is likely that krill provides the fish with DHA and EPA, it is said that fish oil has a higher concentration of both omega-3s. The EPA and DHA in krill oil, on the other hand, is said to have more antioxidants.

A research work published in the Nutrition Reviews after an analysis of the nutritional values of krill oil and fish oil revealed that the major difference between krill oil and fish oil is that the omega-3 fatty acids found in krill oil are in the form of phospholipids while those found in fish oil are in the form of triglycerides.

Fish oil seems to be more conventional hence, have been more studied than krill oil. However, krill oil has been making a name for itself as an effective and even more superior source of omega-3 fatty acids.

What Are The Risks Of Taking Krill Oil

• Side effects. Krill oil seems to cause few side effects. Some people might have gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
• Risks. Check with a doctor before using krill oil if you have a bleeding disorder or a seafood allergy. Krill oil can slow blood clotting, and shouldnt be taken for two weeks before surgery. If you are pregnant or nursing, talk to your health care provider before taking krill oil.
• Interactions. If you take any medicines regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using krill oil supplements. Like other omega-3 fatty acids, krill oil may cause increased risk of bleeding and should be used with caution, especially if you are taking anticoagulant medications . Since krill oil interferes with the blood‘s ability to clot, it could interact with medicines such as blood thinners and anti-platelet drugs. The same risks might apply to taking krill oil while using supplements such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, and ginger. Its absorption may also be affected by certain weight loss drugs. Krill oil may lower blood glucose levels, so talk to your doctor before using if you take any medicines for diabetes.

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