Evaluation of the effect of Neptune Krill Oil on chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms

Objectives: a) To evaluate the effect of Neptune Krill Oil (NKO (TM))on C-reactive protein (CRP) on patients with chronic inflammation and b) to evaluate the effectiveness of NKO (TM) on arthritic symptoms. Methods: Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. Ninety patients were recruited with confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease and/or rheumatoid arthritis and/or osteoarthritis and with increased levels of CRP (> 1.0 mg/dl) upon three consecutive weekly blood analysis. Group A received NKO (TM) (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 (TM) reduced CRP by 19.3% compared to an increase by 15.7% observed in the placebo group (p = 0.049). After 14 and 30 days of treatment NKO (TM) further decreased CRP by 29.7% and 30.9% respectively (p < 0.001). The CRP levels of the placebo group increased to 32.1% after 14 days and then decreased to 25.1% at day 30. The between group difference was statistically significant; p = 0.004 at day 14 and p = 0.008 at day 30. NKO (TM) showed a significant reduction in all three WOMAC scores. After 7 days of treatment NKO (TM), reduced pain scores by 28.9% (p = 0.050), reduced stiffness by 20.3% 0.001) and reduced functional impairment by 22.8% (p = 0.008). Conclusion: The results of the present study clearly indicate that NKO (TM) at a daily dose of 300 mg significantly inhibits inflammation and reduces arthritic symptoms within a short treatment period of 7 and 14 days.