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Krill Oil for Pain in Elders: protocol for a pilot, double-blind, randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of 4 g/d krill oil supplementation for chronic musculoskeletal pain and mobility limitations in older adults

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Mobility limitations due to chronic musculoskeletal pain are a major contributor to disability in older adults, yet current pharmacological treatments often have limited efficacy and increase the risk of polypharmacy. Omega (ω)-3 PUFA, particularly EPA and DHA, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but are under-consumed among older USA adults. Krill oil, a marine-derived source of EPA and DHA with enhanced bioavailability compared with typical fish oils and additional bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin and choline, may offer a promising nutritional intervention. This pilot study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of a 3-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of krill oil supplementation (4 g/d: 1288 mg EPA + DHA, 0·45 mg astaxanthin, 320 mg choline) v . placebo (mixed vegetable oils) in forty community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 years with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Primary outcomes include feasibility (recruitment, retention and adherence) and acceptability (participant satisfaction). Secondary outcomes include changes in the omega-3 index, ω-6/ω-3 ratio and inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), as well as exploratory changes in pain intensity and functional interference, and physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery, 6-Minute Walk Test). Findings will inform the design of future fully powered trials that may ultimately contribute to the evidence for omega-3 supplementation as a non-pharmacological strategy to support healthy aging and functional independence in older adults.

Source: British Journal Of Nutrition

DOI: 10.1017/s0007114526107557