In podcast episode 5, we want to address one of the greatest afflictions of our civilization: joint pain. The question is: Can krill oil help with joint pain? In this podcast, we shed light on how krill oil can help with joint pain, what influence it has on general mobility, and what studies exist on the subject.
Krill oil is a natural oil extracted from small crustaceans. It is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and more and more studies are focusing on the anti-inflammatory properties of these specific fatty acids. Consequently, krill oil is also being examined more closely in these studies.
Causes of joint pain
Let us first take a look at the causes of joint pain. The human body is a true miracle of engineering. Bones, tendons, joints, muscles, and connective tissue are uniquely linked to enable us to perform a wide variety of movements. However, such a complex interplay is, of course, also prone to dysfunction. If these persist, there are usually serious underlying problems.
The most well-known are osteoarthritis, which is caused by the wear and tear of the joint-protecting cartilage layer, and arthritis, an inflammation of the joint. Arthritis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
But metabolic diseases such as gout or ankylosing spondylitis, or disorders of the immune system – such as rheumatoid arthritis – can also be potential causes. Osteoarthritis itself does not cause pain, but it can progress into a painful, mechanically induced arthritis. Doctors then refer to this as "activated osteoarthritis."
Inhibiting inflammation, relieving pain
The pain is usually rooted in inflammation. This severely restricts mobility and should be reduced first before targeted movement training is used to rebuild muscles, strengthen ligaments, and stretch connective tissue. Since joint pain is very widespread in our civilization, it is logical that more and more studies are focusing on micronutrients that help to positively influence inflammatory processes in the body.
Studies on krill oil and joint pain
Several studies have been able to prove that krill oil has a soothing effect on joint inflammation. For example, a 2022 double-blind study by Stonehouse et al. lasting six months showed that krill oil has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect on mild to moderate arthritis in the knees of adults.
Comparable results were already achieved by a Japanese study from 2016 and a study from 2007 published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. In all studies, taking krill oil helped alleviate arthritic symptoms and improve joint mobility.
Omega-3 fatty acids and cell protection
Also interesting is the astaxanthin that occurs naturally in krill oil. Antarctic krill—we recall, also called Euphausia superba—ingests it through its diet, specifically through phytoplankton and microalgae. Astaxanthin serves as an intracellular "plant protector" and gives the krill its striking red color. This secondary plant compound protects the omega-3 fatty acids in the krill oil from oxidation.
The antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on humans is currently being investigated in studies. However, it is important to note that further scientific studies are ongoing and are necessary to confirm the exact effects of astaxanthin on the human organism.
• If you have further questions and would like to learn more about krill oil, do not hesitate to contact your trusted doctor or our free Medicom vital substance consultation at 0800 50 400 50. And of course, you can also find more articles here in our online magazine in our Krill Oil Special and Krill Oil Special Podcast
