Krill Oil Ineffective for Knee Osteoarthritis Pain Relief, finds JAMA Study

Researchers have found that krill oil supplementation does not improve knee pain in people with knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis is a common and disabling condition with limited effective treatments. Krill oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has been suggested as a potential therapeutic option due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its efficacy in reducing knee pain associated with osteoarthritis remains uncertain. Despite preliminary evidence suggesting potential benefits, a recent comprehensive study indicates no significant difference between krill oil and placebo in alleviating knee pain. This study was published in JAMA by Laura L. and colleagues.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of krill oil supplementation compared with placebo on knee pain in individuals with knee osteoarthritis who experience significant knee pain and effusion-synovitis. This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted across five Australian cities. Participants included individuals with clinical knee osteoarthritis, significant knee pain, and effusion-synovitis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Enrollment occurred from December 2016 to June 2019, with the final follow-up on February 7, 2020.

Participants were randomized to receive either 2 grams per day of krill oil (n = 130) or a matching placebo (n = 132) for 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the change in knee pain assessed by the visual analog scale (VAS) over 24 weeks.

  • Of the 262 participants randomized (mean age 61.6 years, 53% women), 222 (85%) completed the trial.

  • The study found no significant improvement in knee pain with krill oil compared to placebo.

  • The mean change in VAS score was −19.9 for the krill oil group and −20.2 for the placebo group, resulting in a between-group mean difference of −0.3 (95% CI, −6.9 to 6.4).

  • Adverse events were reported by 51% of participants in the krill oil group (67/130) and 54% in the placebo group (71/132).

  • The most common adverse events were musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, occurring 32 times in the krill oil group and 42 times in the placebo group, including knee pain (10 with krill oil; 9 with placebo), lower extremity pain (1 with krill oil; 5 with placebo), and hip pain (3 with krill oil; 2 with placebo).

Among individuals with knee osteoarthritis experiencing significant knee pain and effusion-synovitis, 2 grams daily of krill oil supplementation did not improve knee pain over 24 weeks compared with placebo. These findings do not support the use of krill oil for treating knee pain in this population.

Reference:

Laslett, L. L., Scheepers, L. E. J. M., Antony, B., Wluka, A. E., Cai, G., Hill, C. L., March, L., Keen, H. I., Otahal, P., Cicuttini, F. M., & Jones, G. (2024). Krill oil for knee osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2024.6063

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