Effect of supplement containing krill oil on serum lipids in Japanese - A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Objectives: Krill oil is extracted from Euphausia superba. Krill oil that contains n-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is expected as ingredients to improve serum lipids. The purpose of this study was to verify ingestion of krill oil containing supplement makes serum lipids decrease in Japanese subjects. Methods: This test was carried out as a double-blind placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial. Japanese men and women whose ages were between 30 and 59 consumed soft capsules containing krill oil or placebo for 12 weeks, examine by variation of serum lipids in krill oil normal quantity group, krill oil 3-fold quantity group and placebo group. Blood was collected and tested prior to ingestion, after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks (after 4 weeks to stop ingestion). Results: In the group who took krill oil supplement, triglyceride (TG) was significantly decreased after ingestion for 8 weeks. Also, HDL-cholesterol was significantly increased through administration period. Free fatty acids significantly decreased after 12-week ingestion. Conclusion: It is suggested that krill oil supplement is a useful food maintaining the TG to the proper value for Japanese adults.