Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Krill oil, a marine oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids (mainly EPA and DHA) and phospholipids, has been investigated for its potential benefits in metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of conditions including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance. The rationale for using krill oil to support MetS is primarily based on the established cardiovascular and lipid-lowering benefits of omega-3 fatty acids. Several small clinical trials and animal studies suggest that krill oil supplementation may improve certain metabolic parameters, such as reducing triglyceride levels, improving HDL cholesterol, and exerting mild anti-inflammatory effects. For example, a 2014 randomized controlled trial (Ulven et al., Lipids Health Dis) found that krill oil reduced triglycerides in subjects with mildly elevated levels, although effects on insulin sensitivity and other metabolic markers were less consistent. Compared to fish oil, krill oil may offer superior bioavailability of omega-3s due to its phospholipid content, but direct evidence for substantial benefit specifically in metabolic syndrome is limited and often of modest magnitude.

Overall, while there is scientific rationale and some preliminary evidence, high-quality large-scale human trials focused specifically on metabolic syndrome are lacking. Most guidelines and reviews consider the evidence to be suggestive but not definitive, and recommend omega-3 supplementation (including krill oil) as an adjunct, not a primary therapy, for managing certain components of MetS, particularly dyslipidemia. Thus, the evidence rating is moderate to low (2/5).

More about krill oil
More about Metabolic Syndrome

Other ingredients used for Metabolic Syndrome

Other health conditions supported by krill oil

Products containing krill oil

Douglas Laboratories Krill Oil
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Pure Encapsulations Krill-Plex
Designs For Health XanthOmega™ Krill Oil