Synopsis

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

Krill oil is used to support the management of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) primarily due to its content of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s have known anti-inflammatory properties, and their use in RA has been explored extensively. Several clinical studies have shown that fish oil supplementation, rich in EPA and DHA, can reduce joint pain and stiffness in RA patients. Krill oil provides similar omega-3s but in the form of phospholipids, which may have different absorption kinetics compared to fish oil.

However, direct scientific evidence specifically supporting krill oil (as opposed to fish oil) for RA is limited. A few small, short-term studies suggest krill oil may reduce markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and may improve symptoms of arthritis, but these studies are often of low quality, involve few participants, and have short durations. There is not yet robust evidence from large, high-quality randomized controlled trials directly confirming krill oil's effectiveness in RA management.

In summary, while there is a plausible scientific rationale and some limited early clinical data, the evidence supporting krill oil specifically for RA is weak compared to the larger body of evidence for fish oil. Thus, its use for RA is scientifically plausible but not strongly substantiated by current research.

More about krill oil
More about Rheumatoid Arthritis

Other ingredients used for Rheumatoid Arthritis

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