Krill Oil Study Explores Potential Role in Chronic Pain Support

Chronic musculoskeletal pain remains a major contributor to disability and reduced mobility among older adults, creating ongoing demand for nutritional interventions that may complement existing pain management strategies.¹

A newly released pilot study evaluating krill oil supplementation in adults aged 60 years and older suggests that omega-3-rich marine ingredients may warrant further investigation for their potential role in chronic pain management and functional health.²

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study followed 40 participants over 12 weeks and assessed pain outcomes, physical function, and changes in blood omega-3 levels. Researchers reported that daily krill oil supplementation was safe and well tolerated, while also producing measurable increases in omega-3 status compared with placebo.

“Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a leading cause of disability among older adults globally, therefore, there is a clear need for safe, acceptable, and effective non-pharmacological approaches, especially for older adults who often live with multiple chronic conditions and use multiple medications,” said Javier A. Tamargo, PhD, RDN, a postdoctoral fellow with the Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence at University of Florida. “We were encouraged by the high acceptability and satisfaction reported by participants in this pilot study, as well as the clinically meaningful improvements in omega-3 status. We also observed preliminary signals suggesting that krill oil may support pain management, although larger and longer studies are needed to determine whether these effects translate into meaningful improvements in daily function.”

What Did the Krill Oil Pilot Study Evaluate in Older Adults With Chronic Pain?

The study examined whether krill oil supplementation could influence chronic musculoskeletal pain and mobility-related outcomes in older adults. Participants in the intervention group received 4 g/day of krill oil (Aker BioMarine’s Superba Boost), while control participants received placebo treatment over a 12-week period.

Investigators tracked multiple endpoints, including pain intensity, number of painful body sites, physical function, and blood fatty acid composition. According to the study findings, participants receiving krill oil experienced an increase in omega-3 index levels from 4.3% to 7.4%. Researchers noted that omega-3 index values between 8% and 12% have previously been associated with cardiometabolic and broader health benefits.²

Although the study was not powered to establish definitive clinical efficacy, researchers reported trends toward lower pain intensity and fewer painful body sites in the krill oil group compared with placebo.

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Florida in collaboration with Aker BioMarine’s Open Innovation Center.

Why Is Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain an Ongoing Challenge in Healthy Aging?

Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among aging populations and is closely associated with mobility limitations, frailty, and reduced independence. Approximately one-third of older adults in the United States experience mobility impairments, according to a company press release.¹

Current treatment strategies for chronic pain in older adults often include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and other supportive interventions. However, long-term pharmacologic management may present complications in older individuals, particularly those managing multiple chronic conditions or polypharmacy.³

This has contributed to growing interest in non-drug nutritional strategies that may support inflammation balance, joint comfort, and functional health, including the use of marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids.

How Could Omega-3 Status Influence Pain and Mobility Outcomes?

Researchers involved in the study emphasized the potential importance of improving omega-3 status in aging populations. Low omega-3 levels are common globally and have been associated with several chronic health concerns.

The pilot study’s increase in omega-3 index values may be relevant because omega-3 fatty acids influence inflammatory signaling pathways, cell membrane function, and muscle physiology. However, experts caution that improvements in blood biomarkers do not necessarily translate directly into clinically meaningful reductions in pain or disability.

“For years, we have advanced research in healthy aging through partnerships with leading institutions and active participation in open innovation initiatives, and we believe this study marks a meaningful step forward,” said Line Johnsen, SVP of human health Ingredients R&D at Aker BioMarine. “Our previous research has shown that krill oil can play a valuable role in supporting joint and muscle health, among other benefits. And while these findings are still preliminary, they add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that krill oil may be an effective nutritional approach for managing pain and helping to reduce mobility limitations and functional decline in aging populations.”

What Are the Study’s Limitations and Next Research Questions?

The findings remain preliminary due to the study’s relatively small sample size and short duration. Researchers acknowledged that larger and longer-term trials will be necessary to determine whether the observed changes translate into measurable improvements in mobility, physical performance, or quality of life.

For finished product manufacturers, the study may contribute to growing interest in healthy aging formulations that combine mobility support with broader wellness positioning. However, additional clinical validation will likely be important before stronger conclusions can be drawn regarding efficacy in chronic pain management.

References

1. Pilot study suggests krill oil may help reduce chronic pain. Aker BioMarine. May 2026. Accessed May 19, 2026. Press release provided via email.

2. Tamargo JA, Carvajal E, Simic K, Przkora R, Anton SD, Cruz-Almeida Y. Pilot randomized controlled trial of krill oil supplementation for chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults. J Nutr. Published online April 1, 2026. doi:10.1016/j.tjnut.2026.101517.

3. Jain A, Sadik E, Cardenas-Rojas A, et al. Chronic pain in elderly patients: pathophysiology, pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies, and interventional management. Clin Pharmacol. 2026;18:506172.