RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Investigating the Feasibility of Krill Oil Intervention to Improve Muscle Function in Adults With Long-term Conditions

This 12-week study aims to see if krill oil can help improve muscle function in adults living with long-term health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or type 2 diabetes. Thirty participants, aged 18 and over, will be randomly assigned to either receive krill oil supplements or a harmless dummy pill. Neither the participants nor the researchers will know who is taking which. Throughout the study, participants will continue their usual diet and activities. Researchers will measure muscle strength, body composition, and other health markers at the beginning and end of the study to understand the effects of krill oil.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Glasgow

Enrolment target

Start

18 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jul 2026

Krill Oil Muscle Function Grip Strength Long-Term Conditions Omega 3 Fatty Acids

What is this study about?

This research study is investigating whether taking krill oil supplements could help improve muscle function in adults who are living with long-term health conditions. We know that many long-term conditions can affect muscle strength and overall physical abilities. Krill oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are thought to have some health benefits, and this study aims to see if it might be a helpful approach for muscle health.

The study will involve 30 adults, both men and women, who are 18 years old or over and have one or more long-term health conditions. These could include conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, or a history of heart issues or stroke. Participants will be randomly put into one of two groups for 12 weeks. One group will take krill oil supplements every day, and the other group will take a 'placebo' – a dummy pill that looks the same but contains vegetable oil instead of krill oil. This is a "double-blind" study, meaning neither you nor the research team will know which you are taking until the study is over. This helps ensure the results are as unbiased as possible.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to keep your usual diet and exercise habits. Researchers will take various measurements at the beginning and end of the study. These include blood tests to look at general health markers, measurements of your body (like weight, fat, and muscle mass using ultrasound), and tests to check your muscle strength, such as handgrip strength and how powerfully you can contract a muscle. They'll also assess your physical performance by timing how quickly you walk a short distance.

Key takeaways

This study investigates if krill oil can improve muscle function in adults with long-term health conditions.
Participants will take daily krill oil or a dummy pill for 12 weeks without knowing which one.
Measurements include muscle strength tests, body scans, and blood samples at the start and end.
You'll continue your normal diet and activity patterns throughout the study.
Eligibility includes adults 18+ with certain long-term conditions, but excludes those on blood thinners, with specific heart conditions, or fish allergies.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for both men and women aged 18 or older who are living with one or more long-term health conditions. This includes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease (a type of heart disease), or if you've had a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA).

However, some people won't be able to take part. For example, if you are currently being treated for any type of cancer, or if you have memory-related conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia, you wouldn't be suitable. People with certain serious heart conditions (like aortic stenosis), a history of a specific type of stroke (haemorrhagic stroke), or aneurysms are also excluded. You cannot take part if you are currently on blood-thinning medication or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Also, if you are allergic to fish or fish oil, or if you regularly eat more than one portion of oily fish per week, or already take fish oil or krill oil supplements, this study wouldn't be right for you. This is because these factors could interfere with understanding the effects of the krill oil being tested.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or over?
Do you have a long-term health condition like rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, or heart disease?
Are you NOT currently being treated for any type of cancer?
Are you NOT taking blood-thinning medication?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you NOT have a serious fish or fish oil allergy?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your involvement will last for 12 weeks. First, you'll complete a health questionnaire with a researcher to check if you're suitable. Once confirmed, you'll be randomly assigned to either take 4 grams of krill oil supplements or 4 grams of a dummy pill (vegetable oil) each day. You'll simply swallow these capsules daily.

Throughout the 12 weeks, you should continue your usual diet and physical activities. You'll be asked to record the amount of fish you eat each week in a simple logbook. You'll have two main visits for measurements: once at the very beginning of the study (baseline) and again after 12 weeks. These visits will involve blood tests, measurements of your weight, height, and body composition (including muscle mass using a special ultrasound), and tests of your muscle strength (like handgrip and maximal muscle contractions). You'll also do a simple walking test. To thank you for your time and contribution, you will receive a £50 voucher at the end of the study.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research always comes with potential benefits and risks. You might not directly benefit from taking part, but your contribution will help researchers understand if krill oil could be helpful for muscle function in people with long-term conditions. This knowledge could benefit others in the future. Potential risks are generally low with krill oil, but some people might experience mild digestive upset. There's also the minor discomfort of blood tests. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Lab 242, Sir James Black Building, University of Glasgow
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting
University of Glasgow
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Not yet recruiting

Common questions

What are 'long-term conditions'?

These are health problems that can't be cured but can be managed over a long period, like rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes, or heart conditions.

What is krill oil?

Krill oil is an oil extracted from tiny shrimp-like creatures called krill. It's a source of omega-3 fatty acids, similar to fish oil.

What does 'double-blind' mean?

It means neither you nor the research team will know if you're taking the real krill oil or the dummy pill until the study is finished. This makes the results more reliable.

Will I have to change my diet or exercise?

No, you should continue your usual diet and physical activities throughout the study. We just ask you to record your fish intake weekly.

What happens if I stop taking part?

You are free to stop participating at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your medical care in any way.

How to find out more

Professor Stuart Gray

stuart.gray@glasgow.ac.uk +441413302569 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.