RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Krill Ageing Muscle Mechanisms (KAMM) Study

The KAMM Study is looking into how krill oil supplements might help older adults, particularly those with sarcopenia – a condition where muscles get weaker and smaller with age. We’re aiming to understand the specific ways krill oil could boost muscle strength and improve how people walk and perform everyday tasks. Over a six-month period, healthy older volunteers will take either krill oil or a comparison oil. We’ll be checking if krill oil helps muscles get bigger and stronger, improves the connection between nerves and muscles, and makes daily movements easier. This research hopes to find new ways to help older people maintain their independence and quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Glasgow

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2024

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Sarcopenia

What is this study about?

The "Krill Ageing Muscle Mechanisms (KAMM) Study" is exploring whether a simple supplement, krill oil, could help older adults maintain and even improve their muscle strength and movement. As we get older, many people experience a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, a condition called sarcopenia. This can make everyday activities like walking or carrying groceries more challenging. Our study wants to understand if krill oil can make a real difference for these individuals.

We're interested in the specific ways krill oil might work. Firstly, we'll be looking at the muscles themselves – checking if krill oil can lead to bigger, stronger muscles. Secondly, we'll investigate the connection between your brain, nerves, and muscles, to see if signals are being sent and received more effectively. Finally, we'll assess whether improvements in muscle and nerve function translate into better control when walking and performing other daily tasks. This kind of research is crucial for finding new ways to help older people stay active and independent for longer.

Participants in the study will take either a krill oil supplement or a vegetable oil (as a comparison) for six months. Throughout this time, we will carefully measure various aspects of muscle health and function. Our goal is to gather reliable evidence on whether krill oil could be a safe and effective way to support muscle health as we age.

Key takeaways

Exploring if krill oil can improve muscle strength in older adults.
A 6-month study comparing krill oil to a common vegetable oil.
Investigating how krill oil affects muscles, nerves, and daily movement.
Participation involves taking capsules and attending assessments in Glasgow.
Aims to find new ways to support healthy ageing and independence.
Your contribution helps advance our understanding of muscle health.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 65 years old and live in the Glasgow area. Your body weight should be within what is considered a healthy range (with a BMI of 30 or less). Most importantly, you need to be able to fully understand the study and agree to take part.

There are some health conditions and circumstances that would mean you couldn't join. For example, if you have certain existing health issues like diabetes, serious heart problems, epilepsy, or uncontrolled high blood pressure, you wouldn't be eligible. Also, if you've had cancer recently, have dementia, or are allergic to fish or shellfish, you wouldn't be able to participate.

We also need to make sure the results are clear, so if you've been doing resistance exercise recently, taking certain medications that affect muscles or blood clotting (like warfarin), or already taking omega-3 supplements or eating a lot of oily fish, you wouldn't be eligible. You also need to be able to understand English to take part in the assessments.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 65 years old or older?
Do you live in the Glasgow area?
Do you feel you understand this information and could give your consent?
Are you free from conditions like diabetes, serious heart disease, or uncontrolled high blood pressure?
Are you generally healthy and not currently taking certain medications (like blood thinners or specific muscle-affecting drugs)?
Do you have a fish or shellfish allergy?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the KAMM study, you will take either krill oil or a vegetable oil capsule every day for six months. We won't tell you which one you're taking until the end of the study. You'll visit our research site in Glasgow a few times over these six months for assessments. These assessments are designed to measure your muscle strength, how your nerves communicate with your muscles, and how well you perform everyday movements like walking.

The visits will involve simple, non-invasive tests and measurements. We will look at things like how quickly you can walk, your balance, and how much weight you can lift safely. We will also measure your muscle size. You'll be asked to complete some questionnaires about your health and daily activities. The total duration of your active involvement in the study will be six months, with initial screening and follow-up after that period.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies like this isn't about getting direct personal health benefits, but your contribution is incredibly valuable for helping us understand how best to support muscle health in older adults. Krill oil is generally considered safe, but like all supplements, it might cause minor side effects in some individuals. These could include mild indigestion or a fishy aftertaste. You will be closely monitored by our research team throughout the study. 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 (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Glasgow
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is sarcopenia?

Sarcopenia is the natural loss of muscle mass and strength that often happens as people get older.

What is krill oil?

Krill oil is a nutritional supplement made from microscopic crustaceans (like tiny shrimp) found in the ocean. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Will I know if I'm taking krill oil or vegetable oil?

No, it's a 'blinded' study, so neither you nor the researchers will know until the study is finished.

How long does the study last?

Your active participation in taking the supplements and having assessments will last for six months.

Do I have to pay to join the study?

No, there are no costs associated with taking part in this research study.

How to find out more

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.