Can krill oil ease chronic pain in seniors?
NCT ID NCT06580912
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested whether taking krill oil daily for 12 weeks helps older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Forty participants aged 60 and older took either krill oil or a vegetable oil placebo. The main goal was to see if a larger trial is possible, focusing on adherence and acceptability.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- krill oil
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple nutritional supplement to help older adults manage chronic pain and stay mobile.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small pilot study (40 people) focused on feasibility, not proof of effectiveness. Results may not apply to everyone, and krill oil may not reduce pain better than other oils.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Finished
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Dec 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
60 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to provide informed consent * Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study * Male or female, aged ≥60 years * Exhibiting chronic musculoskeletal pain of the hip, knees, or lower back (\>3 months) * Average pain ≥4 on a 0-10 numeric rating scale * Exhibiting moderate mobility limitations (Short Physical Performance Battery score 4-10) * Ability to take oral supplements and be willing to adhere to the supplementation regimen * Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations throughout study duration Exclusion Criteria: * Any known coagulation or bleeding disorders * Standing regimen of anticoagulants or full-dose aspirin * Regular use of opioids or high-dose NSAIDs * Taking medication known to affect muscle (e.g. steroids) * Taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) * Omega-3 supplementation within the past 3 months * High consumption of fatty fish (\>2 servings/week) * Habitual supplementation with other complementary medicines/supplements that may affect the study results, including St. John's Wort * Known allergy to seafood * Clinically significant conditions: diabetes, severe cardiovascular disease, seizure disorders, uncontrolled hypertension (\>150/90mmhg at baseline), cancer or cancer that has been in remission \>5 years * History of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter * Dementia * History of smoking, alcohol abuse, or illicit drug use * Ambulatory impairments which would limit the ability to perform physical function tests * Treatment with another investigational drug or other intervention within 3 months * Planning a surgical procedure during the study period * Planning to permanently leave the area during the study period
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
UF Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center
Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
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