Krill Oil Protects Against Colitis

STAVANGER, NorwayKrill oil preserved colon health, reduced oxidative stress and balanced inflammation in animals with ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). THe University of Bergen and Stavanger University Hospital researchers published their results Nov. 30, online ahead of print in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology.

In the study, 30 male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: healthy control, induced colitis and induced colitis combined with administration of krill oil (5 percent).  In the non-control rats, colitis was induced in the last week of the four-week trial.  Researchers measured Weight and disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histological combined score (HCS), colon levels of selected cytokines and prostaglandins, markers of protein oxidative damage, fatty acid profile, and expression of selected genes.

DAI, HCS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- and interleukin (IL)-1. In those taking krill oil, HCS and inflammatory cytokines were reduced, while increasing the anti-inflammatory compounds prostaglandin E3 (PGE3) and PPAR- coactivator 1.  Krill oil also decreased levels of protein oxidation markers.

"This study demonstrates the potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of Superba krill oil for ulcerative colitis disease.  Chronic inflammation is involved in other health concerns, including cardiovascular risk, joint discomfort, cancer, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, allergy, and diabetes," said Kjetil Berge, R&D Director of Aker BioMarine Antarctic.  "The results from this study open up new possibilities for krill oil for digestive health, and may provide a basis for future studies in humans."

According to Aker, this is the first study to indicate the anti-inflammatory and protein antioxidant properties of krill oil in ulcerative colitis, a condition prevalent worldwide, but most commonly found in the United States (an estimated 1 to 2 million Americans have ulcerative colitis) and Northern European populations.