Krill Oil for Pain in Elders

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · Aug 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Krill Oil for Pain in Elders," is exploring whether krill oil can help reduce chronic pain and improve physical function in older adults suffering from conditions like hip, knee, or lower back pain. Chronic musculoskeletal pain can make it difficult for older individuals to move around comfortably, and this study is looking into the potential benefits of krill oil, which may be easier for the body to absorb compared to traditional fish oil. The goal is to see if krill oil supplementation can effectively manage pain and enhance mobility, providing valuable information for future research in this area.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be at least 60 years old and have experienced pain in their hips, knees, or lower back for more than three months with an average pain level of 4 or higher on a scale of 0 to 10. Participants should also have some mobility limitations but still be able to take oral supplements. However, those with certain health conditions, such as bleeding disorders, severe cardiovascular issues, or a history of smoking and substance abuse, will not be eligible. If you join the study, you can expect to follow a regimen of krill oil supplementation and adhere to specific lifestyle considerations for the duration of the trial. The study is currently recruiting participants, aiming to gather important insights to help improve pain management for older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• 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