Krill Oil Supplements May Support Healthy Aging

Krill oil appears to protect the brain from age-related diseases

krill oil is largely composed of Antarctic mini-crustaceans (krill). Similar to fish, krill is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains krill oil cholinean elementary building block of cells, as well as the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin. In a recent study, a Norwegian research team now suggests that krill oil Brain before age-related diseases protected.

researchers of University of Osloof Oslo University Hospital as well as Akershus University Hospital discovered that krill oil neurons before age-related degeneration protects and in the brain cells of several Signs of aging removed. The research results were recently published in the renowned journal “aging” present.

In some areas, people are living longer

In previous studies, there is already plenty of evidence that people in certain areas have a long life have. This will partly depend on what is customary in each region nutrition revenue. Among other things, such longevity has been observed, for example, in some Mediterranean regions or parts of Japan.

Similar diet in long-lived regions

What unites these regions is a similar diet rich in fish and seafood is. These represent an excellent Source of omega-3 fatty acids Long-chain fats have already been the focus of many research projects.

Previous research has suggested that omega-3 rich krill oil has a positive effect on health. However, the Norwegian working group was able to elucidate for the first time the molecular mechanisms that lead to the positive effects on the brain.

How does krill oil affect brain cells?

Using nematodes and human cells, the team was able to demonstrate that krill oil has a positive effect on various gene expressions acts for Attenuation of various age-related characteristics contribute, including

• oxidative stress (imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants),
• proteotoxic stress from misfolded proteins,
• senescence (stopping of cell division),
• genomic instability,
• mitochondrial dysfunction.

Additionally, researchers were able to prove that krill oil anti-inflammatory effect on brain cells because it increases neuronal resilience, which promotes health-regulating transcription factors (such as SNK-1).

Krill oil had a particularly positive effect on the so-called dopaminergic neurons out. These are nerve cells in the brain that are responsible for the production of dopamine are responsible. Dopamine, in turn, is a chemical messenger involved in many important biological processes, including movement, motivation, and cognition.

The effect cannot be attributed to Omega 3 alone

The researchers point out that the effect is due to several substances contained in krill oil. In addition to omega 3, the oil also contains so-called choline contain. It is a molecular component of membrane formation. Additionally, choline is used for Synthesis of lipoproteins necessary for the transport of fats in the blood.

Additionally, krill oil contains the strong Antioxidant astaxanthin. It is a natural dye belonging to the carotenoids belongs to and is responsible for the red color of the oil.

Krill oil appears to support healthy aging

“In summary, krill oil changes global gene expression programs and promotes healthy aging by reversing several aging traits, suggesting further preclinical and clinical investigations.”summarize the scientists involved in the study.

“Thus, krill oil supplementation could serve as a possible approach for interventions supporting healthy brain aging.”comments the working group in conclusion.

Results have yet to be verified in humans

However, the study was conducted on nematodes and on human cells. Whether the effect in humans is actually affected by taking a Krill oil food supplement developed, should first be investigated in further studies. In any case, the research results promise that it might be. (vb)