Krill oil supplementation for knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials
Pimentel T, Queiroz I, Florêncio de Mesquita C, Gallo Ruelas M, Leandro GN, Ribeiro Monteiro A, et al.
Published in Inflammopharmacology, Vol. 32 (5), pp. 3109-3118
Methodology
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane were searched to May 2024 for randomised trials comparing krill oil with placebo in people with knee pain; 5 trials with 700 patients were included.
Key Findings
Krill oil did not differ from placebo for knee pain, knee stiffness or blood lipids. It had a small effect on knee physical function (SMD -0.24, 95% CI -0.41 to -0.08, I2 = 0%). Trial sequential analysis supported the function result and indicated no improvement in knee pain.
Conclusions
Krill oil supplementation did not significantly improve knee pain or stiffness, although it may help knee physical function; the authors judged it not yet justified for knee pain.
Limitations
Only five trials, which differed in population (mild knee pain to MRI-confirmed effusion-synovitis), dose and duration. The pooled function effect is small.
Supplements Studied
krill oil supplementation did not significantly improve knee pain, stiffness, or lipid profile, although it may help knee physical function
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen.