Krill oil fights fat, inflammation, and oxidative stress all at the same time
A 2024 study published in Nutrients examined the effects of krill oil supplementation in mice with diet-induced obesity and metabolic dysfunction.<sup> 1</sup> The aim was to see if krill oil could reduce fat accumulation in the liver, optimize cholesterol levels, and decrease oxidative stress—all important factors in fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk. The researchers also analyzed whether compounds in krill oil interfere with specific enzymes that promote cholesterol synthesis and fat storage.
The animals used in the study were fed a high-fat diet to simulate obesity and metabolic damage: the mouse model was designed to reflect what happens in humans who consume high-fat, high-calorie foods. These animals gained weight, accumulated visceral and liver fat, and developed blood markers associated with poor metabolic health.
Krill oil was administered at a dose of 400 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) daily for 60 days. Researchers tracked changes in blood cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, liver enzyme levels, and markers of oxidative stress to assess the effects of krill oil.
• Krill oil reduced liver fat and total triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent manner: Mice given krill oil experienced a significant reduction in liver fat storage, with decreases in both liver weight and deep abdominal fat, similar to visceral fat in humans. Intracellular triglyceride levels also decreased when krill oil was added to the diet. Liver triglycerides decreased from 0.73 mg/dL in obese mice to 0.59 mg/dL after krill oil supplementation. This suggests that krill oil either directly reduces fat production or increases fat breakdown in the liver.
