Using krill oil to manage pain in older adults
Krill Oil for Pain and Physical Function in Older Adults
This study is testing whether taking krill oil can help older adults with chronic pain in their hips, knees, or lower back feel better and move more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT06580912 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates the feasibility of using krill oil supplementation to alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain and improve physical function in older adults. It focuses on individuals aged 60 and above who experience pain in the hip, knees, or lower back for more than three months. The study compares the effects of krill oil against a mixed vegetable oil placebo, aiming to gather data that could inform larger clinical trials in the future. By exploring the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, the study seeks to address the challenges of pain management in the elderly population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 60 and above with chronic musculoskeletal pain and moderate mobility limitations.
Not a fit: Patients with bleeding disorders, those on anticoagulants, or individuals who have recently taken omega-3 supplements may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a safe and effective nutritional intervention for managing chronic pain in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using omega-3 fatty acids for pain management, but this specific approach with krill oil is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- UF Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Javier A Tamargo, PhD — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Javier A Tamargo, PhD
- Email: j.tamargo@ufl.edu
- Phone: 352-273-5795
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.