The Muscle Mag
Data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot studies showed that taking one or two grams per day of krill oil orally led to improvements in skin health that were associated with increases in the Omega-3 Index.
Scientists from Aker BioMarine and the University of Sunderland (UK) stated in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology that “The outcomes of these two studies on healthy volunteers suggest that supplementing with krill oil may enhance the skin’s ability to retain water, as well as improve its hydration and elasticity. These functions are essential for skin protection, cell regeneration, repair, and maintaining a youthful appearance.”
Beauty from within
The research indicates that Aker’s Superba Boost krill oil could be a valuable option for manufacturers of skin health supplements, a market with an estimated retail value of around $459 million in the U.S. (Source: Total USA- Nielsen xAOC).
Globally, the beauty supplement industry is projected by Mintel to reach approximately $9.3 billion by 2026.
According to Innova Market Insights, Europe led the way in global beauty supplement launches with skin health claims (41%) from 2017-2021, followed by North America (32%).
“For years, we have been studying how krill oil, with its phospholipids and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, can positively impact skin health,” explained Katina Handeland, PhD, director of R&D for human nutrition at Aker BioMarine and the lead author of the study. “The skin’s health and moisture depend on lipid and ceramide levels, which are influenced by nutrition. Omega-3 EPA and DHA help modify the lipid composition of skin cell membranes and related lipid mediators, supporting skin barrier function. Phospholipids have a unique role in attracting and repelling water, aiding in water retention within the skin.
“Moreover, both essential fatty acids and phospholipids from the diet have shown to have a positive impact on skin ceramide levels, which tend to decrease with age. The positive findings from these pilot trials further support previous research demonstrating the benefits of krill oil in enhancing skin barrier function and moisture retention.”
Study details
The two new pilot studies included healthy adults with normal to slightly dry skin. In the first study, 51 participants were randomly assigned to consume 1 g per day of Superba Boost krill oil or placebo for 12 weeks. In the second study, 50 participants were randomly assigned to consume 2 g per day of Superba Boost krill oil or placebo for 12 weeks.
Both groups taking krill oil showed increases in the Omega-3 Index of the participants in a dose-dependent manner. The Omega-3 Index measures the level of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, EPA+DHA, in red blood cell membranes as a percentage of total fatty acids.
In the study, the 1 g dose of krill oil resulted in an increase from 4.6% to 5.01% after 12 weeks, while the 2 g dose led to an increase from 5.43% to 6.85%. Omega-3 Index levels remained consistent in the placebo groups.
Additionally, both krill oil groups showed statistically significant improvements in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, and elasticity compared to the placebo group.
“In healthy skin, there needs to be a balance between water content and water loss through the skin,” said Lena Burri, director of R&D for animal nutrition and health at Aker BioMarine and co-author of the study. “The skin serves as a protective barrier between the body’s internal environment and the external environment. Many internal and external factors influence the health of the skin. Supplementing with krill oil can provide the skin with the necessary daily support it requires.”
The researchers also observed a significant linear relationship between changes in the Omega-3 Index and changes in TEWL, hydration, and elasticity in both studies.
“Given its high safety profile, relatively low cost, and ease of supplementation, krill oil supplementation is a sensible approach that may benefit individuals seeking to enhance skin barrier function and overall skin health through diet,” they concluded.
Source: Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Published online ahead of print, doi: 10.1111/jocd.16513
“Krill oil supplementation improves transepidermal water loss, hydration and elasticity of the skin in healthy adults: Results from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding pilot studies”
Authors: K. Handeland et al.
