Krill Oil and Muscle Weakness in Type 2 Diabetes

Effects of Krill Oil Supplementation on Muscle Mass and Function in People With Muscle Weakness and Type 2 Diabetes

The age-related loss of muscle mass and function, sarcopenia, has several deleterious effects, such as a reduction in the quality of life and an increase in the incidence of falls, often leading to hospitalisation. The prevalence of sarcopenia is unclear but is estimated to be between 4.6 and 7.9% and the loss of skeletal muscle mass and function is accelerated in people with type 2 diabetes. With the percentage of older people and the percentage of people with type 2 diabetes predicted to rise in coming years it is crucial to develop therapies to increase muscle mass and function. Alterations in nutrition have also been suggested to be of therapeutic use in sarcopenia. Epidemiological data showed that the consumption of fatty fish is positively associated with muscle function in older population, indicating a potential role for long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCn-3 PUFA) in increasing muscle mass and function in older people. The aim of the current study, therefore, is to determine the effects of krill oil supplementation on muscle size and function in adults with muscle weakness and type 2 diabetes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Physician confirmed type 2 diabetes.
• Age >/= 40 years
• No changes in anti-diabetic medication in the last 3 months.
• Muscle weakness (grip strength <27kg and females <16kg)

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI of 45 or higher
• BP of 160/100mmHg or higher
• Cancer or cancer that has been in remission <5 years
• Any medical condition that prevents participants from exercising safely
• On anticoagulant therapy
• Allergies to seafood
• Regular consumption of more than 2 portions of oily fish per week
• Currently consuming omega-3 supplements