Bergen, Norway—A new study published in Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental indicates there may be a connection between obesity support and krill supplementation.

Scientists from the University of Bergen in Norway studied how the liver regulated energy metabolism and associated inflammation after taking Antarctic krill oil. Mice with the hTNF-alpha gene (which typically causes unfavorable effects like inflammation from poor lipid metabolism) were given a high-fat diet or a high-fat diet plus krill powder for six weeks. Mice given krill had lowered hepatic and plasma triacylglycerol levels; they also experienced lower cholesterol levels and less expression of enzymes involved in making cholesterol and glucose metabolism. This resulted in better blood and liver lipid levels. Plus, krill was associated with an anti-inflammation effect, since TNFα in the liver was reduced.

In commenting on this study, Matts Johansen, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Aker BioMarine stated his company will soon launched a phospholipid-rich Superba krill powder.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine, July 2012 (online 5/16/12)