June 9, 2003 – Krill oil, a small crustacean that some whales eat, is believed to provide effective relief from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and dysmenorrhea, a new study reveals.
Researchers compared the effectiveness of krill oil to that of fish oil supplements in 70 participants.1.
Using a questionnaire approved by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the researchers asked the women to measure the intensity of their PMS. Krill oil appears to have relieved stress, irritability, feelings of out of control and depression somewhat, in addition to reducing joint and breast pain. Krill oil, however, appears to have had no impact on weight gain, abdominal pain, and swelling.
Researchers also found that women who took krill oil consumed up to 40% less pain relievers to combat period pain. However, in the case of women who were asked to take fish oil, the reduction was still 34%.
Krill oil contains phospholipids, triglycerides, omega-3 fatty acids as well as antioxidants like vitamin A and vitamin E.
Note that the study only looked at Neptune brand krill oil, and that two employees of this company were among the researchers who conducted it.
Jean-Benoit Legault – PasseportSanté.net
According to Alternative Medicine Review; May 2003.
1. Sampalis F, Bunea R, Pelland MF, Kowalski O, Duguet N, Dupuis S. Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.Altern Med Rev. 2003 May; 8 (2): 171-179. [Consulté le 9 juin 2003].
