Researchers from Aker BioMarine have published a new pilot study on krill powder in Lipids in Health and Disease. The study, performed at Momentum Pharma Services, a CRO in Germany, and two academic research sites in Italy, investigated the effects of Superba Krill powder supplementation in obese subjects.
This new powder product, currently under development by Aker BioMarine Antarctic, provides phospholipid omega-3 fatty acids suitable for tablet applications.
For this study, 11 obese men underwent 24 weeks of treatment with Superba Krill powder. Then researchers assessed blood lipids and endocannabinoids as well as a variety of other parameters. Superba Krill powder is said to have reduced triglyceride levels by 21%, and also positively impacted three different endocannabinoids – a class of lipid signalling molecules that is dysregulated in obese subjects. In fact, said the researchers, one of the endocannabinoids – anandamide – which is elevated in obese subjects, decreased 84% by the end of treatment. Researchers also noted a significant decrease in the waist/hip ratio and visceral fat/skeletal muscle mass.
“These results confirm previous findings with krill oil, demonstrating a reduction of an overactive endocannabinoid system in obese subjects,” said study co-author Vincenzo Di Marzo. “Krill oil and krill powder could potentially both be useful in ameliorating metabolic syndrome.”
“We are excited to publish another clinical study on krill further validating the health benefits of phospholipid bound EPA and DHA,” said study coordinator Kjetil Berge.
“This study represents an important addition to our overall krill research portfolio and we believe a free-flowing powder version of Superba will open up new market opportunities,” said Matts Johansen, chief operating officer, Aker BioMarine Antarctic.
Development of the powder version of Superba is ongoing with no commercial launch date set yet.
