Skip to content

Randomised trial, 2003

Does Neptune Krill Oil help with PMS and period pain?

Yes, it significantly reduced PMS symptoms and period pain, and worked better than fish oil for managing overall PMS symptoms.

Moderate study design 70 women of reproductive age diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome

What they did

70 women with PMS were randomly assigned to either Neptune Krill Oil or omega-3 fish oil for 3 months in a double-blind trial. Symptoms were assessed using a self-assessment questionnaire based on diagnostic criteria, and the number of painkillers used for period pain was recorded at baseline, 45 days, and 90 days.

What they found

Women taking Neptune Krill Oil had statistically significant symptom improvement from baseline measured at 45 and 90 days (P less than 0.001). Within the krill oil group, the number of painkillers used for period pain decreased significantly over time. Women taking Neptune Krill Oil used significantly fewer painkillers than women on fish oil (P less than 0.03).

What it means for you

Neptune Krill Oil appears to reduce both emotional and physical PMS symptoms and reduces the need for painkillers compared to fish oil. However, the study only included 70 women and lasted 3 months, so longer-term effects and effects in larger populations remain unknown.

70

patients with complete data

3

months treatment duration

P < 0.001

significance of symptom improvement

About the study

Original title
Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea
Authors
Sampalis F, Bunea R, Pelland MF et al.
Journal
Alternative medicine review : a journal of clinical therapeutic
Year
2003
Study design
Randomised trial
Participants
70
What was tested
Neptune Krill Oil versus omega-3 fish oil for 3 months

Topics