Evaluation of the effects of Neptune Krill Oil on the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of Neptune Krill Oil (NKO) for the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of NKO for the management of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea with that of omega-3 fish oil.


METHODS
Double-blind, randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Outpatient clinic.


METHODS
Seventy patients of reproductive age diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised (DSM-III-R).


METHODS
Treatment period of three months with either NKO or omega-3 fish oil.


METHODS
Self-Assessment Questionnaire based on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) diagnostic criteria for premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea and number of analgesics used for dysmenorrhea.


RESULTS
In 70 patients with complete data, a statistically significant improvement was demonstrated among baseline, interim, and final evaluations in the self assessment questionnaire (P < 0.001) within the NKO group as well as between-group comparison to fish oil, after three cycles or 45 and 90 days of treatment. Data analysis showed a significant reduction of the number of analgesics used for dysmenorrhea within the NKO group (comparing baseline vs. 45- vs. 90-day visit). The between-groups analysis illustrated that women taking NKO consumed significantly fewer analgesics during the 10-day treatment period than women receiving omega-3 fish oil (P < 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Neptune Krill Oil can significantly reduce dysmenorrhea and the emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and is shown to be significantly more effective for the complete management of premenstrual symptoms compared to omega-3 fish oil.
Sampalis
Fotini
F
Department of Experimental Surgery, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. tina.sampalis@sympatico.ca
Bunea
Roxandra
R
Pelland
Marie France
MF
Kowalski
Odile
O
Duguet
Natalie
N
Dupuis
Sébastien
S
D000328:Adult; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004412:Dysmenorrhea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D033201:Euphausiacea / Q000737:chemistry*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009821:Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000700:Analgesics; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D009821:Oils