Recent clinical evidence indicates that Calanus oil supplementation may positively influence heart and metabolic health in prediabetic women. The findings come from a pilot study exploring how this marine-derived oil affects diastolic heart function — a critical indicator of cardiovascular performance and potential heart failure risk. The oil, derived from the Calanus finmarchicus copepod, is a sustainable source of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants such as astaxanthin.
The study, titled “Effects of 12 Weeks of Calanus Oil Supplementation on Cardiac Diastolic Function in Obese and Prediabetic Women—A Pilot Study,” was published in Metabolites in September 2025. The research used Zooca® Calanus oil, supplied by Zooca®Lipids, and demonstrated significant improvements in cardiac and metabolic parameters after 12 weeks of supplementation.
Study Overview: Calanus Oil and Heart Function in Prediabetic Women
The clinical trial involved 20 women aged 30 to 75 diagnosed with both obesity and prediabetes but without prior heart disease. Each participant consumed eight capsules of Calanus oil per day, equating to 4 grams of oil daily for 12 weeks. This dosage delivered approximately 276 mg of EPA and 256 mg of DHA — omega-3 fatty acids widely recognized for their cardiovascular benefits.
Researchers from the Institute of Food Science and Human Nutrition at Leibniz University Hannover in Germany measured key physiological and metabolic indicators. These included systolic and diastolic cardiac function, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and markers of metabolic health such as the metabolic syndrome severity score (Met-S score) and the triacylglycerol glucose–waist-to-height ratio (TyG-WHtR).
Key Findings: Improved Diastolic Function and Insulin Sensitivity
The primary outcome of the study was an assessment of cardiac diastolic function using the E/A ratio, which measures the balance between early (E) and late (A) ventricular filling velocities — a key indicator of the heart’s ability to relax and fill properly. After 12 weeks, notable improvements were recorded:
- E/A ratio improved significantly from 0.97 to 1.03 (p = 0.023).
- Met-S score and TyG-WHtR decreased, signaling enhanced metabolic health and insulin sensitivity.
- Central diastolic blood pressure (DBP) dropped significantly (p = 0.047).
- Heart rate (HR) declined (p = 0.048), indicating improved cardiovascular efficiency.
While changes in CRP, central systolic BP, and PWV were not statistically significant, the positive shifts in diastolic function and metabolic parameters underscore Calanus oil’s potential as a supportive nutritional intervention. The researchers also noted that improvements in E/A ratios correlated closely with enhanced insulin sensitivity.
However, the absence of a placebo group was cited as a key limitation. Despite this, the investigators concluded that Calanus oil supplementation could improve diastolic function and metabolic health among prediabetic women.
Context: Cardiometabolic Risk and the Importance of Targeted Nutrition
Globally, an estimated 589 million adults were living with diabetes as of 2024, with projections reaching approximately 783 million by 2045. Despite the high prevalence, women often remain underrepresented in metabolic and cardiovascular research. This study helps address that gap by focusing specifically on prediabetic women with obesity — a demographic at heightened risk for cardiometabolic disorders.
Marianne Mæhlum, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer at Zooca, commented in an October 2025 press release: “These results are encouraging because they point to combined benefits in both cardiac function and metabolic regulation. For women with obesity and prediabetes — a group at elevated cardiometabolic risk — finding safe and natural strategies to support long-term health is of great importance. With its unique slow-release composition, Zooca® Calanus® Oil represents a promising nutritional approach to supporting cardiometabolic support during the aging process.”
Industry Insight: Collaboration and Future Research
Teresita Rudà, Head of Marketing and Brand Positioning at LEHVOSS Nutrition — Zooca’s European distribution partner — emphasized the broader implications of these findings. “What is exciting about this new study is the benefits seen in insulin sensitivity among people with prediabetes, suggesting once more the valuable role of Zooca® Calanus Oil in supporting long-term metabolic health.”
These statements reflect growing interest in marine-based lipid supplements as functional nutrients for cardiometabolic health. Future research, particularly randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes, will be crucial to confirming and expanding upon these preliminary findings.
Conclusion
This pilot study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that Calanus oil may support heart and metabolic health in prediabetic women. By improving diastolic function and insulin sensitivity, the supplement offers potential as a safe, natural, and sustainable approach to reducing cardiovascular risk.
While further investigation is warranted, the results provide compelling early support for the integration of Zooca® Calanus® Oil into preventive nutrition strategies aimed at promoting long-term cardiometabolic wellness in women.
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