Astaxanthin Effects on Osteoarthritis Associated Pain and Inflammatory Indicators

Astaxanthin Effects on Osteoarthritis Associated Pain and Inflammatory Indicators

This study is intended to assess the effects of astaxanthin use on pain, physical function, and inflammation as reflected by Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores and levels of inflammatory biomarkers in subjects taking astaxanthin. If improvements in pain, function, and/or markers of inflammation could be demonstrated with the use of astaxanthin, this may suggest the potential for astaxanthin to be used in management of knee osteoarthritis (and possibly other forms of osteoarthritis) with less evident toxicity than seen with the presently available standard therapies (e.g. NSAIDS, opioids).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Symptoms of knee pain
• Radiographic evidence of mild to moderate arthritis
• Able to provide written consent on their own behalf

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Current tobacco use
• Current substance abuse (alcohol or drug)
• Presence of significant cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, or renal disease
• Prior history of knee trauma or surgery
• Gout or pseudogout
• Significant depression or anxiety scores on PHQ-9 and GAD-7, or pre-existing diagnosis of a significant mental health disorder
• Presence of other chronic pain syndromes such as chronic low back or neck pain, fibromyalgia, or complex regional pain syndrome
• Presence of systemic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease
• Symptomatic involvement of multiple other joints with osteoarthritis
• Known allergy to fish or astaxanthin
• BMI greater than 35
• Participation in another clinical trial