A natural seaweed derived mineral supplement (Aquamin F) for knee osteoartritis: a randomised, placebo controlled pilot study
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a slowly destructive process that may be influenced by a nutritional mineral balance in the body.
Methods: This small, double blind, placebo controlled pilot study investigated the impact of treatment with a natural multi-mineral supplement from seaweed (Aquamin) on 6 minute walking distance (6MWD), range of motion (ROM), and pain and joint mobility measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index in subjects with moderate to severe OA of the knee during gradual withdrawal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that were being used daily for pain management.
Subjects (n=29) with moderate to severe OA of the knee were randomised to receive either Aquamin (2400 mg/d) or Placebo for up to 12 weeks.
Results: Of the 29 subjects initially randomized, only 22 subjects proceeded to treatment due to 7 subjects not meeting study selection criteria at baseline.
Fourteen subjects completed the study and an ITT analysis (n=22) of the data showed no significant differences in WOMAC scores however, the data did reveal significant improvements in passive and active extension ROM (0.83o+/-1.54 vs. -1.54o+/-2.43; difference, 5.2o+/-2.2, p=0.028) and 6MWD (150+/-48 ft vs.
12.5+/-31.5 ft; difference, 136+/-57 ft, p=0.03) in the Aquamin group compared to the placebo group; respectively, following a 50% reduction in NSAID use. The treatments were well tolerated and the adverse event profiles were not significantly different between the groups.
Conclusions: This small preliminary study suggests Aquamin may increase range of motion and walking distances in subjects with OA of the knee and may allow partial withdrawal of NSAIDs over 12 weeks of treatment. Additional research is needed to confirm these preliminary observations.Trial Registration: NCT00755482
Author: Joy L Frestedt, Michael A Kuskowski and John L Zenk
Credits/Source: Nutrition Journal 2009, 8:7
Published on: 2009-02-02
Copyright by the authors listed above - made available via BioMedCentral (Open Access). Please
make sure to read our disclaimer prior to contacting 7thSpace Interactive. To contact our editors, visit our online helpdesk. If you wish submit your own press release, click here.
Social Bookmarking
RETWEET This! | Digg this! | Post to del.icio.us | Post to Furl | Add to Netscape | Add to Yahoo! | Rojo
|
|
