Actively Recruiting
Investigating Astaxanthin as a Novel Therapy for Asthma Management in Polluted Environments
Led by Middlesex University · Updated on 2026-04-02
25
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
M
Middlesex University
Lead Sponsor
A
AstaReal
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating whether astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant supplement, can improve lung function, reduce airway inflammation, and enhance asthma control in adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. The study also examines the influence of indoor and personal air pollution on asthma symptoms, airway responsiveness, and treatment response. Exploratory thoracic bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy alongside standard respiratory tests will be assessed. Participants receive astaxanthin 12 mg daily orally as three 4 mg capsules taken with their largest meal or matched placebo capsules in a double-blind, randomized crossover design. Each treatment period lasts 4 weeks, separated by a 3-week washout between treatments. Participants follow one of two sequences: astaxanthin then placebo, or placebo then astaxanthin. During the study, researchers will perform lung function tests including spirometry, impulse oscillometry, body plethysmography, and hypertonic saline challenges with induced sputum collection. Participants will monitor peak expiratory flow at home and complete questionnaires about asthma control and quality of life. Indoor and personal air pollution exposure will be tracked throughout. The primary outcomes measured include changes in lung function, exhaled nitric oxide, and airway responsiveness after each treatment period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Can Astaxanthin Help Manage Asthma in POlluted Areas?
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults 18 years or older
- Confirmed clinical diagnosis of mild-to-moderate asthma consistent with BTS/NICE/SIGN (2024)
- Asthma managed at GINA (2024) step 1-3 therapy level with stable treatment for at least 4 weeks prior to enrollment
- No asthma exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids within the past 6-8 weeks
- Ability to perform acceptable and repeatable spirometry
- Willing to avoid antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplements during the study
- Not consuming high dietary astaxanthin sources such as frequent salmonid or crustacean intake
- Non-smoking and non-vaping
- Able and willing to take daily study capsules and attend all required visits
- Able and willing to complete home monitoring including peak flow, air-quality monitoring, and questionnaires
- Able to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Current smokers or vapers
- Respiratory tract infection within the last 4 weeks
- Pregnant or lactating individuals
- Significant co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune or systemic inflammatory diseases
- Renal or gastrointestinal disorders affecting astaxanthin absorption or metabolism
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to astaxanthin or any study supplement components
- History of current alcohol or substance abuse
- Participation in another interventional drug or supplement study within the past 3 months
- Use of medicines with narrow therapeutic index where supplement interactions pose risk (e.g., ciclosporin, tacrolimus, warfarin)
- Other significant chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD or bronchiectasis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 11 weeks including both treatment periods and washout
Participants receive two 4-week treatment periods of daily oral capsules, one with astaxanthin and one with placebo, separated by a 3-week washout period. Participants take three capsules daily with their largest meal during each treatment period.
Weekly visits for up to 12 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Middlesex University
London, Barnet, United Kingdom, NW4 4BT
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
Ahmet Celen, PhD in Biomedical Science
D
Dr Lygeri Dimitriou
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here