NCT07507682

Can Astaxanthin Help Manage Asthma in POlluted Areas?

Investigating Astaxanthin as a Novel Therapy for Asthma Management in Polluted Environments

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 25 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Middlesex University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study will test whether astaxanthin, a naturally occurring antioxidant supplement, can improve lung function, reduce airway inflammation, and improve asthma control in adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. Participants will receive astaxanthin and placebo in random order in a double-blind crossover design. Each treatment period lasts 4 weeks and is separated by a 3-week washout period. The study also measures indoor and personal air pollution exposure to examine whether pollution influences asthma symptoms, airway responsiveness, and response to treatment. Exploratory thoracic bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy will be assessed alongside standard respiratory tests.

Detailed description

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 2-sequence, 2-period crossover trial in 25 non-smoking, non-vaping adults aged 18 to 59 years with mild-to-moderate asthma or asthma-like symptoms confirmed at screening. Participants will be allocated 1:1 to one of two treatment sequences: astaxanthin followed by placebo, or placebo followed by astaxanthin. Each intervention period lasts 4 weeks and is separated by a 3-week washout. Astaxanthin will be given orally at a total dose of 12 mg/day as three 4 mg capsules taken with the participant's largest meal; placebo capsules will be matched. Outcome assessments include FeNO, spirometry, impulse oscillometry, body plethysmography, hypertonic saline challenge with induced sputum collection, home peak expiratory flow monitoring, questionnaires, and exploratory thoracic bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy. Indoor and personal air pollution exposures will be measured throughout the study to evaluate whether pollution modifies respiratory outcomes and treatment response.

Conditions

• Asthma (Diagnosis)
• Airway Inflammation
• Airway Hyperresponsiveness

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Astaxanthin Oral Capsule	Natural astaxanthin derived primarily from Haematococcus pluvialis, administered orally as three 4 mg capsules daily (total 12 mg/day) with the participant's largest meal for 4
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Matched Placebo (Capsules)	Matched placebo capsules administered orally once daily as three capsules with the participant's largest meal for 4 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-05-15
• Primary completion: 2026-07-20
• Completion: 2026-07-20
• First posted: 2026-04-02
• Last updated: 2026-04-02

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United Kingdom