RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Can Astaxanthin Help Manage Asthma in POlluted Areas?

This research is investigating if a natural antioxidant supplement, astaxanthin, can help adults with mild-to-moderate asthma. The study aims to see if astaxanthin can improve lung function, calm down inflammation in the airways, and generally help manage asthma better. We're also checking how air pollution might affect asthma symptoms and how well the treatment works. Participants will take both astaxanthin and a dummy pill at different times, without knowing which they're taking. This helps us get clear results on whether astaxanthin makes a difference for people with asthma.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Middlesex University

Enrolment target

Start

15 May 2026

Estimated completion

20 Jul 2026

Asthma (Diagnosis)Airway Inflammation Airway Hyperresponsiveness

What is this study about?

This study is designed to explore whether a natural supplement called astaxanthin could be beneficial for adults who have mild to moderate asthma. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, similar to vitamins you might find in some foods, and the researchers want to see if it can help improve how your lungs work, reduce any swelling or irritation in your airways (which doctors call inflammation), and make your asthma feel more under control overall.

A really interesting part of this study is that it's also looking at how the air we breathe, specifically air pollution, might affect asthma. The researchers will be measuring the air quality both inside your home and around you personally. This will help them understand if pollution makes asthma symptoms worse, affects how your airways react, or even changes how well the astaxanthin works for you. By understanding these connections, we might find new ways to help people with asthma in polluted environments.

To get the clearest results, the study is set up so that participants will take both the astaxanthin and a 'placebo' (a dummy pill that looks the same but contains no active ingredient) at different times. Neither you nor the study team will know which you are taking at any given point. This way, any changes we see can be more confidently linked to the astaxanthin itself, rather than other factors. Each treatment period will last four weeks, with a break in between, to allow ample time to see if there's an effect.

Key takeaways

Tests if natural supplement astaxanthin helps mild-to-moderate asthma.
Also studies how air pollution affects asthma and treatment.
Participants take astaxanthin and a dummy pill at different times.
Open to adults with mild-to-moderate asthma, not pregnant/breastfeeding, non-smokers.
Involves clinic visits, breathing tests, and home monitoring.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with mild-to-moderate asthma. Your asthma should be well-managed, typically with common asthma treatments, and you shouldn't have had a severe asthma attack requiring strong medication recently.

There are also a few important things that would mean you can't join. For example, if you smoke or vape, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have certain other serious health conditions, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if you're currently taking other supplements that act as antioxidants or anti-inflammatories, you would need to stop those for the study. The team will do a thorough check during your first visits to make sure the study is a good fit for you.

If you have symptoms that suggest asthma but haven't been formally diagnosed, you might still be able to join. The study team can carry out some tests at the start to confirm if you do have asthma, and if so, you could then be included.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate asthma?
Are you a non-smoker and non-vaper?
Are you able to take capsules daily and attend study appointments?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Do you currently not have any other serious health conditions?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be involved for a total of several months. The study has two main treatment periods, each lasting four weeks. In between these periods, there will be a three-week 'washout' period where you won't take any study medication.

Throughout the study, you'll be asked to take study capsules daily with your largest meal. Sometimes these will contain astaxanthin, and other times they will be a dummy pill (placebo). You won't know which you are taking at any given time. You will also need to attend several visits at the study clinic for various health checks and tests. These will include breathing tests and potentially giving samples like sputum. At home, you'll be asked to monitor your breathing using a peak flow meter, complete questionnaires, and for some, carry a small device to measure air quality around you. The study team will explain everything in detail if you are interested in joining.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as contributing to scientific understanding that could help others with asthma in the future. You might also gain a better understanding of your own asthma. However, there's no guarantee that astaxanthin will improve your asthma, and it's possible you will be taking a placebo for part of the study. As with all research, there are potential risks, although these will be carefully explained to you. Side effects from astaxanthin are generally rare and mild, but the study team will monitor you closely. Most importantly, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Middlesex University
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a natural pigment found in certain algae and seafood (like salmon and shrimp) that acts as a strong antioxidant, meaning it might help protect your cells from damage.

Will I know if I'm taking the real supplement or the dummy pill?

No, neither you nor the doctors will know whether you're taking astaxanthin or the dummy pill until after the study is finished. This helps ensure the results are unbiased.

How long will I be in the study?

Your participation will involve two 4-week treatment periods, plus a 3-week break in between. Factor in initial screening and follow-up, and it will likely be a few months in total.

Will I need to change my current asthma medication?

No, you should continue with your current asthma medication as prescribed by your doctor. This study is testing astaxanthin as an add-on, not a replacement.

What if I experience side effects?

You should report any new or unusual symptoms to the study team immediately. They will guide you on what to do and provide appropriate care.

How to find out more

Ahmet Celen, PhD in Biomedical Science

AC1534@live.mdx.ac.uk +447840475597 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.