Astaxanthin Reduces Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carpal TunnelSyndrome

Astaxanthin Reduces Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Carpal TunnelSyndrome

KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii--Results of two studiesconducted with astaxanthin have indicated the supplement relieves pain andimproves performance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnelsyndrome. Both studies were presented by Gene Spiller, Ph.D., C.N.S., F.A.C.N.,of the Health Research Studies Center in Los Altos, Calif., at the scientificmeeting of the American College of Nutrition in San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 4.

The first randomized, double blind study, which was conducted toresearch astaxanthin's effect in rheumatoid arthritis, involved 14 patients whoreceived astaxanthin three times daily and seven patients who took placebo.After eight weeks, the patients in the astaxanthin group demonstrated asignificant improvement in symptoms compared with the placebo group. Researchersconcluded astaxanthin may be an important addition to rheumatoid arthritistreatment by allowing patients to have less pain and more satisfaction withtheir ability to perform their usual activities.

The second study, researching the supplement's effect on carpaltunnel syndrome, included 13 patients who consumed astaxanthin three times dailyand seven patients who took placebo. After eight weeks, the subjects in thetreatment group reported less wrist pain than patients in the placebo group.Researchers concluded astaxanthin may be an effective treatment for carpaltunnel syndrome, allowing patients to suffer less daytime pain with a shorterduration of pain.

The astaxanthin used in this study, BioAstin, was provided byCyanotech Corp.

For more information, visit www.cyanotech.comor Booth #1576 at SupplySide West.