RecruitingNot Applicable

Can Astaxanthin Help Manage Asthma in POlluted Areas?

United Kingdom25 participantsStarted 2026-05-15

Plain-language 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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18+ y * Confirmed clinical diagnosis of mild-to-moderate asthma, defined as: * A physician diagnosed asthma condition consistent with BTS/NICE/SIGN (2024) * Asthma managed at GINA (2024) step 1-3 therapy level, with stable maintenance treatment for ≥4 weeks prior to enrolment * No asthma exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids within the preceding 6-8 weeks (those with suspected Asthma will be invited to a familiarisation and eligibility session where they will have clinical investigations to assess for asthma and thus be included or excluded) * Ability to demonstrate acceptable and repeatable spirometry in accordance with ATS/ERS standards * Willing to refrain from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory supplementation (e.g. Omega-3, turmeric, NSAID supplements) for the duration of the study * Not consuming high dietary ASTX sources (e.g., frequent salmonid or crustacean intake), assessed at screening * 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 Exclusion Criteria: * Current smokers or vapers which is associated with chronic airway remodelling, reduce hyperresponsiveness to bronchodilators, and increased neutrophilic inflammation, which can obscure the true effects of asthma-target interventions * Respiratory tract in…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)

Timeframe: Measured at period-specific baseline and restablishment of baseline after washout period and end of each 4-week treatment period

Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

Timeframe: Measured at period-specific baseline and restablishment of baseline after washout period and end of each 4-week treatment period

Change in Airway Hyperresponsiveness During Hypertonic Saline Challenge

Timeframe: Measured at period-specific baseline and end of each 4-week treatment period

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07507682

SponsorMiddlesex University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-07-20

Contact for this trial

Ahmet Celen, PhD in Biomedical Science

+447840475597 AC1534@live.mdx.ac.uk

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Asthma (Diagnosis) trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

What they're measuring

Change in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1)

Timeframe: Measured at period-specific baseline and restablishment of baseline after washout period and end of each 4-week treatment period

Change in Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide (FeNO)

Timeframe: Measured at period-specific baseline and restablishment of baseline after washout period and end of each 4-week treatment period

Change in Airway Hyperresponsiveness During Hypertonic Saline Challenge

Timeframe: Measured at period-specific baseline and end of each 4-week treatment period