Aquamin May Reduce Knee OA Pain

MINNEAPOLIS—Use of a multi-mineral supplement (as Aquamin, from Marigot Ltd.) may reduce pain and stiffness associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a recent double blind, 12-week pilot study (Nutr J. 2008;7:9) (DOI:10.1186/1475-2891-7-9). Researchers from the Applied Research Center randomized 70 subjects with moderate to severe knee OA to receive 1,500 mg/d of glucosamine sulfate; 2,400 mg/d of Aquamin; a combination of glucosamine sulfate and Aquamin; or a placebo. There were significant differences between the groups for changes in WOMAC pain scores over time (P=.009 ANCOVA); however, the researchers advised using caution in drawing conclusions, as significant differences were found between the groups at baseline for WOMAC pain and stiffness scores (P=.0039 and P=.013, respectively, ANOVA). There were significant improvements in symptoms in the glucosamine and Aquamin groups; however, the combination and placebo groups did not show any significant improvements. The Aquamin and glucosamine groups walked 101 ft. (+ 7 percent) and 56 ft. (+ 3.5 percent) extra, respectively.