Aquamin Seaweed Decreases OA Symptoms

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn.—A double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study found Aquamin™ (from Margot Ltd.), a natural multi-mineral supplement of seaweed, may increase range of motion and walking distances in subjects with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and may allow partial withdrawal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) over 12 weeks of treatment (Nutr J. 2009;8:7) (DOI:10.1186/1475-2891-8-7).

The impact of treatment with Aquamin was investigated on six-minute walking distance, range of motion (ROM), and pain and joint mobility measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index in subjects with moderate to severe OA of the knee during gradual withdrawal of NSAIDs that were being used daily for pain management. Subjects (n=29) with moderate to severe OA of the knee were randomized to receive either 2,400 mg/d of Aquamin or placebo for up to 12 weeks.

Of the 29 subjects initially randomized, only 22 subjects proceeded to treatment due to seven subjects not meeting study selection criteria at baseline. Fourteen subjects completed the study and an ITT analysis (n=22) of the data showed no significant differences in WOMAC scores; however, the data did reveal significant improvements in passive and active extension ROM (P=0.028) and six-minute walking distance (P=0.03) in the Aquamin group compared to the placebo group; respectively, following a 50-percent reduction in NSAID use. The treatments were well tolerated and the adverse event profiles were not significantly different between the groups. Researchers said additional research is needed to confirm these preliminary observations.