Astaxanthin

Inflexible

Has anyone any real experience with taking Astaxanthin? I've just been reading about it and it seems that it could have a potentially positive effect on inflammation levels. The recommended dose is 8mg - 10mg day.

I'd be really interested to hear how anyone has got on with it. I have also read that it might react negatively with naproxen, so any information in that regard would be useful. Ta :-)

stickywicket

For info about interactions consult your local pharmacist.

I've never heard of this and have just looked it up. I see it comes recommended for virtually every ailment known to man :roll: As my Uncle Joe would have said, it'll cure your wooden leg

Tellingly, for me, ARUK doesn't appear to have heard of it either even though they have produced info on complementary medicines.

By all means have a go if you wish, inflexible. We've all done it at one point or another. But do check first with your pharmacist re any meds you're taking, not just the nap.

Inflexible

It doesn't seem to be particularly well-known, I'll concede that. I've just spent some considerable time researching it - I only came across it myself a few days ago - and it seems to be much more popular in the U.S., several leading rheumatologists recommend it.

I've also checked on interactions with other drugs and it can have a blood-thinning effect, hence the warning with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen etc. I'm not going to take it blindly though, I have a rheumatologist appt soon, I'll discuss it with her. She's an enlightened individual and if there is any value (or danger) in it, I'm sure she'll know. I have to say though, the clinical trials do look quite convincing for both OA and RA.

dreamdaisy

I haven't heard of it either. Different countries offer different treatments, all kinds of things can be helpful in reducing inflammation levels but none of them tackle the underlying cause.

Anyway, back to current events: how was Wednesday's injection? Are the side effects definitely on the wane? I hope so! DD

stickywicket

I think discussing it with your rheumatologist is an excellent plan. She will give impartial advice which can't always be said for USA docs as they're often on the payroll. (It's tricky. I have a son over there.)

Please let's know the outcome.

Inflexible

I had my regular appointment with the rheumatologist yesterday and raised the question of astaxanthin usage. I'd obviously touched on a subject of great interest because she started to recount details of several clinical trials she'd read about. The bottom line is that she believed that taking this stuff shouldn't be detrimental and quite possibly highly beneficial, if I want to give it a go, it's up to me. Here are some references in case anyone is remotely interested:

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/12/astaxanthin-the-antiinflammatory-nutrient.aspx

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2845588/

https://cardaxpharma.com/astaxanthin-for-the-treatment-of-osteoarthritis-a-large-unmet-medical-need/

stickywicket

First of all, well done on remembering For me that's an achievement in itself :roll:

I've looked at the sites you mention. For me, the ncbi one is the one I'd trust. I've struggled to understand the medical jargon but I think they're saying it might be useful for some things . I don't think autoimmune arthritis was one though.

I couldn't find much from the maker's site. It seems they're a firm attempting to specialise in inflammation of any kind.

As for 'Dr' Mercola - don't go there. He's had lots of lawsuits against him. He's cropped up on here before.

I think, if your rheumatologist has given the go-ahead, why not try it if you can afford it? Please keep us updated.

Inflexible

Hmm. I thought the Mercola website had a whiff of dodginess about it. Thanks for the info.

I don't think anyone is claiming miracles here, just that the stuff might help inflammation levels and that's precisely what I'm looking for. Methotrexate hasn't fully worked for me yet (my dose has just been upped to 25mg) and I am - at least for time being - displaying no RF or anti-CCP markers. The rheumatologist says that she believes I'm in the "non-erosive" undifferentiated category, so while I'm there I will do my best to normalise my bodily functions. I accept that things might change in the future, but right now I'm still a very fit and active bloke who can swim 3k before breakfast and run 40 miles over the fells at a weekend without too much drama. I want to stay there as long as I can.

Inflexible

Just a bit more on this: I've just received an email from the rheumatology nurse, she was kind enough to put a query into the system as to any possible counter-indications with my current medication (i.e. methotrexate, naproxen, folic acid, paracetamol). There are none, so I'll order some today and see how we go!

My expectations are low, so should be able to make an objective determination if anything positive transpires.

stickywicket

That's a kind, thorough nurse. Don't they give you confidence?

Good luck, inflexible. I hope it helps.

dreamdaisy

Inflammation is a more complex body event than just extra fluid where it isn't wanted: types and quantities of inflammation vary. The result of the 'enhancing' of the immune system would concern me as that is the underlying cause of inflammatory arthritis but as my experience of arthritis is so different to yours I am not surprised you are going for this. DD

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I've had a look around the Internet and haven't found any evidence of clinical trials in the UK, however, as a supplement Astaxanthin is widely available here in High Street shops.

The trials you found seem to be looking at anti-CCP levels which are tests taken for those of us with inflammatory arthritis so you could monitor your own.

I would strongly request that no-one takes any supplements without the full knowledge and approval of their rheumy team and their GP. I remember 'problems' when ladies on the pill took St John's Wort, a number became pregnant not knowing the interaction of one upon the other!

Take care
Yvonne x