(OR26-03-23) Effects of GreenShell™ Mussel on Physical Performance and Subjective Measures of Knee Osteoarthritis: A 6-Month Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objectives: Osteoarthritis (OA) can cause disability and reduce quality of life. Consumption of GreenShell™ mussels (GSM) may benefit people with OA by improving symptoms and physical function. This study investigated if GSM consumption was more effective than placebo at improving physical performance and subjective measures of pain, symptoms, and function in participants with early signs and symptoms of knee OA.

Methods: The Researching Osteoarthritis and GSM (ROAM) study was a 6-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults 55-80yrs, screened for signs and symptoms of knee OA (n=120, 65.9yrs±6.43, 63% female). Participants consumed either 3g of powdered whole GSM or placebo (pea protein) daily. Baseline and end data were collected for performance measures: 30 second chair stand; stair test; 40m fast-paced walk test and subjective measures: Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire categorised into 5 subscales: pain (P), symptoms except pain (S), function in activities of daily living (ADL), function in sports/recreation (SP) and quality of life (QoL); Measure of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain (ICOAP); and Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) of pain and symptoms.

Results: VAS symptoms showed a significantly greater reduction in percentage change for GSM than placebo [-28.1 (-59.2, 43.2) vs. 0.00 (-28.6, 100), P=0.03]. Further, the GSM group showed a greater (not significant) percentage change improvement, in 40m fast paced walk [2.51 (-3.55, 8.12) vs. 0.20 (-6.58, 4.92), P=0.09], KOOS SP [11.4 (-4.48, 27.0) vs. 0.00 (-11.1, 17.7), P=0.09], and ICOAP intermittent pain scale [-27.7 (-77.3, 0.00) vs. -14.6 (-50.0, 36.4), P=0.08]. When stratified by body mass index (BMI), those with BMI < 25kg/m² taking GSM had a greater improvement in both KOOS S and ADL subscales compared to placebo, [6.35 (3.49, 12.7) vs. 0.00 (-4.65, 4.49), p=0.03] and [3.29 (1.01, 8.79) vs. 1.01 (-5.75, 4.30), p=0.07] respectively. Those with a BMI≥25kg/m² had a greater improvement in KOOS SP subscale compared to placebo, [13.6 (-4.76, 33.3) vs. 0.00 (-12.5, 20.0), p=0.07].

Conclusions: GSM consumption could be beneficial to those with early knee OA through alleviating symptoms and improving functionality.

Funding Sources: High Value Nutrition, grant number HVN1912 and Sanford Ltd.