Astaxanthin vs placebo on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress and inflammation in renal transplant patients (Xanthin): a randomised controlled trial

Multicentre, one-year, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 66 adult renal transplant recipients (ages 18–85). Participants stratified by immunosuppressant therapy: cyclosporine; tacrolimus; sirolimus; or prednisolone with azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, or mycophenolate sodium.

Astaxanthin, 12 mg/day (three 4 mg tablets), taken orally as a single daily dose for 12 months.

Small study with 66 participants; anticipated low statistical power to detect modest effects. Power calculations indicate ~17% power to detect a 10% change in pentraxin-3 and ~52% power to detect a 20% change, with an expected 20% withdrawal rate.