The effects of GreenShell Mussel powder (Brand-Named PERNAULTRA) on physical performance and subjective pain, symptoms, and function measures in knee osteoarthritis: A 6-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Posted by Cassandra Slade on 26 March 2024

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Slade C, Kruger M, Miller M, Mazahery H, Beck K, Conlon C & von Hurst P. The effects of GreenShell Mussel powder (Brand-Named PERNAULTRA) on physical performance and subjective pain, symptoms, and function measures in knee osteoarthritis: A 6-mo randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Trial. 2024. Current Developments in Nutrition. doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102148

24 Slade Publication 01Background: Osteoarthritis can cause disability and reduce quality of life.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether GreenShell mussel (GSM) powder (PERNAULTRA) consumption was more effective than placebo at improving physical performance and subjective measures of symptoms and function in adults with early signs of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods: The Researching Osteoarthritis and GSM study was a 6-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults aged 55–80 y, screened for signs of osteoarthritis (n = 120, 65.9 (6.43) y, 63% female). Participants consumed either 3 g of powdered whole GSM or placebo (pea protein) daily. Baseline and end data collection included 30-second chair stand, stair test, 40-minute fast-paced walk test, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire categorized into 5 subscales [pain (P), symptoms except pain (S), function in activities of daily living, function in sports/recreation, and quality of life], a measure of Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain, and visual analog scale of pain and symptoms.

Results: Visual analog scale symptoms showed a significantly greater reduction in percentage change for GSM than that for placebo [-28.1 (-59.2, 43.2) compared with 0.00 (-28.6, 100); P=0.03]. Further, a trend for improvement in percentage change for GSM compared with placebo was seen in 40minute fast-paced walk [2.51 (-3.55, 8.12) compared with 0.20 (-6.58, 4.92); P=0.09], KOOS-SP [11.4 (-4.48, 27.0) compared with 0.00 (-11.1, 17.7); P=0.09], and Intermittent and Constant Osteoarthritis Pain intermittent pain scale [-27.7 (-77.3, 0.00) compared with -14.6 (-50.0, 36.4); P=0.08]. In those with body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) <25, GSM consumption significantly improved KOOS-St compared with placebo [6.35 (3.49, 12.7) compared with 0.00 (-4.65, 4.49); P=0.03] and showed a trend for improvement in KOOS-ADL [3.29 (1.01, 8.79) compared with 1.01 (-5.75, 4.30); P=0.07]. Those with BMI of <25, consuming GSM showed a trend for improvement in KOOS-SP [13.6 (-4.76, 33.3) compared with 0.00 (-12.5, 20.0); P=0.07].

Conclusions: This research suggests consumption of GSM has potential to alleviate symptoms and improve functionality in osteoarthritis. This trial was registered at Clinical Trial Registry as ACTRN12620001112954p


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