AquaDEKs is an oral antioxidant vitamin formulation specifically for people with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is used for the treatment or prevention of low levels of vitamins and minerals in the body.
Pancreatic insufficiency and low production of bile lead to reduced absorption of important fat-soluble nutrients and antioxidants in people with CF. Supplements with fat-soluble formulations are important and may influence health outcomes in people with CF.
AquaDEKs and similar supplements contain greater levels of vitamin D and K to help improve bone health; selenium, which is an essential co-factor for the antioxidant system; and zinc, which has been shown to be low in cystic fibrosis patients.
No common side effects have been reported with these products.
How AquADEKs works
AquADEKs works by providing extra vitamins and minerals to the body.
It is designed to meet the needs of people with CF and those who have difficulty absorbing fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. Fat-soluble vitamins are incorporated into a microsphere technology that helps enhance their absorption. These microspheres are particles that have lipophilic interiors encapsulated by hydrophilic exteriors that help the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the body.
AquADEKs help fat-soluble vitamins to be absorbed even when there is impaired digestion or impaired liver function.
AquADEKs studies
A study that ended in 2008 verified the safety and ability of AquADEKs to increase blood levels of antioxidants, normalize plasma levels of fat-soluble vitamins, improve pulmonary function, and improve growth parameters. Vitamin levels increased and inflammation was reduced.
A Phase 1/2 study to test the safety and effectiveness of aquADEKs (NCT01018303), an antioxidant-enriched multivitamin supplement, in increasing the plasma levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants in people with CF, has been completed. The study evaluated the increase of blood levels of beta-carotene, coenzyme Q10 and gamma-tocopherol, while maintaining levels of vitamins A and D in the normal range in people with CF patients older than 10.
A Phase 2 study to evaluate the effects of AquADEKs-2 softgel capsules on inflammation and oxidative stress in people with CF has been completed (NCT01859390). AquADEKs-2 is an investigational drug that has not yet been approved by the FDA. The study compared the effectiveness of AquADEKs-2 to a control multivitamin.
The study drug contains standard amounts of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) that are contained in typical supplements for people with cystic fibrosis, along with several antioxidants, including beta-carotene, mixed tocopherols (different forms of vitamin E), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), mixed carotenoids (lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin), and the minerals zinc and selenium.
The control multivitamin contains standard amounts of vitamins A, B, D, E, and K without additional antioxidant supplements. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the change in sputum myeloperoxidase level (MPO) at week 16.
The original manufacturer of AquADEKs may no longer be supplying this product, but it may be ordered through trusted sellers on the internet. Other similar brands are also available.
Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
