Astaxanthin: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
Haematococcus pluvialis, AXT
Scientific name(s)
dihydroxy-3,3'-dioxo-4,4'-beta-carotene
Family or group:
Phytosubstances
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Dyslipidemia ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that daily intake of 6 mg, 12 mg, or 18 mg of astaxanthin for 12 weeks reduces triglyceride levels and increases HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins) compared with placebo. However, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins) levels are not affected.
Posologie
Oral
6 - 18 mg
12 weeks
Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia.
Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects.
UV exposure ✪✪✪✪✪
A clinical study conducted in Japanese adults shows that oral intake of astaxanthin may protect against sunburn. Taking astaxanthin at a dose of 4 mg orally once daily for 9 weeks increases the minimal dose of ultraviolet (UV) radiation required to cause skin redness compared with placebo. Astaxanthin also reduces dehydration of skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted over 12 weeks to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with astaxanthin (2 mg) and collagen hydrolysate (3 g) on skin aging. The study concluded that supplementation with astaxanthin and collagen hydrolysate partially protects the skin from UV-induced damage. Indeed, in vivo, astaxanthin and collagen suppress the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1 and 12, which are proteolytic enzymes involved in the degradation of all components of the extracellular matrix. MMP expression is induced by UV in the skin.
Posologie
Orally
4 mg
9 - weeks
The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Supplementating with dietary astaxanthin combined with collagen hydrolysate improves facial elasticity and decreases matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -12 expression: a comparative study with placebo
Wrinkles ✪✪✪✪✪
Some clinical research has shown that oral intake of 2–3 mg of astaxanthin twice a day for 6 weeks improves skin elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin hydration in middle-aged women and men. Other clinical research has shown that topical astaxanthin at 0.094%, applied as 1 mL to the face twice a day, in combination with oral astaxanthin 3 mg twice daily for 8 weeks, improves skin elasticity and hydration. Another randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted over 12 weeks to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with astaxanthin (2 mg) and collagen hydrolysate (3 g) on skin aging. The study concluded that supplementation with astaxanthin and collagen hydrolysate partially protects the skin from UV-induced damage. Indeed, in vivo, astaxanthin and collagen suppress the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 1 and 12, which are proteolytic enzymes involved in the degradation of all components of the extracellular matrix. MMP expression is induced by UV in the skin.
Posologie
Orally
4 - 6 mg
12 - weeks
Synergies
The effect of a dietary supplement containing astaxanthin on skin condition
Supplementing with dietary astaxanthin combined with collagen hydrolysate improves facial elasticity and decreases matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -12 expression: a comparative study with placebo
Cardiovascular diseases ✪✪✪✪✪
Astaxanthin is thought to promote blood circulation in part because of its antioxidant properties, as excessive oxidation (via superoxide) can impair proper blood flow. Astaxanthin is also thought to play a role in atherosclerosis, notably because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on endothelial cells. Moreover, oral ingestion of 6 to 12 mg of astaxanthin appears to reduce oxidation of the membranes of red blood cells.
Posologie
Oral
6 - 12 mg
Oxidative stress ✪✪✪✪✪
A high dose (≥20 mg/day) of astaxanthin showed a significant antioxidant effect. In contrast, a low dose (<20 mg/day) did not have a significant effect. A more detailed analysis indicated that astaxanthin has an antioxidant effect after a 3-week intervention, whereas this effect was not observed after a 12-week or 3-month intervention (on isoprostane and superoxide dismutase). A meta-analysis suggests that the antioxidant effect of astaxanthin in humans is unclear.
Posologie
Oral
20 mg
90 - days
Continuous astaxanthin intake reduces oxidative stress and reverses age-related morphological changes of residual skin surface components in middle-aged volunteers
Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Paraoxonase 1 Activities and Oxidative Stress Status in Young Soccer Players
Effect of astaxanthin and exercise on antioxidant capacity of human body, blood lactic acid and blood uric acid metabolism
Male fertility disorders ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that taking astaxanthin at 16 mg per day for 3 months increases the overall pregnancy rate fivefold compared with placebo in men considered infertile for at least 12 months before treatment.
Posologie
Oral administration
16 mg
3 - months
AMD ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that a specific medication containing 4 mg of astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc and copper, taken daily for 12 months, improves dysfunction of the central retina but does not improve dysfunction of the peripheral retinal areas in patients with non-advanced age-related macular degeneration.
Posologie
Oral administration
4 mg
12 - months
Synergies
Rheumatoid arthritis ✪✪✪✪✪
Preliminary clinical research has shown that taking a supplement containing astaxanthin (4 mg), lutein (40 µg), vitamin A (65 IU), vitamin E (50 IU) and safflower oil (460 mg), three times a day for 8 weeks, reduces pain and increases satisfaction by about 40% compared with placebo in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Posologie
Oral administration
12 mg
8 - weeks
Synergies
Eye health ✪✪✪✪✪
Astaxanthin appears to have general antioxidant properties in ocular tissue. Indeed, at the ocular level, it has been noted that astaxanthin protects cellular DNA from UV rays, from bright light in general, from reactive nitrogen species and from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Moreover, astaxanthin appears to be involved in reducing age-related choroidal neovascularization, due to an anti-inflammatory effect that may be secondary to astaxanthin's known antioxidant properties. Choroidal neovascularization is a pathological factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is promoted by classic angiogenic factors and inflammatory factors such as macrophage infiltration. On the other hand, astaxanthin may increase ocular blood flow without a significant change in ocular blood pressure measurements.
Posologie
Oral administration
12 mg
4 - weeks
Properties
Antioxidant
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant whose structure is similar to that of beta-carotene. In vitro cell culture research shows that astaxanthin inhibits cytotoxicity induced by iron chelates and glycated proteins by reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species. Preliminary clinical studies have shown that taking 4 mg of astaxanthin per day for 4 weeks reduced blood levels of malondialdehyde, which is a marker of oxidative stress.
Usages associés
Cardiovascular
Astaxanthin is thought to promote blood circulation partly thanks to its antioxidant properties, as excessive oxidation can impair circulation. In vitro and in vivo research has shown that astaxanthin inhibits the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which may help prevent atherosclerosis.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
In vitro research shows that astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory effects. This effect is due to astaxanthin's ability to inhibit macrophage activation by suppressing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Usages associés
Dermatological effect
Astaxanthin is thought to be beneficial for the skin because of its liposoluble properties and its accumulation in the skin after oral administration. Clinical research suggests that astaxanthin may prevent oxidative damage to fibroblasts and epithelial cells caused by ultraviolet (UVA) light. Other in vitro studies have shown that astaxanthin can suppress oxidative polymerization in melanocytes and epidermal inflammation, which may reduce melanin formation. On the other hand, topical application of astaxanthin appears to improve elasticity and symptoms of skin aging, and a moisturizing effect may be present, but only in people with dry skin.
Usages associés
Vision
Astaxanthin appears to have general antioxidant properties in ocular tissue. Indeed, at the ocular level, astaxanthin has been reported to protect cellular DNA from UV rays, bright light in general, reactive nitrogen species and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition, astaxanthin appears to be involved in reducing age-related choroidal neovascularization, due to an anti-inflammatory effect that may be secondary to the known antioxidant properties of astaxanthin. Choroidal neovascularization is a pathological factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is promoted by classic angiogenic factors and inflammatory factors such as macrophage infiltration. Moreover, astaxanthin may increase ocular blood flow without significant changes in ocular blood pressure measurements.
Usages associés
Effect on fertility
Dietary antioxidants and carotenoids in general appear to be positively correlated with fertility. Indeed, a double-blind study showed a decrease in the number of reactive oxygen species in semen and a reduction in serum inhibin B (a peptide hormone that inhibits FSH synthesis), which can improve semen motility, improve sperm morphology, and increase pregnancy rates compared with placebo.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 4 mg - 20 mg
Astaxanthin has been used safely for periods of up to 12 weeks at doses of 4 to 20 mg per day. nnIn addition, astaxanthin has been used safely in combination with other carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals for periods of up to 12 months at a dose of 4 mg per day.nn
Interactions
Médicaments
Cytochrome P450 substrate: moderate interaction
In vitro research has shown that astaxanthin induces the activity of cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in human liver cells. nnTheoretically, astaxanthin may affect plasma levels and reduce the effectiveness of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 and CYP3A4.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Avoid using astaxanthin in amounts greater than those normally found in foods due to a lack of sufficient and reliable information.nn
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid using astaxanthin in amounts greater than those normally found in foods due to a lack of sufficient and reliable information.nn
