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
Rating 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) levels compared to placebo. However, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels (low-density lipoproteins) 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 on Japanese adults shows that oral intake of astaxanthin can protect against sunburn. Taking 4 mg of astaxanthin orally once a day for 9 weeks increases the minimum dose of ultraviolet (UV) rays responsible for skin redness compared to placebo. Astaxanthin also reduces skin dehydration when exposed to UV rays. 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 metalloproteases (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 at the skin level.
Posologie
Oral
4 mg
9 - weeks
The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.
Supplementing 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 hydration in middle-aged women and men. Other clinical research has shown that using topical astaxanthin at 0.094% at a dose of 1 mL applied on the face twice a day, combined with 3 mg oral astaxanthin twice a day 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 metalloproteases (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 at the skin level.
Posologie
Oral
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 partly due to its antioxidant properties, as excessive oxidation (via superoxide) can impair good blood circulation. Astaxanthin is also thought to play a role in atherosclerosis, particularly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role at the endothelial cell level. Additionally, oral ingestion of 6 to 12 mg of astaxanthin appears to reduce oxidation at the membranes of red blood cells.
Posologie
Oral
6 - 12 mg
Oxidative Stress ✪✪✪✪✪
A high dose (≥20 mg/day) of astaxanthin has shown a significant antioxidant effect. Conversely, a low dose (<20 mg/day) did not have a significant effect. Further 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 on humans is not clear.
Posologie
Oral route
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 Issues ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that taking astaxanthin at 16 mg per day for 3 months multiplies the total pregnancy rate by five compared to placebo in men considered infertile at least 12 months before treatment.
Posologie
Oral route
16 mg
3 - months
AMD ✪✪✪✪✪
Clinical studies have shown that a specific drug containing 4 mg of astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and copper, taken daily for 12 months, improves central retina dysfunction but does not improve peripheral retinal area dysfunction in patients with non-advanced age-related macular degeneration.
Posologie
Oral route
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 to placebo in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Posologie
Oral route
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, bright light in general, reactive nitrogen species, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Additionally, astaxanthin seems 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 of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is favored by classic angiogenic factors and inflammatory factors such as macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, astaxanthin may increase ocular blood flow velocity without significant changes in ocular blood pressure measurements.
Posologie
Oral route
12 mg
4 - weeks
Properties
Antioxidant
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant whose structure is similar to that of beta-carotene. In vitro research on cell culture 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 due 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 due to its lipid-soluble 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 research has shown that astaxanthin can suppress oxidative polymerization in melanocytes and epidermal inflammation, which may reduce melanin formation. Furthermore, topical application of astaxanthin appears to improve skin elasticity and aging symptoms, with a moisturizing effect potentially present only in individuals with dry skin.
Usages associés
Vision
Astaxanthin appears to have general antioxidant properties in eye tissue. Indeed, at the ocular level, it has been noted that astaxanthin protects cellular DNA from UV rays, bright light in general, reactive nitrogen species, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Moreover, astaxanthin appears to be involved in reducing age-related choroidal neovascularization, likely due to an anti-inflammatory effect possibly secondary to astaxanthin's known antioxidant properties. Choroidal neovascularization is a pathological factor in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is promoted by classical angiogenic factors and inflammatory factors such as macrophage infiltration. Additionally, astaxanthin may increase ocular blood flow without significantly altering ocular blood pressure measurements.
Usages associés
Fertility effect
Dietary antioxidants and carotenoids, in general, seem to be positively correlated with fertility. In fact, a double-blind study showed a decrease in reactive oxygen species at the seminal level and a reduction in serum inhibin B (a peptide hormone with an inhibitory action on FSH synthesis), which can improve semen motility, sperm morphology, and increase pregnancy rates compared to placebo.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 4 mg - 20 mg
Astaxanthin has been used safely for a period of up to 12 weeks, at a dose of 4 to 20 mg per day. Additionally, astaxanthin has been used safely in combination with other carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals, for a period of up to 12 months, at a dose of 4 mg per day.
Interactions
Médicaments
Cytochrome P450 substrates: 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. Theoretically, astaxanthin may affect plasma levels and reduce the efficacy of drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 and CYP3A4.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
Avoid using astaxanthin in amounts higher than those generally found in foods due to insufficient and reliable information.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
Avoid using astaxanthin in amounts higher than those generally found in foods due to insufficient and reliable information.
