Astaxanthin - NutraPedia

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Astaxanthin

1) What conditions has it been studied for?

Astaxanthin has been studied for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

  • Inflammatory conditions and diseases
  • Oxidative stress-related conditions
  • Exercise-induced muscle damage and fatigue
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Skin health, including protection against UV-induced damage
  • Male infertility
  • Metabolic syndrome

2) Does it work in treating those conditions?

While research indicates potential benefits of astaxanthin, its efficacy varies depending on the condition:

  • There is some evidence suggesting astaxanthin may reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
  • Studies on exercise-induced muscle damage have shown mixed results, with some suggesting it may help reduce muscle pain and improve recovery.
  • Its effects on eye health, cardiovascular health, skin protection, and metabolic syndrome are promising but require further research for conclusive evidence.
  • Its impact on male infertility has shown potential in improving sperm quality, but more studies are needed.

3) What health benefits does it have?

Astaxanthin is known for several health benefits, including:

  • Powerful antioxidant properties
  • Potential to reduce inflammation
  • May improve exercise recovery
  • Potential to support eye health
  • May improve skin health and offer UV protection
  • Possible cardiovascular benefits

4) Does it have any downsides?

While astaxanthin is generally considered safe, there are some potential downsides:

  • May cause minor side effects such as redness in the skin or digestive discomfort.
  • High doses could potentially lead to hormonal changes.
  • Long-term safety has not been fully established.
  • May interact with certain medications or health conditions.

5) Is it beneficial or harmful for any particular genetic variations?

Research into the relationship between astaxanthin and genetic variations is still in its infancy. Some findings suggest that:

  • Individuals with certain genetic profiles may metabolize astaxanthin differently, potentially affecting its efficacy and safety.
  • Specific genetic variations could influence how well one responds to astaxanthin regarding its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • There is no conclusive evidence at this time to recommend astaxanthin based on genetic variations.

Summary of Astaxanthin Research and Benefits

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Astaxanthin, a red-orange carotenoid pigment, is known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities. It is found in various organisms, including microalgae and seafood, and is considered for its potential therapeutic applications in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Health Benefits and Studies

Studies have shown that astaxanthin contributes to reducing blood pressure and preventing stroke, as well as offering neuroprotective effects that could benefit conditions like vascular dementia. It has also been studied for its potential to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation markers related to cardiovascular disease.

Clinical Trials and Safety

While the safety profile of astaxanthin has been confirmed in clinical studies, showing no adverse effects, the impact on cardiovascular outcomes requires further research through clinical trials.

Pharmaceutical Development and Bioavailability

Recent advancements in the pharmaceutical development of carotenoids like astaxanthin have focused on overcoming challenges related to their stereochemistry and purity. The bioavailability of astaxanthin in humans varies and can be enhanced by certain formulations.

Cell Protection and Immune Response

Astaxanthin's molecular structure allows it to protect cell membranes from oxidative damage and has been found to enhance immune responses in clinical trials. It also shows potential as an anti-aging nutrient.

Implications for Nutrition and Health Management

Regular consumption of natural astaxanthin may be beneficial for health management by protecting body tissues from oxidative damage.

Conclusion

Astaxanthin exhibits a range of health benefits due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and while it has been deemed safe for use, further clinical trials are necessary to fully understand its effects, particularly in the context of cardiovascular health.

References:


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  2. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid with potential in human health and nutrition
  3. Astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease
  4. Extraction and analysis of carotenoids from the New Zealand sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus gonads
  5. Haematococcus astaxanthin: applications for human health and nutrition
  6. Novel astaxanthin prodrug (CDX-085) attenuates thrombosis in a mouse model
  7. The chemistry of novel xanthophyll carotenoids
  8. Plasma appearance of unesterified astaxanthin geometrical E/Z and optical R/S isomers in men given single doses of a mixture of optical 3 and 3'R/S isomers of astaxanthin fatty acyl diesters
  9. Plasma appearance and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z and R/S isomers in plasma lipoproteins of men after single dose administration of astaxanthin
  10. Antioxidant functions of carotenoids
  11. Carotenoids and protection of phospholipids in solution or in liposomes against oxidation by peroxyl radicals: relationship between carotenoid structure and protective ability
  12. Differential effects of carotenoids on lipid peroxidation due to membrane interactions: X-ray diffraction analysis
  13. Is ascorbic acid an antioxidant for the plasma membrane?
  14. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid without vitamin A activity, augments antibody responses in cultures including T-helper cell clones and suboptimal doses of antigen
  15. Retinol-deficient rats can convert a pharmacological dose of astaxanthin to retinol: antioxidant potential of astaxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene
  16. Dietary factors that affect the bioavailability of carotenoids
  17. Absorption and transport of carotenoids
  18. Amount of fat in the diet affects bioavailability of lutein esters but not of alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E in humans
  19. Oral bioavailability of the antioxidant astaxanthin in humans is enhanced by incorporation of lipid based formulations
  20. Bioavailability of astaxanthin in Haematococcus algal extract: the effects of timing of diet and smoking habits
  21. Plasma LDL and HDL subspecies are heterogenous in particle content of tocopherols and oxygenated and hydrocarbon carotenoids. Relevance to oxidative resistance and atherogenesis
  22. Distributions of carotenoids and alpha-tocopherol among lipoproteins do not change when human plasma is incubated in vitro
  23. Plasma appearance and tissue accumulation of non-esterified, free astaxanthin in C57BL/6 mice after oral dosing of a disodium disuccinate diester of astaxanthin (Heptax)
  24. Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential
  25. Plasma carotenoid concentrations before and after supplementation with astaxanthin in middle-aged and senior subjects
  26. Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults
  27. Pharmacokinetics and first-pass metabolism of astaxanthin in rats
  28. Bioavailability of astaxanthin stereoisomers from wild (Oncorhynchus spp.) and aquacultured (Salmo salar) salmon in healthy men: a randomised, double-blind study
  29. Astaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids individually and in combination protect against oxidative stress via the Nrf2-ARE pathway
  30. Astaxanthin improves stem cell potency via an increase in the proliferation of neural progenitor cells
  31. Endocrine targets for pharmacological intervention in aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
  32. SOD-1 deletions in Caenorhabditis elegans alter the localization of intracellular reactive oxygen species and show molecular compensation
  33. Genes that act downstream of DAF-16 to influence the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans
  34. Disodium disuccinate astaxanthin prevents carotid artery rethrombosis and ex vivo platelet activation
  35. Cardioprotection and myocardial salvage by a disodium disuccinate astaxanthin derivative (Cardax)
  36. Seven day oral supplementation with Cardax (disodium disuccinate astaxanthin) provides significant cardioprotection and reduces oxidative stress in rats
  37. Acute and chronic administration of disodium disuccinate astaxanthin (Cardax) produces marked cardioprotection in dog hearts
  38. Disodium disuccinate astaxanthin (Cardax): antioxidant and antiinflammatory cardioprotection
  39. Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals
  40. Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin: III. Antioxidant and histopathological effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats
  41. Xanthophylls and alpha-tocopherol decrease UVB-induced lipid peroxidation and stress signaling in human lens epithelial cells
  42. Nitric oxide, superoxide, and peroxynitrite: the good, the bad, and ugly
  43. Astaxanthin ameliorates features of metabolic syndrome in SHR/NDmcr-cp
  44. Astaxanthin: a novel potential treatment for oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular disease
  45. Free radicals and antioxidants in normal physiological functions and human disease
  46. NF-kappaB: a key role in inflammatory diseases
  47. Erythrocytes carotenoids after astaxanthin supplementation in middle-aged and senior Japanese subjects
  48. Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes
  49. Antioxidant effect of lutein towards phospholipid hydroperoxidation in human erythrocytes
  50. Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology
  51. Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects
  52. Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia
  53. Prevention of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with astaxanthin in diabetic db/db mice
  54. Astaxanthin protects mesangial cells from hyperglycemia-induced oxidative signaling
  55. Adiponectin: a key adipocytokine in metabolic syndrome
  56. Astaxanthin improves muscle lipid metabolism in exercise via inhibitory effect of oxidative CPT I modification
  57. Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers in elite young soccer players
  58. Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance
  59. Effects of astaxanthin on the production of NO and the expression of COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-stimulated BV2 microglial cells
  60. Effects of astaxanthin on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in vitro and in vivo
  61. Effect of astaxanthin in combination with alpha-tocopherol or ascorbic acid against oxidative damage in diabetic ODS rats
  62. Astaxanthin inhibits nitric oxide production and inflammatory gene expression by suppressing I(kappa)B kinase-dependent NF-kappaB activation
  63. Gender-related differences in electrocardiographic parameters and their association with cardiac events in patients after myocardial infarction
  64. Inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation by astaxanthin
  65. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation
  66. Astaxanthin protects ARPE-19 cells from oxidative stress via upregulation of Nrf2-regulated phase II enzymes through activation of PI3K/Akt
  67. Essential roles of the PI3 kinase/Akt pathway in regulating Nrf2-dependent antioxidant functions in the RPE
  68. Factors associated with oxidative stress in human populations
  69. Obesity is an independent risk factor for plasma lipid peroxidation and depletion of erythrocyte cytoprotectic enzymes in humans
  70. An open label, dose response study to determine the effect of a dietary supplement on dihydrotestosterone, testosterone and estradiol levels in healthy males
  71. A preliminary investigation of the enzymatic inhibition of 5alpha-reduction and growth of prostatic carcinoma cell line LNCap-FGC by natural astaxanthin and Saw Palmetto lipid extract in vitro
  72. Combined conventional/antioxidant "Astaxanthin" treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial
  73. Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy italian study: multifocal electroretinogram modifications after 1 year
  74. Influence of astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein on DNA damage and repair in UVA-irradiated cells
  75. Protective effects of a dietary carotenoid, astaxanthin, against light-induced retinal damage
  76. Lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin protect against DNA damage in SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells induced by reactive nitrogen species
  77. Astaxanthin, a dietary carotenoid, protects retinal cells against oxidative stress in-vitro and in mice in-vivo
  78. Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization with an anti-inflammatory carotenoid astaxanthin
  79. Macular pigment lutein is antiinflammatory in preventing choroidal neovascularization
  80. Eicosapentaenoic acid is anti-inflammatory in preventing choroidal neovascularization in mice
  81. Pathologic features of surgically excised subretinal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration
  82. Ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration
  83. Macrophage depletion inhibits experimental choroidal neovascularization
  84. The critical role of ocular-infiltrating macrophages in the development of choroidal neovascularization
  85. Oxidative stress activates transcription factor NF-kB-mediated protective signaling in primary rat neuronal cultures
  86. Aging-induced up-regulation of nuclear binding activities of oxidative stress responsive NF-kB transcription factor in mouse cardiac muscle
  87. Suppressive effect of astaxanthin on retinal injury induced by elevated intraocular pressure
  88. Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocity
  89. Serum concentrations of beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium are influenced by sex, age, diet, smoking status, alcohol consumption and corpulence in a general French adult population
  90. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects
  91. Antioxidant intake is associated with semen quality in healthy men
  92. Pro-oxidative and anti-oxidative imbalance in human semen and its relation with male fertility
  93. Reactive oxygen species and sperm cells
  94. Inhibin B in male reproduction: pathophysiology and clinical relevance
  95. MF Afragil® in the treatment of 34 menopause symptoms: a pilot study
  96. Safety of an astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract: a randomized clinical trial
  97. The in vitro effects of Xancor, a synthetic astaxanthine derivative, on hemostatic biomarkers in aspirin-naïve and aspirin-treated subjects with multiple risk factors for vascular disease
  98. Astaxanthin vs placebo on arterial stiffness, oxidative stress and inflammation in renal transplant patients (Xanthin): a randomised controlled trial
  99. Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans


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