Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Lipid Peroxidation

Abstract

Astaxanthin, the main carotenoid pigment in aquatic animals, has greater antioxidant activity in vitro (protecting against lipid peroxidation) and a more polar configuration than other carotenoids. We investigated the effect of three-month astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation in healthy non-smoking Finnish men, aged 19-33 years by using a randomized double-blind study design. Also absorption of astaxanthin from capsules into bloodstream and its safety were evaluated. The intervention group received two 4-mg astaxanthin (Astaxin) capsules daily, and the control group two identical-looking placebo capsules. Astaxanthin supplementation elevated plasma astaxanthin levels to 0.032 pmol/L (p < 0.001 for the change compared with the placebo group). We observed that levels of plasma 12- and 15-hydroxy fatty acids were reduced statistically significantly in the astaxanthin group (p = 0.048 and p = 0.047 respectively) during supplementation, but not in the placebo group and the change of 15-hydroxy fatty acid was almost significantly greater (p = 0.056) in the astaxanthin group, as compared with the placebo group. The present study suggests that intestinal absorption of astaxanthin delivered as capsules is adequate, and well tolerated. Supplementation with astaxanthin may decrease in vivo oxidation of fatty acids in healthy men.

Stabilization of membrane bound ATPases and lipid peroxidation by carotenoids from Chlorococcum humicola in Benzo(a)pyrene induced toxicity

“…In the present study, the elevated levels of MDA in tissues and erythrocyte membrane are consistent with earlier reports [26] . Treatment with carotenoids reduced the levels of MDA to near normal, which could be associated with its protective role.…”

Positive Effects of Astaxanthin on Lipid Profiles and Oxidative Stress in Overweight Subjects

“…Astaxanthin is distributed primarily in marine organisms, and is isolated from the algae Haematococcus pluvials [6]. Clinical studies have confirmed that astaxanthin has significant effects on lipid peroxidation and inflammation, as well as functional dyspepsia and male infertility [7][8][9][10]. Additionally, astaxanthin has been reported to improve lipid metabolism in animal models and humans with dyslipidemia.…”

Combined effect of initial biomass density and nitrogen concentration on growth and astaxanthin production of Haematococcus pluvialis (Chlorophyta) in outdoor cultivation

“…The green microalga, Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow (Chlorophyceae), is considered to be the richest natural source of astaxanthin for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetics applications due to its high antioxidant activities and for the aquaculture and poultry industries due to its impact on animal pigmentation (Miki 1991, Nishino 1998, Kobayashi 2000, Guerin et al 2003, Karppi et al 2007. Mass cultivation of H. pluvialis for commercial purposes has been exploited in both open ponds (Johnson andAn 1991, Zhang et al 2009) and closed photobioreactors of various designs since the 1990's (Lorenz andCysewski 2000, Han et al 2013).…”