No Effect Of Astaxanthin Supplementation On Markers Of Skeletal Muscle Injury Following Eccentric Loading

Abstract

Purpose To determine the effects of astaxanthin on indirect markers of skeletal muscle injury in resistance trained men. Methods Twenty men (mean±SEM: age = 25.1±1.6yrs., ht = 1.79±0.02m, wt = 86.8±4.4 kg) were randomized in double blind manner to either a placebo condition (1732 mg safflower oil, n =10) or astaxanthin (BioAstinTM; 1732 mg safflower oil; 288 mg haematococcus algae extract [contains 4 mg astaxanthin & 480 mg lutein], n = 10). Subjects consumed their assigned condition for a 3 week period prior to eccentric exercise and through 96 hours post exercise. Muscle injury was induced in the dominant knee extensor muscles by having subjects perform 10 sets of 7–10 repetitions at 85% of their eccentric 1-RM in the knee extension exercise. Muscle Soreness (MS), Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and 1-RM concentric strength (1-RM) were measured before and through 96 hours post exercise. Results In both conditions, MS and CK were increased following exercise, with no between condition differences noted. LDH was unaffected by exercise. 1 -RM values were suppressed following exercise in both conditions, with no differences observed between conditions. Conclusions: These data indicate that in resistance trained men, supplementation with the carotenoid astaxanthin does not favorably affect indirect markers of muscle injury. Supported by Cyanotech Corporation and IMAGINutrition, Inc