Astaxanthin Supplementation Research Articles

Astaxanthin Supplementation Increases Glutathione Concentrations but Does Not Impact Fat Oxidation During Exercise in Active Young Men.

This study investigated the effects of 6mg/day of astaxanthin supplementation on markers of oxidative stress and substrate metabolism during a graded exercise test in active young men. A double-blind, randomized, counterbalanced, cross-over design was used. Fourteen men (age = 23 ± 2years) supplemented with 6mg/day of astaxanthin and a placebo for 4weeks, with a 1week washout period between treatments. Following each supplementation period, a fasting blood sample was obtained to measure markers of oxidative stress: glutathione, hydrogen peroxide, advanced oxidation protein products, and malondialdehyde. Participants also completed a graded exercise test after each treatment to determine substrate utilization during exercise at increasing levels of intensity. Glutathione was ∼7% higher following astaxanthin compared with placebo (1,233 ± 133 vs. 1,156 ± 185μM, respectively; p = .02, d = 0.48). Plasma hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were not different between treatments (p > .05). Although not statistically significant (p = .45), advanced oxidation protein products were reduced by ∼28%. During the graded exercise test, mean fat oxidation rates were not different between treatments (p > .05); however, fat oxidation decreased from 50 to 120W (p < .001) and from 85 to 120W (p = .004) in both conditions. Astaxanthin supplementation of 6mg/day for 4weeks increased whole blood levels of the antioxidant glutathione in active young men but did not affect oxidative stress markers or substrate utilization during exercise. Astaxanthin appears to be an effective agent to increase endogenous antioxidant status.

THE INFLUENCE OF FEED ADDITIVES OF LYCOPENE AND ASTAXANTHIN ON THE MICROBIAL INTELLIGENCE OF EDIBLE CHICKEN EGGS DURING STORAGE

The freshness of edible chicken eggs is their most important characteristic related to both quality and safety. The quality of eggs is determined, in particular, by the attractive appearance of the yolks and their content of biologically active substances. Such compounds include carotenoids - lycopene and astaxanthin, which can be deposited in yolks and provide their pigmentation. In the process of storage of edible eggs, various complex physical, chemical and physiological changes occur in the product and insemination and reproduction of microorganisms, which affects both safety and quality, and also leads to spoilage of edible eggs. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the addition of oil extracts of lycopene (20, 40 and 60 mg/kg of feed) and astaxanthin (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg of feed) to the diet of laying hens on insemination by mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms of the shell and yolk eggs for storage in conditions of 4±0.5 °C and relative humidity of 80-85% and 12±0.5 °C and relative humidity of 70-75% for 30 days 45 "High-Line W-36" crossbred chickens at the age of 24 weeks were used in the experiment. It was established that storage temperature regimes (4±0.5 °C and 12±0.5 °C) have different effects on the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultatively anaerobic microorganisms in edible eggs obtained from hens fed with lycopene and astaxanthin supplements in different doses. Thus, the addition of lycopene from 20 to 60 mg/kg or astaxanthin from 10 to 30 mg/kg of feed in the diet of laying hens did not affect the number of mesophilic aerobic and facultatively anaerobic microorganisms on the shells and yolks of freshly laid eggs. However, eggs stored at a temperature of 12±0.5 °C and a relative humidity of 70-75% for 30 days had higher microbial inoculation of both the shell and the yolk than eggs stored at a temperature of 4±0.5 °C and a relative humidity of 70-75%.

Effect of dietary supplementation of astaxanthin and beta-carotene on colouration, growth and survival in pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) fingerlings under controlled conditions

The pearlspot (Etroplus suratensis) is dull greenish black color in and less attractive cichlid fish to the customer. The present study investigated the effects of different concentration of astaxanthin and beta-carotene incorporated feeds on pigmentation of E. suratensis skin and flesh. Seven carotenoid content incorporated diets were formulated at different concentrations of axtaxanthin (100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm) and beta-carotene (30 ppm,40 ppm and 50 ppm). During the experimental period (60 days), the fishes were fed at the rate of 5% of body weight per day. The highest mean weight gain was observed in fishes fed with 300 ppm of astaxanthin (24.06+0.01 g) and 50ppm of beta-carotene (21.56+0.01 g), compared to other treatments and control. Significant improvement in the growth parameters were recorded in the experimental fishes than control. The highest carotenoid content was found in fishes fed with 300 ppm of astaxanthin and 50 ppm of beta-carotene compared to other treatments and control. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the growth performance of fishes by dietary carotenoid supplementation. However, significant (P<0.05) difference was observed in the flesh and skin of fishes fed with 300 ppm astaxanthin and 50 ppm beta-carotene treatment. Pearlspot fingerlings fed with carotenoid content incorporated diets showed better growth performance and feed utilization. Dietary carotenoid content influenced digestive enzyme activity, haemotological and biochemical responses. In order to improve the consumer preference and the market value of E. suratensis, these flesh and skin colouration could be improved by feeding with diets containing astaxanthin (300 ppm) and beta-carotene (50 ppm).

The Beneficial Effects of Astaxanthin on Glucose Metabolism and Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects with Prediabetes.

Astaxanthin (ASTX) is an antioxidant agent. Recently, its use has been focused on the prevention of diabetes and atherosclerosis. We examined the effects of astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks on glucose metabolism, glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles and anthropometric indices in healthy volunteers including subjects with prediabetes with a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Methods: We enrolled 53 subjects who met our inclusion criteria and administered them with 12 mg astaxanthin or a placebo once daily for 12 weeks. Subsequently, their HbA1c levels, lipid profiles and biochemical parameters were determined. The participants also underwent a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), vascular endothelial function test and measurement of the visceral fat area. Results: After astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks, glucose levels after 120 min in a 75 g OGTT significantly decreased compared to those before supplementation. Furthermore, the levels of HbA1c (5.64 ± 0.33 vs. 5.57 ± 0.39%, p < 0.05), apo E (4.43 ± 1.29 vs. 4.13 ± 1.24 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (87.3 ± 28.6 vs. 76.3 ± 24.6 U/L, p < 0.05) were also reduced, whereas total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) levels were unaltered. The Matuda index, which is one of the parameters of insulin resistance, was improved in the ASTX group compared to that before supplementation. Conclusions: our results suggest that ASTX may have preventive effects against diabetes and atherosclerosis and may be a novel complementary treatment option for the prevention of diabetes in healthy volunteers, including subjects with prediabetes, without adverse effects.

Impact of astaxanthin supplementation on blood pressure: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

• Astaxanthin supplementation had beneficial effects on diastolic blood pressure (DBP). • Reduction in DBP was stronger in non-healthy participants compared to healthy ones. • Astaxanthin supplementation reduced DBP in Asian populations more than non-Asians. • Astaxanthin supplementation did not considerably affect systolic blood pressure. This systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the impact of astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on blood pressure in adults. We conducted a comprehensive search using different electronic databases. Ten RCTs with 493 participants that reported the effect of AST supplementation on blood pressure in adults were included. AST supplementation led to a marginally decline in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (mean difference (MD) = −1.21; 95 %CI: −2.51, 0.09), but not systolic blood pressure. In patients, AST supplementation reduced DBP by 2.77 mmHg (95 %CI: −4.34, −1.19). Also, assigning ≥ 12 mg of AST to adults resulted in a slight decrease in DBP (MD = −0.89; 95 %CI: −1.82, 0.04). AST supplementation significantly reduced DBP by 2.27 mmHg in participants from Asian countries (95 %CI: −3.71, −0.83). This meta -analysis of RCTs disclosed that AST supplementation could reduce DBP, especially with a dose of ≥ 12 mg/d supplementation, in patient individuals and in participants from Asian countries.

Effect of dietary supplementation of astaxanthin (potent antioxidant) on growth rate, DMI, FCR and metabolic changes in Karan Fries heifers during heat stress

A study was conducted on twelve Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers, (10-12 months), in LRC of NDRI, Karnal.Heifers were divided equally into two groups i.e. control, and treatment (supplemented with astaxanthin@ 0.25 mg per kgBW per day per animal) to assess the heat stress ameliorative action of astaxanthin during summer season. During experimental period, environmental variables were recorded and THI was calculated to assess levels of summer stress. Blood samples were collected from both the group of heifers at fortnightly interval for quantification of plasma leptin and ghrelin hormones.Body weights of heifers were recorded at monthly interval. The body weight gain and ADG were significantly (P  0.05) higher in treatment group. Feed intake was higher (P  0.05) and FCR was lower (P  0.05) in astaxanthin supplemented group.Plasma leptin was higher(P  0.05), while,plasma ghrelinand surface skin temperature were numerically lower in treatment than control group of heifers.The study found that astaxanthin supplementation amelio rated the negative impact of summer stress and helped in enhancement of growth rate and ADG by improving the feed intake and by decreasing the FCR of heifers.

Astaxanthin extenuates the inhibition of aldehyde dehydrogenase and Klotho protein expression in cyclophosphamide-induced acute cardiomyopathic rat model.

This study evaluated the mechanistic sequel ofaldehyde dehyrogenase (ALDH2) and Klotho protein in cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats and the protective effect of astaxanthin (AST) against that sequel. A total of 40male Wistar albino ratswere divided into fourgroups of 10 animals each: Group 1wasinjected intraperitoneally(i.p.) with normal saline for 10successive days. Group 2 was injected with normal saline for 5days before and after a single dose of CP (200mg/kg, i.p.). Group 3 received AST (50mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 10days. Group 4 received CP as group 2 and AST as group 3. After the last dose of the treatment protocol, serum was separated to measure cardiotoxicity indices and the left ventricle was then dissected for mRNA and protein expression studies and histopathological examinations. Treatment with CP significantly increased serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), and troponin, while significantly decreased soluble α Klotho protein and caused histopathological lesions in cardiac tissues. In cardiac tissues, CP significantly decreased gene expression of ALDH2, Klotho protein, mTOR, IGF, AKT, AMPK, BCL2, but significantly increased expression of BAX and caspase-8. Interestingly, administration of AST in combination with CP completely reversed all the biochemical, histopathological and gene expression changes induced by CP to the control values. The current study suggests that inhibition of ALDH2, Klotho protein, mTOR, and AMPK signals in cardiac tissues may contribute to CP-induced acute cardiomyopathy. AST supplementation attenuates CP-induced cardiotoxicity by modulating ALDH2 and Klotho protein expression in heart tissues, along with its downstream apoptosis effector markers.

Study supplementation of astaxanthin in high‐fat diet on growth performance, antioxidant ability, anti‐inflammation, non‐specific immunity and intestinal structure of juvenile Trachinotus ovatus

A 6-week feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate whether dietary supplementation of astaxanthin could mitigate negative effects of high-fat diet on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammation, non-specific immunity and intestinal structure of Trachinotus ovatus. Three isonitrogenous diets were formulated supplementing with or without high-fat or astaxanthin (lipid positive (LP): 130 g/kg lipid, lipid negative (LN): 210 g/kg lipid, lipid negative astaxanthin (LNA): 210 g/kg lipid with 0.5 g/kg astaxanthin). Results showed that the growth performance (weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR)) of T. ovatus in the LN group were significantly lower than that of growth performance in the LP group (p < .05), while growth performance data in the LNA group were significantly higher than those data in the LN group (p < .05) and without statistical difference with the LP group (p > .05). There were significantly lower levels of antioxidant contents (malondialdehyde (MDA) and Glutathione (GSH)) and transcriptional level of antioxidant-related gene (Nrf2, keap1, Mn-SOD, GSH-PX, HO-1 and CAT) in the LNA group when compared to the LN group (p < .05), while no statistical differences were detected between the LNA and LP groups (p > .05). NF-κB signal pathway key gene (p65) and non-specific immunity-related genes (IRF3, IRF7 and MyD88) of T. ovatus were significantly lower in the LNA and LP groups when compared to the LN group (p < .05). Fewer hepatic lipid droplets and more goblet cells of mid-gut were found in T. ovatus from the LNA group than those from the LN group. These results indicate that a diet supplementation of 0.5 g/kg astaxanthin mitigates detrimental effects of T. ovatus growth performance caused by high-fat diet by decreasing hepatic lipid accumulation and improving antioxidant, anti-inflammation, non-specific immunity and intestine barrier capacities.

Low oxygen environment and astaxanthin supplementation promote the developmental competence of bovine oocytes derived from early antral follicles during 8 days of in vitro growth in a gas-permeable culture device

We evaluated the effects of a constant low (5-5%) and modulated (5–20%) oxygen environments on the in vitro development of bovine oocyte-cumulus-granulosa cell complexes (OCGCs) cultured in the presence or absence of an antioxidant (astaxanthin: Ax). OCGCs were cultured in a gas permeable culture device for 8 days in 5-5% O2 (±Ax) and 5–20% O2 (±Ax) culture conditions. In the oxygen modulated culture conditions, the oxygen concentration was switched from 5% to 20% on day 4 of culture. Ax promoted the viability of OCGCs (P < 0.05), but both oxygen and Ax had a significant effect on ROS production levels by OCGCs (P < 0.05). Specifically, ROS levels were significantly lower and higher under 5-5% O2 (+Ax) and 5–20% O2 (-Ax) conditions, respectively (P < 0.05), with intermediate levels observed in the 5-5% O2 (-Ax) and the 5–20% O2 (+Ax) culture conditions. The steroidogenic pattern was characterized by increasing estradiol-17β but with constant progesterone production levels regardless of culture conditions, suggesting the inhibition of luteinization-like changes in granulosa cells. OCGCs cultured in the 5–20% O2 (+Ax) had higher nuclear maturation rates (P < 0.05) that were similar to the oocytes grown in vivo. However, there was no clear difference in the subsequent cleavage rates among the 5-5% O2 (±Ax) and the 5–20% O2 (+Ax) culture conditions (P > 0.05). A constant low oxygen environment significantly promoted the blastocyst rates (P < 0.05); however, the presence of Ax in the 5–20% O2 (+Ax) condition also promoted development similar to the OCGCs cultured in the 5-5% O2 (-Ax) condition (P > 0.05). In conclusion, exposure of OCGCs to constant low oxygen or oxygen modulation in the presence of Ax promotes the healthy development of OCGCs during the 8-day IVG culture using the gas permeable culture device.

The Potential protective role of astaxanthin on doxorubicin-induced cardiac toxicity in rats

Abstract Background and Aim of Work Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most commonly used effective anticancer drugs, through its inhibition of topoisomerase II, DNA replication and repair. In addition, DOX leads to generation of semiquinone free radicals and oxygen free radicals which attack DNA and oxidize DNA bases. However, the clinical use of doxorubicin is limited by its adverse effects such as cardiotoxicity, which is acute and occurs within 2-3 days of its administration. Recently, the potential health benefits of Astaxanthin were investigated, however, the protective effect of astaxanthin supplementation on cardiac dysfunction induced by Doxorubicin is not clearly investigated. The aim of the present study is directed to investigate the possible role of astaxanthin (xanthophyll carotenoid) in protection against DOX- induced cardiac toxicity, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism(s). Materials and Methods Animals used were 47 adult male albino rats, which were randomly allocated into four groups. Control group(C): received 0.1ml/100gm BW i.p. saline injections for 7 successive days. DOX-treated group: received 0.1ml/100gm BW i.p. saline injections for 7 successive days, followed by a single i.p. injection of DOX, 20 mg/kg i.p. on the 7th day. ATX-treated group: received 40mg/kg/day BW i.p. ATX injections for 7 successive days. ATX+DOX treated group: received 40mg/kg/day BW i.p. ATX injections for 7 successive days, followed by a single i.p. injection of DOX, 20 mg/kg i.p. on the 7th day. At the end of the study, the overnight fasted rats were subjected to final arterial blood pressure measurement. Rats were then weighed and anaesthetized with 40 mg/kg B.W i.p. thiopental sodium. Then, ECG was recorded, blood samples were collected from abdominal aorta and centrifuged. The resulting plasma was used for measurement of plasma cardiac Troponin I (cTnI) and plasma Cytochrome C. The heart was subjected to In vitro study of isolated hearts perfused in langendorff preparation. Hearts and ventricles were weighed. The left ventricle was then stored at -80οC for later determination of cardiac tissue iron. Statistical Analysis was made using 1-way ANOVA for difference between means of different groups. Ethics Committee The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethical Committee of Faculty o fMedicine Ain Shams University (Reference No. FWA00017585). Results The systolic blood pressure was increased significantly in the DOX treated group compared to the control group. All of the systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures were significantly decreased in the ATX +DOX treated group compared to the DOX treated group. Heart rate was significantly increased in the ATX +DOX treated group compared to the control group, and compared to the DOX treated group. PT and PT/LVW were significantly increased in the ATX +DOX group compared to both of the DOX group and the control group. In addition, PT and PT/LVW were significantly increased in the ATX-treated group compared to the DOX group. The TPT was prolonged in the DOX group compared to the control group and this prolongation was statistically significant in pre-ischemia and 5 minutes after reperfusion of the isolated hearts, and was significantly shortened in the ATX-treated group and ATX +DOX group compared to the DOX. Also, TPT was significantly shortened in the ATX-treated and in the in the ATX +DOX groups compared to the control group. HRT was significantly prolonged in the DOX group compared to the control group. However, HRT was significantly shortened in the ATX-treated and ATX +DOX groups compared to the DOX group, and in the ATX +DOX group compared to the control group. The MFR and MFR/LVW were significantly decreased in the DOX group compared to the control group. However, the MFR was significantly increased in each of the ATX-treated group and ATX +DOX group when each was compared to the DOX group. Moreover, MFR was significantly increased in the ATX +DOX group compared to the control group. Each of plasma cardiac Troponin, plasma Cytochrome C and Cardiac Tissue Iron were significantly increased in the DOX group compared to the control group, and all were significantly decreased in the ATX-treated group when compared to DOX group, and in the ATX +DOX group when compared to the DOX group. No significant changes were detected in body weight, heart weights and ECG parameters between the different studied groups. Conclusion Doxorubicin produces acute cardiotoxic effects and impairs systolic and diastolic cardiac functions, which is due to increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial instability and iron accumulation in the cardiac tissue. Astaxanthin exerts a major cardioprotective activities against DOXinduced cardiotoxicity, probably due to its major antioxidant and iron chelation properties.

Assessing the Potential of Nutraceuticals as Geroprotectors on Muscle Performance and Cognition in Aging Mice.

Aging and frailty are associated with a decline in muscle force generation, which is a direct consequence of reduced muscle quantity and quality. Among the leading contributors to aging is the generation of reactive oxygen species, the byproducts of terminal oxidation. Their negative effects can be moderated via antioxidant supplementation. Krill oil and astaxanthin (AX) are nutraceuticals with a variety of health promoting, geroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-fatigue effects. In this work, we examined the functional effects of these two nutraceutical agents supplemented via pelleted chow in aging mice by examining in vivo and in vitro skeletal muscle function, along with aspects of intracellular and mitochondrial calcium homeostasis, as well as cognition and spatial memory. AX diet regimen limited weight gain compared to the control group; however, this phenomenon was not accompanied by muscle tissue mass decline. On the other hand, both AX and krill oil supplementation increased force production without altering calcium homeostasis during excitation-contraction coupling mechanism or mitochondrial calcium uptake processes. We also provide evidence of improved spatial memory and learning ability in aging mice because of krill oil supplementation. Taken together, our data favors the application of antioxidant nutraceuticals as geroprotectors to improve cognition and healthy aging by virtue of improved skeletal muscle force production.

Impact of lycopene and astaxanthin on hematological and immunological parameters of laying hens

The aim of this study was to determine the hematological profile and specific immunity of laying hens with the addition of oil extracts of lycopene or astaxanthin to the diet. The study used High Line W36 chickens that were vaccinated against Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, avian rhinotracheitis and egg drop syndrome. It was found that the addition of lycopene (20 mg/kg) and astaxanthin (10 mg/kg) for 30 days did not affect the hematological profile of laying hens. Increasing the content of lycopene to 40 and 60 mg/kg or astaxanthin to 20 or 30 mg/kg of feed for 30 days reduced the number of leukocytes and hemoglobin in the blood compared to the control, which received an equivalent amount of refined sunflower oil in the diet. Lycopene and astaxanthin supplements, regardless of dose and duration of administration, did not affect the titer of antibodies to Newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, avian rhinotracheitis, and egg drop syndrome in serum of vaccinated laying hens. The obtained data can be used to justify the optimal dose and term of feeding of lycopene or astaxanthin supplements in the development of a model of carotenoid enrichment of chicken egg yolks.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing

Context: Astaxanthin (ASX), a xanthophyll carotenoid derived from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, mitigating skin photoaging and age-related skin diseases by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animal studies. Objective: The aim was to systematically evaluate if ASX applications have anti-ageing effects in humans. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science found a total of eleven studies. Nine randomised, controlled human studies assessed oral ASX effects and two open-label, prospective studies evaluated topical, oral-topical ASX effects on skin ageing. GetData Graph Digitizer was used to extract mean values and standard deviations of baseline and endpoint, and Cochrane Collaboration’s tool assessed RoB for all included studies. Review Manager 5.4 was used to conduct meta-analysis of RCTs; the results were reported as effect size ± 95% confidence interval. Results: Oral ASX supplementation significantly restored moisture content (SMD = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.05, 1.01; I2 = 52%; p = 0.03) and improved elasticity (SMD = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.19, 1.35; I2 = 75%; p = 0.009) but did not significantly decrease wrinkle depth (SMD = −0.26; 95% CI = −0.58, 0.06; I2 = 0%; p = 0.11) compared to placebo. Open-label, prospective studies suggested slightly protective effects of topical and oral-topical ASX applications on skin ageing. Conclusions: Ingestion and/or topical usages of ASX may be effective in reducing skin ageing and have promising cosmetical potential, as it improves moisture content and elasticity and reduces wrinkles.

Effects of duration and supplementation dose with astaxanthin on egg fortification

Long-term and graded dose of astaxanthin supplementation in laying hen's diet was assessed for egg fortification. Five groups of laying hens with 8 replications each were fed for 24 wk with diet supplemented astaxanthin at 0 mg/kg (control), 7.1 mg/kg, 14.2 mg/kg, 21.3 mg/kg, and 42.6 mg/kg (Basal, A7, A14, A21, and A42, respectively). The performance of laying hens, egg quality, astaxanthin concentration as well as conversion efficiency and geometric isomers proportion in yolks were assessed on wk 8 and 24. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and linear and quadratic regression analyses were used to evaluate the dose effect. In parallel, the Student's t test compared the values between wk 8 and wk 24 of test within a group. Overall, the results revealed that neither production performance nor egg physical quality was affected by astaxanthin dose level and feeding duration. Following the supplementation dose, the redness of yolks (a*) increased (P < 0.001). But, the a* score in A42 (23.48) was just 3-folds the a* score in A7 (8.89). Concentration of astaxanthin in eggs was dose-level dependent showing a linear relationship (P < 0.001) with a slight declination observed in all groups on wk 24 compared to wk 8. The deposition rate of astaxanthin into egg yolk was higher in A21 and A42. The proportion of geometric isomers in egg yolk were not affected by the feeding duration. As the supplementation dose increased, all-trans isomer proportion gradually decreased in the egg yolk, while 13-cis isomer proportion rose. It was concluded that astaxanthin is an efficient carotenoid for egg fortification, which can be supplemented in diet up to 42.6 mg/kg for 24 wk without compromising the performance of laying hens or physical quality of eggs. This appreciably affects the egg yolk color and confers a better accumulation of total astaxanthin and cis isomers into eggs as the supplementation dose increases.

Astaxanthin supplementation enhances metabolic adaptation with aerobic training in the elderly.

Endurance training (ET) is recommended for the elderly to improve metabolic health and aerobic capacity. However, ET‐induced adaptations may be suboptimal due to oxidative stress and exaggerated inflammatory response to ET. The natural antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory dietary supplement astaxanthin (AX) has been found to increase endurance performance among young athletes, but limited investigations have focused on the elderly. We tested a formulation of AX in combination with ET in healthy older adults (65–82 years) to determine if AX improves metabolic adaptations with ET, and if AX effects are sex‐dependent. Forty‐two subjects were randomized to either placebo (PL) or AX during 3 months of ET. Specific muscle endurance was measured in ankle dorsiflexors. Whole body exercise endurance and fat oxidation (FATox) was assessed with a graded exercise test (GXT) in conjunction with indirect calorimetry. Results: ET led to improved specific muscle endurance only in the AX group (Pre 353 ± 26 vs. Post 472 ± 41 contractions), and submaximal GXT duration improved in both groups (PL 40.8 ± 9.1% and AX 41.1 ± 6.3%). The increase in FATox at lower intensity after ET was greater in AX (PL 0.23 ± 0.15 g vs. AX 0.76 ± 0.18 g) and was associated with reduced carbohydrate oxidation and increased exercise efficiency in males but not in females.

Benefits of Exercise and Astaxanthin Supplementation: Are There Additive or Synergistic Effects?

A healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Health promotion, with a particular emphasis on regular exercise and a healthy diet, is one of the emerging trends in healthcare. However, the way in which exercise training and nutrients from dietary intake interact with each other to promote additive, synergistic, or antagonistic effects on physiological functions leading to health promotion, and the possible underlying biomolecular mechanisms of such interactions, remain poorly understood. A healthy diet is characterized by a high intake of various bioactive compounds usually found in natural, organic, and fresh foodstuffs. Among these bioactive compounds, astaxanthin (ASX), a red carotenoid pigment especially found in seafood, has been recognized in the scientific literature as a potential nutraceutical due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurotrophic properties. Therefore, scientists are currently exploring whether this promising nutrient can increase the well-known benefits of exercise on health and disease prevention. Hence, the present review aimed to compile and summarize the current scientific evidence for ASX supplementation in association with exercise regimes, and evaluate the additive or synergistic effects on physiological functions and health when both interventions are combined. The new insights into the combination paradigm of exercise and nutritional supplementation raise awareness of the importance of integrative studies, particularly for future research directions in the field of health and sports nutrition science.

Effects of natural astaxanthin from microalgae and chemically synthetic astaxanthin supplementation on two different varieties of the ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda)

This study evaluated the effects of natural astaxanthin (Ax) from microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) and synthetic Ax supplementation on growth performances, pigmentation, Ax content and antioxidant capacity in two varieties of the ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda). Experimental animals were fed with nine experimental diets for 56 days. It showed that dietary Ax did not influence the growth performances of the wild-typed prawn (p > 0.05), while 400 mg kg−1 Ax supplementation significantly improved the survival rate and total weight gain of the new variety (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the new variety showed improved growth performances in comparison with the wild-typed prawn when fed with 200 or 400 mg kg−1 Ax. Ax supplementation significantly enhanced the body pigmentation, including redness and yellowness of the new variety and the wild-typed prawn, but the improvement efficiency of natural Ax was higher than that of synthetic Ax. Ax supplementation also significantly increased the contents of free Ax and total Ax in abdominal muscles of the two varieties, and a maximum increase of free and total Ax content by 16.2 and 17.8 folds in the new variety was gained when they were fed with 400 mg kg−1 natural Ax. The redness was positively correlated with the content of free Ax and total Ax. Moreover, Ax supplementation significantly improved the antioxidant capacity by increasing the activity of total antioxidant capacity, decreasing the activity of catalase, total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malonadehyde content in both the new variety and the wild-typed prawn (p < 0.05). Based on the data obtained from the present study, the optimal level of natural Ax supplementation in the new variety was 100 mg kg−1 or above, and around 200 mg kg−1 for synthetic Ax. Natural Ax should be an alternative choice in improving performances of the new variety of E. carinicauda.

Assessment of Response to Moderate and High Dose Supplementation of Astaxanthin in Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryWith the increasing use of carotenoids, especially astaxanthin as a feed additive in the poultry industry, the concern about the health status of the laying hen and efficacy to improve egg quality in the case of overdosing was raised. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effects of either moderate or high dose dietary supplementation of astaxanthin on eggs and laying hens’ health status. The results revealed that, at moderate dose increment, astaxanthin is well deposited in egg yolk, efficiently improves egg yolk color, and contributes to ameliorate the general health status of laying hens. Besides, the high dose supplementation presented positive effects on the coloration and enrichment of egg yolk and the health status of laying hens with no significant difference with the moderate doses to some extents. We concluded that it would be beneficial to add astaxanthin to laying hens feed at a moderate dose rather than high dose.In this study, we evaluated the impact of moderate and high dose dietary supplementation of astaxanthin on production performance, quality of eggs, and health status of laying hens. The experiment involved 480 laying hens, divided into four groups of eight replicates. The different groups named A1, A2, A3, and A4 were allocated the same diet supplemented with Haematococcus pluvialis powder to provide 0, 21.3, 42.6, and 213.4 mg of astaxanthin per kilogram of feed, respectively. One-way ANOVA and linear and quadratic regression analysis were used to assess the differences between the groups. The results showed that the production performance of laying hens and the physical quality of eggs did not significantly differ between the groups (p > 0.05). Astaxanthin distribution in tissues was typical per bird, whereas the egg yolk coloration and astaxanthin concentration increased with the supplementation dose (p < 0.001). However, there was a decrease in concentration and coloration efficacy of astaxanthin at high dose supplementation (213.4 mg/kg) compared to moderate doses (21.3 and 42.6 mg/kg). Blood biochemical tests showed some discrepancies that were not ascribed to the effect of diets, and the increase in liver weight in the A4 group compared to others was equated with an adaptation of laying hens to the high dose supplementation. Astaxanthin improved superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and diminished malondialdehyde (MDA) content in both liver and serum; meanwhile, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in serum were similar between the moderate doses and high dose supplementation. Additionally, astaxanthin alleviated interleukin 2, 4, and 6 (IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6, respectively) in serum, showing the best effect in A3 and A4 groups. Besides, immunoglobulin G and M (IgG and IgM), as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and beta (TNF-α and TNF-β), were not much affected. It was concluded that although astaxanthin has no obvious adverse effect on the performance and health status of laying hens, it may not be valuable for egg fortification and health status improvement of laying hens at high dose supplementation. The high dose astaxanthin supplementation up to 213.4 mg/kg in the diet might be avoided.

Effect of dietary astaxanthin on reproductive performance, egg quality and larvae of clowfish &lt;i&gt;Amphiprion ocellaris&lt;/i&gt; (Cuvier, 1830)

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of astaxanthin in broodfish diets on reproductive performance, egg quality and larvae quality parameters of clownfish (Amphirion ocellaris). Five treatments were tested with 5 levels of astaxanthin (Carophyll Pink 10% CWS) of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg added to the feed. Each treatment was repeated in triplicate and the supplemental feeding trials were arranged for 13 months. The results showed that there were significant differences in hatching rate of egg, malformed rate and survival rate of larvae in 3 days post-hatch (p&lt;0.05) among the feeding trials of astaxanthin supplements. The highest hatching rate of egg and survival rate and the lowest malformed rate of larvae were observed in the treatment that was supplemented with astaxanthin 150 mg/kg feed, respectively 92.14 %; 93.57 % and 0.55 %. However, the astaxanthin supplementary diets did not affect the re-maturation and spawning period, spawning frequency, fecundity, egg diameter and larval size of nemo fish among the treatments. The results also suggested that astaxanthin requirement for clownfish broodstock to improve reproductive performance was 150 mg/kg feed.

Protective effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on the survival and oxidative stress of zebrafish embryos induced by microcystin-LR

This study evaluated the individual effects of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) with different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 μg L−1) and the combined influences with astaxanthin (10 and 100 μg L−1) from Haematococcus pluvialis on the survival and oxidative stress of zebrafish embryos. Results showed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), mortality and deformity rate were increased in the presence of MC-LR accompanied with the reduction of the glutathione peroxidase (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and hatching rate of the zebrafish embryo. The higher the MC-LR concentration was, the stronger the developmental and oxidative stress response (p < 0.05). This study confirmed that the supplementation of astaxanthin could significantly alleviate the toxic effects of MC-LR on zebrafish embryos. The mortality and deformity rates decreased significantly in the combined exposure group compared with the only MC-LR exposure group, and the decreasing rates were positively correlated with the astaxanthin concentration. Astaxanthin could also significantly improve the oxidative stress response and damage caused by MC-LR. The ROS and MDA contents of juvenile fish decreased, whereas GSH, SOD and T-AOC increased significantly with astaxanthin supplementation. Therefore, astaxanthin might be a suitable diet supplement against the MC-LR contamination of pond aquaculture.