Astaxanthin Protects Obese Against Free Radical Attack

New research suggests that a daily supplement of astaxanthin, the carotenoid that gives salmon its distinctive pink color, can help to protect obese people against obesity-induced oxidative stress. For the study, 23 overweight people were randomly assigned to receive either 5 or 20 milligrams per day of astaxanthin for three weeks. Results showed a significant decrease in levels of two markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde ↓35%, isoprostane ↓65%) in both dosage groups compared to baseline. Furthermore, supplementation was associated with a 193% increase in levels of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD), and a 123% increase in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the blood. The researchers concluded: “Although these data show that astaxanthin is protective against obesity-induced oxidative stress, a longer term study with a larger sample size should be conducted to establish whether astaxanthin supplementation can consistently and permanently reduce oxidative stress levels.” They add that the recommended daily dose of astaxanthin is 5 mg.

Hye Duck Choi, Ji Hae Kim, Min Jung Chang, Yeo Kyu-Youn, Wan Gyoon Shin. Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults. Phytother Res. 2011 Apr 8.[Epub ahead of print]. DOI: 10.1002/ptr.3494.