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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Evaluation of the Effect of Growth Factors on Chlorophylls a and b Production from Microalgae

Evaluation of the Effect of Growth Factors on Chlorophylls a and b Production from Microalgae

Published on: October 25, 2024

Astaxanthin supplementation does not augment fat use or improve endurance performance.

Peter T Res¹, Naomi M Cermak, Rudi Stinkens

¹Department of Human Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology and Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise

|January 1, 2013

Summary

Astaxanthin supplementation did not improve endurance performance or fat oxidation in cyclists. This study found no ergogenic benefits from 4 weeks of astaxanthin for trained athletes.

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Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice

Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice

Published on: March 15, 2019

Area of Science:

Exercise Physiology
Nutritional Biochemistry
Sports Science

Background:

Astaxanthin, a lipid-soluble carotenoid from aquatic organisms, has shown potential as an ergogenic aid in mice.
Previous research suggests astaxanthin may enhance fat oxidation and endurance.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the impact of 4-week astaxanthin supplementation on substrate utilization and time trial performance in well-trained cyclists.
To determine if astaxanthin enhances antioxidant capacity or fat oxidation during exercise.

Main Methods:

A double-blind, parallel study involving 32 trained male cyclists/triathletes.
Supplementation with 20 mg astaxanthin (ASTA) or placebo (PLA) daily for 4 weeks.
Exercise tests included 60 minutes at 50% Wmax followed by a 1-hour time trial, conducted before and after supplementation.

Main Results:

Astaxanthin supplementation increased plasma astaxanthin levels but did not affect plasma antioxidant capacity or malondialdehyde levels.
Whole-body fat oxidation rates during submaximal exercise remained unchanged in both ASTA and PLA groups.
No significant improvements in time trial performance were observed in the astaxanthin group compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

Four weeks of daily astaxanthin supplementation does not enhance antioxidant capacity in trained cyclists.
Astaxanthin supplementation did not increase fat oxidation rates during submaximal exercise.
This study concludes that astaxanthin is not an effective ergogenic aid for improving time trial performance in trained cyclists.