Cognitive function improvement with astaxanthin and tocotrienol intake: a randomized, double-blind,...

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Neuroscience
• Gerontology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Age-related cognitive decline and memory impairment are significant concerns for public health.
• Astaxanthin and tocotrienols are potent antioxidants with potential neuroprotective properties.
• Investigating synergistic effects of combined antioxidants may offer novel strategies for cognitive enhancement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a mixed astaxanthin-tocotrienols supplement on cognitive function in healthy Japanese adults reporting memory decline.
• To assess the impact of the supplement on composite memory, verbal memory, and subjective memory complaints.
• To determine the safety and tolerability of the astaxanthin-tocotrienols combination.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 44 healthy Japanese adults.
• Participants received daily capsules of astaxanthin derived from *Haematococcus pluvialis* and tocotrienols or a placebo.
• Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitrax cognitive test, alongside subjective memory symptom questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The astaxanthin-tocotrienols group demonstrated significant improvements in composite memory and verbal memory compared to the placebo group.
• Participants in the supplement group reported a significant reduction in difficulty remembering names.
• No adverse events were reported during the 12-week intervention period.

Conclusions:

• Combined supplementation with astaxanthin and tocotrienols is effective in improving composite and verbal memory in Japanese adults experiencing subjective memory decline.
• This antioxidant combination offers a safe and promising approach to mitigate age-related memory impairment.
• Further research is warranted to explore the long-term effects and underlying mechanisms of this synergistic combination.