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Updated: Feb 20, 2026
Supramaximal Intensity Hypoxic Exercise and Vascular Function Assessment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2019
Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress: a systematic review and meta-analysis of
Ting You1, Kejia Peng2,3, Kai Zhao1
1Beijing Sport University, Beijing, 100084 China.
Abstract:
Astaxanthin, a lipid-soluble carotenoid, exhibits strong antioxidant activity in vitro and in animal studies, but its effectiveness in reducing exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans remains unclear due to inconsistent clinical findings. Variability in study design, supplementation protocols, and biomarker assessment contributes to these discrepancies. Advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), chlorinated cross-linked plasma proteins generated via myeloperoxidase-derived hypochlorous acid, serve as integrative indicators of protein oxidative damage and may offer improved sensitivity. This meta-analysis, prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251119762), synthesized randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published through August 2025 across major databases. Eligible trials examined oxidative or inflammatory responses to astaxanthin supplementation (4-28 mg·day-1 for 4 days to 12 weeks). Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were pooled using random-effects models, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses performed. Seven RCTs involving 188 participants met inclusion criteria. Astaxanthin significantly reduced AOPP (SMD = - 1.06; 95% CI - 1.49 to - 0.62; I2 = 48%), indicating decreased protein-level oxidative stress, consistent with proposed mechanisms such as radical scavenging, modulation of myeloperoxidase activity, and Nrf2 pathway activation. Other oxidative or injury-related biomarkers (MDA/TBARS, SOD, SH, CK, IL-6) showed no significant changes, likely reflecting assay variability, insufficient dosing, or limited statistical power. Overall, astaxanthin may attenuate protein oxidation, but broader physiological or performance benefits remain unconfirmed. Larger, longer-duration RCTs with standardized biomarker timing and dosing are needed to clarify its clinical relevance.
Supplementary Information:
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-026-04730-1.
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