Astaxanthin, a Natural Antioxidant, Lowers Cholesterol and Markers of Cardiovascular Risk in Individuals with Prediabetes and Dyslipidemia.

AIMS: Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. We conducted a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial to determine the effects of astaxanthin treatment on lipids, CVD markers, glucose tolerance, insulin action, and inflammation in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidemia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult participants with dyslipidemia and prediabetes (n = 34) underwent baseline blood draw, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and a one-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. They were then randomized (n=22 treated, 12 placebo) to receive astaxanthin 12 mg daily or placebo for 24 weeks. Baseline studies were repeated after 12 and 24 weeks of therapy.

RESULTS: After 24 weeks, astaxanthin treatment significantly decreased LDL (-0.33 ± 0.11 mM) and total cholesterol (-0.30 ± 0.14 mM) (both p<0.05). Astaxanthin also reduced levels of the CVD risk markers fibrinogen (-473 ± 210 ng/mL), L-selectin (-0.08 ± 0.03 ng/mL), and fetuin A (-10.3 ± 3.6 ng/mL), (all p < 0.05). While the effects of astaxanthin treatment did not reach statistical significance, there were trends towards improvements in the primary outcome measure, insulin-stimulated whole body glucose disposal (+0.52 ±0.37 mg/m2 /min, p=0.078), as well as fasting [Insulin] (-5.6 ± 8.4 pM, p=0.097), and HOMA2-IR (-0.31 ± 0.16, p = 0.060), suggesting improved insulin action. No consistent significant differences from baseline were observed for any of these outcomes in the placebo group. Astaxanthin was safe and well tolerated with no clinically significant adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary endpoint did not meet the prespecified significance level, these data suggest that astaxanthin is a safe OTC supplement that improves lipid profiles and markers of CVD risk in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidemia. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.