Written by Jessica Patella, ND. In this study of 61 participants, those who supplemented with astaxanthin significantly decreased serum triglycerides, and increased HDL cholesterol.
Could the oceans contain a nutrient that helps lower cholesterol? Recent research indicates that astaxanthin, a red carotenoid pigment found in algae plants is associated with lower triglyceride levels and increased HDL (good) cholesterol (1,2). Astaxanthin is an antioxidant similar in structure to beta carotene, the nutrient that gives carrots their orange color (2).
The first-ever randomized, placebo controlled human study looking at astaxanthin and cholesterol levels included 61 participants (44 +/- 8 years old) with fasting triglyceride levels between 120-200 mg/dl and normal blood pressure (1). The participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups (1):
- Group 1: Took 6 mg per day of astaxanthin
- Group 2: Took 12 mg per day of astaxanthin
- Group 3: Took 18 mg per day of astaxanthin
- Group 4: Took placebo
Three-day diet diaries were collected before and at the end of the astaxanthin administration. The diet diaries showed that daily calories, protein, fat, carbohydrate and fiber intake did not differ significantly between the groups at baseline or at the end of the study (1).
Over 12-weeks, the astaxanthin significantly decreased serum triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol, but total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were unchanged. The decrease in triglycerides (mg/dl) was significant in all groups taking astaxanthin, with the greatest decrease in the groups receiving 12mg per day astaxanthin (147 +/- 21 to 110 +/-44; P<0.05) and 18 mg per day of astaxanthin (151 +/- 26 to 112 +/- 40; P<0.01) from baseline to week 12. The increase in HDL cholesterol (mg/dl) was significant in all groups taking astaxanthin, with the greatest increase in the 6mg per day astaxanthin (51 +/- 11 to 56+/- 11; P<0.01) and 12mg per day astaxanthin (55 +/- 8 to 63 +/-8; P<0.01) from baseline to week 12.
In conclusion, astaxanthin at doses of 6 mg per day, 12 mg per day and 18 mg per day is associated with decreased triglycerides and increased HDL-cholesterol in this study (1). This suggests astaxanthin could have a positive effect on atherosclerosis (1). The mechanism of how astaxanthin lowers triglycerides and increases HDL is still not understood. This first-ever randomized, placebo-controlled human study set the foundation for further research on astaxanthin to be conducted in the future.
Source: Micallef, M. A., I. A. Munro, and M. L. Garg. “An inverse relationship between plasma n-3 fatty acids and C-reactive protein in healthy individuals.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 63.9 (2009): 1154-1156.
© 2009 Macmillan Publishers Limited
Posted August 18, 2010.
References:
- Yoshida H, et al. Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidema. Atheroscerlosis 2010; 209: 520-523.
- Astaxanthin. Phytochemicals. See the Phytochemicals website.
