Science

AstaReal AB has more than 35 years of scientific research and product development experience, and over 75 human clinical studies on safety and efficacy of astaxanthin in its portfolio. Astaxanthin’s functional characteristics and health-promoting potentials have been the subject of extensive research since early 1990s. Below is a Clinical Science Bibliography, presenting an overview of human clinical studies and scientific research on astaxanthin. Below is a Clinical Science Bibliography, presenting an overview of human clinical studies and scientific research on AstaReal® Astaxanthin.

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Muscle Performance, Endurance & Recovery

  • Sawaki K, Yoshigi H, Aoki K, Koikawa N, Azumane A, Kaneko K, et al. Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual acuity and muscular fatigue improvement in humans. J Clin Therap Medicine. 2002;18(9):73–88.
  • Tajima T, Nagata A. Effects of astaxanthin ingestion on exercise-induced physiological changes. Health and Behavior Sciences. 2004;3(1):5–10.
  • Fukamauchi M. Food functionality of astaxathin-10: Synergistic effects of astaxanthin-10 intake and aerobic exercise. Food Style 21. 2007;11(10).
  • Malmsten C, Lignell Å. Dietary Supplementation with Astaxanthin-Rich Algal Meal Improves Strength Endurance – A Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study on Male Students. Carotenoid Science. 2008;13:20–9.
  • Tsukahara H, Koikeda T, Arai T, Hayashi H, Ohno S, Suzuki N. Supplementation Effect of Astaxanthin on Blood Flow and Shoulder Stiffness. Journal of JCAM. 2008;5(1):49–56.
  • Eiji Y. Chapter 39: A New Approach to Body Fat Reduction by Astaxanthin During Exercise. In: Anti-Aging Therapeutics Volume XII_Proceedings of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine’s (A4M) Seventeenth World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M); 2011. p. 345–59.
  • Earnest CP, Lupo M, White KM, Church TS. Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance. Int J Sports Med. 2011 Nov;32(11):882–8.
  • Djordjevic B, Baralic I, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, Stefanovic A, Ivanisevic J, Radivojevic N, et al. Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers in elite young soccer players. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2012 Aug;52(4):382–92.
  • Baralic I, Andjelkovic M, Djordjevic B, Dikic N, Radivojevic N, Suzin-Zivkovic V, et al. Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;783761.
  • Baralic I, Djordjevic B, Dikic N, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, Spasic S, Jelic-Ivanovic Z, et al. Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on paraoxonase 1 activities and oxidative stress status in young soccer players. Phytother Res. 2013 Oct;27(10):1536–42.
  • Res PT, Cermak NM, Stinkens R, Tollakson TJ, Haenen GR, Bast A, et al. Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Augment Fat Use or Improve Endurance Performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2013 June;45(6):1158–65.
  • Brown DR, Warner AR, Deb SK, Gough LA, Sparks SA, McNaughton LR. The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on performance and fat oxidation during a 40 km cycling time trial. J Sci Med Sport. 2021 Jan;24(1):92–7.
  • Klinkenberg LJJ, Res PT, Haenen GR, Bast A, van Loon LJC, van Dieijen-Visser MP, et al. Effect of antioxidant supplementation on exercise-induced cardiac troponin release in cyclists: a randomized trial. PLoS One. 2013;8(11):e79280.
  • Tsao JP, Wu PY, Kuo HT, Hong WH, Chen CC, Wang MY, et al. Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on cycling performance, muscle damage biomarkers and oxidative stress in young adults: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2025 July 4;17:180.
  • Hongo N, Fujishita M, Takihashi J, Tominaga K. Randomized controlled trial of the anti-fatigue effects of astaxanthin on mental and physical loads simulatin daily life. J Clin Therap Medicine. 2016;32(7):577–91.
  • Liu SZ, Valencia AP, VanDoren MP, Shankland EG, Roshanravan B, Conley KE, et al. Astaxanthin supplementation enhances metabolic adaptation with aerobic training in the elderly. Physiol Rep. 2021 June;9(11):e14887.
  • Liu SZ, Ali AS, Campbell MD, Kilroy K, Shankland EG, Roshanravan B, et al. Building strength, endurance, and mobility using an astaxanthin formulation with functional training in elderly. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle. 2018 Oct;9(5):826–33.
  • Fujino H, Kondo H, Kanazashi M, Nakanishi R, Tanaka M, Ishihara A. Dietary Astaxanthin Supplementation Improves Walking Performance And Blood Lactate Level After Walking Test In Community-dwelling Elderly Subjects: 453 Board #290 June 1, 9: 30 AM – 11: 00 AM. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 2016 May;48(5S):129.
  • Nakanishi R, Kanazashi M, Tanaka M, Tanaka M, Fujino H. Impacts of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Walking Capacity by Reducing Oxidative Stress in Nursing Home Residents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Oct 18;19(20):13492.
  • McAllister MJ, Mettler JA, Patek K, Butawan M, Bloomer RJ. Astaxanthin Supplementation Increases Glutathione Concentrations but Does Not Impact Fat Oxidation During Exercise in Active Young Men. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism. 2022 Jan 1;32(1):8–15.
  • Waldman HS, Bryant AR, Parten AL, Grozier CD, McAllister MJ. Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Affect Markers of Muscle Damage or Inflammation After an Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage Protocol in Resistance-Trained Males. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 2023 July;37(7):e413–21.
  • Wika AA, Reason KW, Green JM, Killen LG, McAllister MJ, Waldman HS. Astaxanthin Reduces Heart Rate and Carbohydrate Oxidation Rates During Exercise in Overweight Individuals. Int J Exerc Sci. 2023;16(2):252–66.
  • Barker GA, Parten AL, Lara DA, Hannon KE, McAllister MJ, Waldman HS. Astaxanthin Supplementation Reduces Subjective Markers of Muscle Soreness following Eccentric Exercise in Resistance-Trained Men. Muscles. 2023 June;2(2):228–37.
  • Gonzalez DE, Dickerson BL, Johnson SE, Woodruff KE, Leonard M, Yoo C, et al. Impact of astaxanthin supplementation on markers of cardiometabolic health and tactical performance among firefighters. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 21(1):2427751.

Skin Health

  • Seki T, Sueki H, Kohno H, Suganuma K, Yamashita E. Effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance journal. 2001;(12):98–103.
  • Tominaga K, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita E. Cosmetic effects of astaxanthin for all layers of skin. Food Style 21. 2009;13(10):25–9.
  • Tominaga K, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita E. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(1):43–7.
  • Yamashita E. Cosmetic benefit of dietary supplements containing astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style 21. 2002;6(6):112–7.
  • Phetcharat L, Wongsuphasawat K, Winther K. The effectiveness of a standardized rose hip powder, containing seeds and shells of Rosa canina, on cell longevity, skin wrinkles, moisture, and elasticity. Clin Interv Aging. 2015;10:1849–56.
  • Tominaga K, Hongo N, Fujishita M, Takahashi Y, Adachi Y. Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2017 July;61(1):33–9.
  • Tsukahara H, Matsuyama A, Abe T, Kyo H, Ohta T, Suzuki N. Effects of Intake of Astaxanthin Contained Drink on Skin Condition. JJCAM. 2016;13(2):57–62.

Vision & Eye Health

  • Hecht KA, Marwah M, Wood V, Nishida Y, Bach AE, Gerson J, et al. Astaxanthin (AstaReal®) Improved Acute and Chronic Digital Eye Strain in Children: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial. Adv Ther. 2025 Feb 27;
  • Sawaki K, Yoshigi H, Aoki K, Koikawa N, Azumane A, Kaneko K, et al. Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual acuity and muscular fatigue improvement in humans. J Clin Therap Medicine. 2002;18(9):73–88.
  • Nakamura A, Isobe S, Otaka Y, Abematsu Y, Nakata D, Honma C, et al. Changes in visual function following peroral astaxanthin. Jpn J Clin Ophthalmol. 2004;58(6):1051–4.
  • Nagaki Y, Mihara M, Takahashi J, Kitamura A, Horita Y, Sugiura Y, et al. The effect of astaxanthin on retinal capillary blood flow in normal volunteers. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines. 2005;21(5):537–42.
  • Hashimoto H, Takahashi J, Chikuda M, Obara Y. Anti.inflammatory effects of astaxanthin after cataract surgery. Journal of the Eye. 2007;24(10):1357–60.
  • Hashimoto H, Arai K, Takahashi J, Chikuda M, Obara Y. Effect of astaxanthin consumption on superoxide scavenging activity in aqueous Humor. Atarashii Ganka (Journal of the Eye). 2009;26(2):229–34.
  • Hashimoto H, Arai K, Hayashi S, Okamoto H, Takahashi J, Chikuda M, et al. Effects of astaxanthin on antioxidation in human aqueous humor. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2013;53(1):1–7.
  • Seya Y, Takahashi J, Imanaka K. Relationships between visual fatigue and reaction times -effects of a repetetition of a visual task and long-term intake of a supplemental food including astaxanthin on reaction time. Japanese Journal of Physiological Anthropology. 2009;14(2):59–66.
  • Hashimoto H, Arai K, Okada Y, Takahashi J, Chikuda M, Obara Y. Effect of astaxanthin consumption on hydroperoxides in the aqeous. Jpn J Clin Ophthalmol. 2011;65(4):465–70.
  • Saito M, Yoshida K, Saito W, Fujiya A, Ohgami K, Kitaichi N, et al. Astaxanthin increases choroidal blood flow velocity. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2012 Feb;250(2):239–45.
  • Hashimoto H, Arai K, Hayashi S, Okamoto H, Takahashi J, Chikuda M. The effect of astaxanthin on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels and peroxidation reactions in the aqueous humor. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2016;59(1):10–5.
  • Hashimoto H, Arai K, Takahashi J, Chikuda M. Effects of astaxanthin on VEGF level and antioxidation in human aqueous humor: difference by sex. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2019;65(1):47–51.
  • Nagaki Y, Hayasaka S, Yamada T, Hayasaka Y, Sanada M, Uonomi takatoshi. Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion, and pattern visual evoked potential in visual display terminal workers. J Trad Med. 2002;19(5):170–3.
  • Takahashi N, Kajita M. Effects of astaxanthin on accommodative recovery. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines. 2005;21(4):431–6.
  • Nitta T, Ohgami K, Shiratori K, Shinmei Y, Chin S, Yoshida K, et al. Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia – dose finding study in healthy volunteers. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines. 2005;21(5):637–50.
  • Shiratori K, Ohgami K, Nitta T, Shinmei Y, Chin S, Yoshida K, et al. Effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia -efficacy-identification study in healthy volunteers. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines. 2005;21(6):65–78.
  • Iwasaki T, Tawara A. Effects of astaxanthin on eyestrain induced by accommodative dysfunction. Atarashii Ganka (Journal of the Eye). 2006;23(6):829–34.
  • Nagaki Y, Mihara M, Tsukuhara H, Ohno S. The supplementation effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicines. 2006;22(1):41–54.
  • Kajita M, Tsukahara H, Kato M. The effects of a dietary supplement containing astaxanthin on the accommodation function on the eye in middle-aged and older people. Medical consultation & new remedies. 2009;46(3):89–93.
  • Nagaki Y, Tsukahara H, Yoshimoto T, Masuda K. Effect of astaxanthin on accommodation and asthenopia. Folia Opththalmologica Japonica. 2010;3(5):461–8.

Cognitive Health & Fatigue Resistance

  • Seya Y, Takahashi J, Imanaka K. Relationships between visual fatigue and reaction times -effects of a repetetition of a visual task and long-term intake of a supplemental food including astaxanthin on reaction time. Japanese Journal of Physiological Anthropology. 2009;14(2):59–66.
  • Hongo N, Fujishita M, Takihashi J, Tominaga K. Randomized controlled trial of the anti-fatigue effects of astaxanthin on mental and physical loads simulatin daily life. J Clin Therap Medicine. 2016;32(7):577–91.
  • Hongo N, Fujishita M, Takahashi Y, Adachi Y, Takahashi J, Tominaga K, et al. Daily Fatigue-reducing Effect af Astaxanthin -A Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Parallel-group Study-. Jpn Pharmacol Ther. 2017;45(1):61–72.

Gastrointestinal Health

  • Lignell A, Surace R, Bottinger P, Borody T. Symptom improvment in Helicobacter pylori-positive non-ulcer dyspeptic patients after treatment with the carotenoid astaxanthin. In: 12th international carotenoid symposium. 1999.
  • Andersen LP, Holck S, Kupcinskas L, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Janciauskas D, et al. Gastric inflammatory markers and interleukins in patients with functional dyspepsia treated with astaxanthin. FEMS Immunol Med Microbiol. 2007 July;50(2):244–8.
  • Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Adamonis K, et al. Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled study. Phytomedicine. 2008 June;15(6–7):391–9.

Immune Function

  • Yamada T, Ryo K, Tai Y, Tamaki Y, Inoue H, Mishima K, et al. Evaluation of therapeutic effects of astaxanthin on impairments in salivary secretion. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2010 Sept;47(2):130–7.
  • Baralic I, Andjelkovic M, Djordjevic B, Dikic N, Radivojevic N, Suzin-Zivkovic V, et al. Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Salivary IgA, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in Young Soccer Players. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:783761.
  • Hongo N, Fujishita M, Takihashi J, Tominaga K. Randomized controlled trial of the anti-fatigue effects of astaxanthin on mental and physical loads simulatin daily life. J Clin Therap Medicine. 2016;32(7):577–91.

Cardiometabolic Health

  • Karppi J, Rissanen TH, Nyyssönen K, Kaikkonen J, Olsson AG, Voutilainen S, et al. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation. Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2007 Jan;77(1):3–11.
  • Yoshida H, Yanai H, Ito K, Tomono Y, Koikeda T, Tsukahara H, et al. Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis. 2010 Apr;209(2):520–3.
  • Eiji Y. Chapter 39: A New Approach to Body Fat Reduction by Astaxanthin During Exercise. In: Anti-Aging Therapeutics Volume XII_Proceedings of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine’s (A4M) Seventeenth World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M); 2011. p. 345–59.
  • Urakaze M, Kobashi C, Satou Y, Takagi M, Shigeta K, Toshima M, et al. Clinical Study of Astaxanthin on Glucose Tolerance in Nondiabetic Subjects. Diabetes. 2018 July 1;67(Supplement_1):766-P.
  • Chan K chi, Chen S chueh, Chen P chi. Astaxanthin attenuated thrombotic risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients. Journal of Functional Foods. 2019 Feb 1;53:22–7.
  • Liu SZ, Valencia AP, VanDoren MP, Shankland EG, Roshanravan B, Conley KE, et al. Astaxanthin supplementation enhances metabolic adaptation with aerobic training in the elderly. Physiological Reports. 2021;9(11):e14887.
  • Urakaze M, Kobashi C, Satou Y, Shigeta K, Toshima M, Takagi M, et al. The Beneficial Effects of Astaxanthin on Glucose Metabolism and Modified Low-Density Lipoprotein in Healthy Volunteers and Subjects with Prediabetes. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 7;13(12):4381.
  • Ciaraldi TP, Boeder SC, Mudaliar SR, Giovannetti ER, Henry RR, Pettus JH. Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant, lowers cholesterol and markers of cardiovascular risk in individuals with prediabetes and dyslipidaemia. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2023 July;25(7):1985–94.
  • Gonzalez DE, Dickerson BL, Johnson SE, Woodruff KE, Leonard M, Yoo C, et al. Impact of astaxanthin supplementation on markers of cardiometabolic health and tactical performance among firefighters. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 21(1):2427751.
  • Kato T, Kasai T, Sato A, Ishiwata S, Yatsu S, Matsumoto H, et al. Effects of 3-Month Astaxanthin Supplementation on Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients with Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction-A Pilot Study. Nutrients. 2020 June 26;12(6):1896.

Reproductive Health

  • Comhaire FH, Garem YE, Mahmoud A, Eertmans F, Schoonjans F. Combined conventional/antioxidant ‘Astaxanthin’ treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial. Asian J Andrology. 2005 Sept;7(3):257–62.
  • Jabarpour M, Aleyasin A, Shabani Nashtaei M, Amidi F. Astaxanthin supplementation impact on insulin resistance, lipid profile, blood pressure, and oxidative stress in polycystic ovary syndrome patients: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Phytother Res. 2024 Jan;38(1):321–30.

Tendons, Joints & Bones

  • N KN, E C, Rc SK, Tm V, Vs V, N P, et al. A randomized interventional clinical trial assessing the safety and effectiveness of PeaNoc XL tablets in managing joint pain and inflammation in arthritis patients. F1000Research [Internet]. 2023 July 27 [cited 2025 Nov 13];12. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37767025/
  • Satish Kumar RC, Vijayakumar TM, Nandakumar KN, Clarence Davy J, Sabarathinam S, Vishagan SV. A Phase 1 Single Centre, Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Pharmacokinetic Drug Interaction Study Between Simvastatin And Peanoc Xl In Adult Healthy Human Volunteers. Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 2023, 27(4).

Additional Health Indications

  • Yamada T, Ryo K, Tai Y, Tamaki Y, Inoue H, Mishima K, et al. Evaluation of therapeutic effects of astaxanthin on impairments in salivary secretion. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2010 Sept;47(2):130–7.
  • Hiroshi Y, Makoto K, Kojiro N, Ryo S, Yoshitomo K, Yoshio A, et al. Effect of Astaxanthin for Anticholinergic Agent-resistant Overactive Bladder. Anti-Aging Medicine (Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine). 2013;9(4):612–6.
  • Kaneko M, Kishimoto Y, Suzuki R, Kawai Y, Tateya I, Hirano S. Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Vocal Fold Injury and Inflammation Due to Vocal Loading: A Clinical Trial. J Voice. 2017 May;31(3):352–8.

Safety, Bioavailability

  • Mercke Odeberg J, Lignell A, Pettersson A, Höglund P. Oral bioavailability of the antioxidant astaxanthin in humans is enhanced by incorporation of lipid based formulations. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2003 July;19(4):299–304.
  • Ohgami K, Shiratori K, Nitta T, Shinmei Y, Chin S, Yoshida K, et al. Study on the Safety of High Dose Administration of Astaxanthin. J Clin Thera. 2005 June;21(6):651–9.
  • Kajita M, Tsukahara H, Kato M, Yoshimoto T. Safety of excessive intake of astaxanthin. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicine. 2009 Aug;25(8):691–8.
  • Kajita M, Kato T, Yoshimoto T, Masuda K. Study on the safety of high-dose administration of astaxanthin. Folia Ophthalmologica Japonica. 2010;3(4):365–70.
  • Tsukuhara H, Fukuhara I, Takehara I. Evaluation of Long-term Safety Study of Natural Astaxanthin in Healthy Volunteers. National Institute of Health and Nutrition. 2005;8(1):1–11.
  • Matsuyama A, Takahashi J, Itakura H. A Safety Study on the Long-Term Consumption of Astaxanthin in Healthy Human Volunteers. Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2010 Mar;7(1):43–50.
  • Miyawaki H, Takahashi J, Tsukahara H, Takehara I. Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2008 Sept;43(2):69–74.
  • Iwabayashi M, Fujioka N, Nomoto K, Miyazaki R, Takahashi H, Hibino S, et al. Efficacy and safety of eight-week treatment with astaxanthin in individuals screened for increased oxidative stress burden. Anti-Aging Medicine. 2009;6(4):15–21.
  • Ohi Y, Kitamura A, Tsukahara H, Takahashi J, Itakura H. Pharmacokinetic of Astaxanthin after oral administration of soft gel capsule preparation. Clinical Medicine (Japanese). 2011 Apr;27(4):297–303.