Astaxanthin Linked to Protecting Against Fatigue

07 Nov 2016 --- AstaReal astaxanthin has been proven to simultaneously protect against both mental and physical fatigue, according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines.

AstaReal claims to lead the way in the production and innovation of natural astaxanthin, a well-known antioxidant and potent anti-inflammatory. This new study on AstaReal Astaxanthin’s ability to combat fatigue adds to the supplements offering.  

“AstaReal astaxanthin has long been recognized as an effective healthy aging nutraceutical with proven benefits for indications such as skin health and anti-aging, muscle performance and eye health,” said Andie Long, Marketing & Sales Manager at AstaReal AB (pictured) talking with NutritionInsight.

“Our new study shows AstaReal astaxanthin is beneficial for an even broader group of consumers.”

“With our new clinical study in mind, we see that AstaReal astaxanthin is beneficial for individuals that must perform under high levels of stress, both mental and physical, and are often considered the "classic" victims of fatigue – for example teachers, healthcare and finance professionals and even athletes.”

"Fatigue is the most common complain heard by physicians today", says AstaReal´s medical advisor, Dr. Robert Corish. "in my experience, this is the first time that a natural ingredient has been shown to improve this common condition."

The double-blind, placebo-controlled study, saw individuals treated with AstaReal astaxanthin for eight weeks.

The study was designed to induce fatigue and stress, similar to that encountered in daily life. For the mental challenge, individuals were subjected to a battery of timed calculations (the Uchida-Kraepelin test) - a test requiring intense concentration.

The physical component was performed using a bicycle ergometer. Metrics of fatigue were assessed both before and after the stressor tests.

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) analysis showed that AstaReal astaxanthin significantly reduced perceived symptoms of mental and physical fatigue compared to the placebo.

These included improvements in clarity of thinking, concentration, motivation, and mood. Irritation and feeling of body heaviness were also reduced.

In the calculation test, an increase in errors observed in the placebo group during the second half of the test was almost eliminated in the astaxanthin group.

Supplementation with astaxanthin also significantly reduced salivary cortisol, a biomarker for stress.

Dr. Corish added, “The increasing pressures and stresses of modern life together with the transformation in our lifestyles is creating an epidemic of constantly tired, fatigued and burned out individuals, I call it “Lifestyle fatigue disorder”.”

“As a medical doctor I am seeing it in all walks of life; from office workers, to teachers, to doctors, to pilots to salespeople, businessmen and especially in busy Mom’s; essentially, no one is exempt."

Long continued, “The demands and stress of modern life don't show any sign of slowing down, and our clinical study shows that AstaReal contributes to individual´s ability to maintain high levels of physical and mental performance.”

“Supplements containing AstaReal astaxanthin could be especially beneficial for those performing under high levels of physical or mental stress for sustained concentration, decision making, memory and motivation.”

by Hannah Gardiner