Short-term astaxanthin supplementation may boost cycling endurance, study finds

13 Jul 2020 --- Astaxanthin can improve cyclists’ sporting endurance and fat metabolism, according to the latest findings of an AstaReal-endorsed study. These study results come at a time when natural astaxanthin is increasingly finding its merit in sports applications for increased mental and muscle health. As the algae-based supplement continues to gain more consumer attention, its delivery format becomes a significant point of difference.

“The cycling study is the first astaxanthin trial to demonstrate an increase in whole-body fat metabolism and a corresponding reduction in respiratory exchange ratio during endurance exercise. The researchers found some interesting practical implications. For instance, the ergogenic potential of astaxanthin may be elicited following a shorter duration intake than previously advocated,” Andie Long, Marketing and Sales Manager at AstaReal, tells NutritionInsight. 

Published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, the study aimed to investigate whether supplementation with 12 mg daily supplementation of astaxanthin for seven days could improve exercise performance and metabolism during a 40 km cycling time trial. Following astaxanthin supplementation, the time to complete the exercise improved by up to 1.7 percent, from 70.76 (± 3.93) minutes in the placebo condition to 69.90 (± 3.78) minutes in the astaxanthin condition. 

“When it comes to professional sportspeople, even small increases in performance can be crucial. However, recreational athletes can also benefit from AstaReal astaxanthin,” notes Long. 

Whole-body fat metabolism rates were also significantly higher and the respiratory exchange ratio was significantly lower at the 39 to 40 km stage, following astaxanthin supplementation and when compared to the placebo. 

 Following astaxanthin supplementation, the time for the cyclists to complete the exercise improved by up to 1.7 percent. “People can get support for [endurance, focus, power and muscle health] in just one astaxanthin-based supplement. Whether they are capsules, sachets or functional drinks, the possibilities for developing natural astaxanthin products for sports – and also in combination with other key ingredients – are vast.”

Mind-body connection
Just building muscles is no longer what consumers are looking for, Long continues. “They want to support several areas at once – from energy levels to recovery, immune function and focus. The mind-body connection is important nowadays. AstaReal astaxanthin is meeting this holistic demand by protecting muscles, alleviating fatigue, strengthening the immune system and providing better endurance and concentration.”

In similar category shift developments, NutritionInsight reported last week on how the sports nutrition sector is adopting a more holistic approach, with more consumers being more interested in weight management than weight loss, for example. 

Long also previously shared with NutritionInsight that astaxanthin is seeing a rapid increase in popularity in the sports nutrition sector. This is not only because of its antioxidant potential but also because of its clinically backed benefits. “Muscles are subject to severe inflammation during and after physical activity. Natural astaxanthin can counteract these harmful processes and thus prevent injuries,” she outlined.

Meanwhile, the ingredient is also applicable to the rapidly growing e-sports category. “These consumers are looking for products that support cognitive function, enhance focus and improve vision. Natural astaxanthin is also a perfect fit for this emerging area as it is clinically proven to alleviate fatigue and contributes to better concentration, vision and brain health,” she underscored.

The research road ahead
Long highlights that previous research on AstaReal natural astaxanthin and its benefits for athletes demonstrated it can reduce lactic acid build-up, as shown in a study undertaken among runners. Another study revealed that it enhances lipid metabolism in muscles by protecting the mitochondrial proteins that are responsible for fatty acid regulation. 

AstaReal astaxanthin also has been shown to be simultaneously effective against both mental and physical fatigue. In addition, a formulation containing AstaReal astaxanthin provided a 40 percent increase in endurance and significantly improved muscle function loss in sarcopenia sufferers. 

“We are committed to the ongoing development of unique and pioneering applications of astaxanthin for human health. Of course, further studies are needed to substantiate the results and to determine an optimal supplementation strategy,” she concludes.

By Anni Schleicher