Research suggests that astaxanthin supplementation may support energy, endurance, and exercise performance, with evidence drawn from multiple randomized controlled trials and several narrative reviews. RCTs have reported improvements in cycling time trial performance and power output in competitive cyclists, enhanced muscle endurance during aerobic training in older adults, and increased exercise endurance in elderly subjects, while reviews consistently characterize astaxanthin as a promising ergogenic antioxidant with potential roles in reducing exercise-induced fatigue and supporting mitochondrial function. Studies indicate the proposed mechanisms involve astaxanthin's exceptionally potent antioxidant activity, which may help counteract the oxidative stress generated during intense physical activity, though researchers note this remains a debated area in sports nutrition. One RCT examining recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in resistance-trained males yielded mixed results, and most reviews acknowledge that the overall body of clinical evidence, while encouraging, is still relatively limited in size and scope, warranting further large-scale trials before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Citations from PubMed and preprint sources. Match score (0-100) reflects automated search ranking, not clinical appraisal.
| Title | Type | Year | Direction | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astaxanthin Supplementation as a Potential Strategy for Enhancing Mitochondri... | Review | 2024 | Supports | 97 |
| Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance. | RCT | 2011 | Supports | 97 |
| Nutraceutical Potential of Astaxanthin in Muscle Metabolism, Exercise Adaptat... | Review | 2025 | Supports | 95 |
| Astaxanthin supplementation enhances metabolic adaptation with aerobic traini... | RCT | 2021 | Supports | 95 |
| Building strength, endurance, and mobility using an astaxanthin formulation w... | Other | 2018 | Supports | 93 |
| Well-Known Antioxidants and Newcomers in Sport Nutrition: Coenzyme Q10, Querc... | Review | 2015 | Supports | 82 |
| Extensive Bioactivity of Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis in Human. | Other | 2021 | Supports | 80 |
| Potential health-promoting effects of astaxanthin: a high-value carotenoid mo... | Review | 2011 | Supports | 78 |
| Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Affect Markers of Muscle Damage or Infla... | RCT | 2023 | Mixed | 72 |
| Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-a... | Review | 2011 | Supports | 62 |