Evidence supporting the use of: Astaxanthin
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found naturally in microalgae, yeast, salmon, and other seafood. Its use as an athletic or exercise aid is primarily justified by emerging scientific evidence, rather than traditional use. Several studies have investigated astaxanthin’s potential benefits for exercise performance, recovery, and muscle health due to its potent antioxidant properties. The rationale is that intense exercise generates oxidative stress, which can impair muscle function and recovery; astaxanthin, as an antioxidant, may help mitigate this damage.

Animal studies have shown improved endurance and reduced markers of oxidative damage with astaxanthin supplementation. Human studies, however, are less consistent. Some small clinical trials suggest marginal improvements in parameters such as cycling time trial performance, reduced muscle damage, and enhanced fat utilization during exercise. For example, a 2011 randomized controlled trial in competitive cyclists found that astaxanthin supplementation improved time trial performance. Other studies report reduced muscle soreness or faster recovery, but these effects are generally modest and not always statistically significant.

Overall, while scientific interest is growing and there is a plausible biological mechanism, the quality and quantity of human data remain limited. Larger, well-designed trials are needed to confirm the benefits and determine optimal dosing. Thus, the evidence is rated as 2 out of 5—promising, but not yet robust or conclusive.

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7-Keto-DHEA
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adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
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alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-taurine
l-tyrosine
L-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
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omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
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tribulus
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suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
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cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
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arginine alpha ketoglutarate
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arginine creatine
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arachidonic acid
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Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
bicarbonate
Beef Protein
bovine protein
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BCAA
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coconut
casein
cardarine
capsinoids
citrate malate
capsiate
creatine
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dihydrocapsiate
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eurycomanone
elk antler
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ecdysteroids
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ecdysterone
ephedrine
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guanidinoacetic acid
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glucose
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hydroxymethylbutyrate
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isomaltulose
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kola nut
ketone salts
lactalbumin
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macamides
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