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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Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
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
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Eurycomanone
Elk antler
Eurycoma Longifolia
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
Fadogia agrestis
Glutamine
glucose
Glycerol
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine