Evidence supporting the use of: Astaxanthin
For the body system: Muscles

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid antioxidant found naturally in microalgae, seafood such as salmon and shrimp, and is increasingly used as a dietary supplement. Its use for supporting the muscle system is primarily based on emerging scientific evidence, rather than longstanding traditional use. Several clinical studies and animal models have investigated astaxanthin's effects on muscle health, performance, and recovery. For instance, randomized controlled trials in humans have found that astaxanthin supplementation may reduce muscle damage markers, improve endurance, and decrease oxidative stress following exercise. A 2011 study published in International Journal of Sports Medicine showed that athletes who took astaxanthin for 90 days experienced improved cycling performance and reduced lactic acid buildup compared to placebo. Other studies suggest potential benefits in reducing muscle fatigue and enhancing recovery post-exercise, likely due to its potent antioxidant capacity which helps counteract exercise-induced oxidative damage in muscle tissues.

However, while these findings are promising, the number and scale of clinical trials remain limited, and some results are mixed or modest in magnitude. More large-scale, high-quality human studies are needed to establish clear recommendations. Nevertheless, the current evidence—though not definitive—does provide a scientific basis for the use of astaxanthin as a supportive supplement for muscle health and recovery, justifying a moderate evidence rating.

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Other ingredients that support Muscles

Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetylcholine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algae
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
amino acids
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
animal protein
animal Tissue
Anserina
antler
arachidonic acid
arginine alpha ketoglutarate
Arginine alpha-ketoisocaproate
Arginine aspartate
arginine creatine
Arginine malate
Arginine nitrate
Arginine silicate
arnica
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
avocado
ba ji tian
banana
BCAA
bee products
beef
Beef liver
Beef Protein
beet
beta-alanine
beta-hydroxybutyrate
bicarbonate
Biopeptide
black galingale
black ginger
black gram
Black willow
blue cohosh
bovine
bovine liver
bovine protein
branched-chain amino acids
bromelain
brown rice protein
C-phycocyanin
caffeine
calcium
camphor oil
cardarine
Carnosine
casein
Cetylated Fatty Acids
cherry
chia seed
chickpea protein
Chinese mountain ant
chloride
chuchuhuasi
citrate malate
coca
Coconut Water
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
cramp bark
creatine
creatine monohydrate
Curcuma
Curcuminoid
Cyanotis arachnoides
Cyanotis vaga
Cyathula
d-alpha tocopherol
D-Ribose
date
deer velvet
devil's claw
dextrose
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Dipeptide
Dipsacus
DL-Methionine
dong quai root
ecdysteroids
ecdysterone
egg
Egg protein
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
elk antler
emu oil
epicatechin
epistane
Erythrina
essential oil blend
Ethyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
eucommia
Eurycoma Longifolia
fatty acids
fibroblast growth factor
fish
fish protein
forskohlii root
Ginsenosides
glucose
Glutamine
Glycerol
Glycine
Glycocyamine
GMS-ribose
guanidinoacetic acid
guanidinopropionic acid (GPA )
guelder rose
Haematococcus pluvialis
hairy arnica
herbal blend (proprietary)
HMB hydroxymethylbutyrate
hydroxymethylbutyrate
icariin
Iporuru
iron
Isoleucine
isomaltulose
kale
ketosterones
L-alanine
L-alanyl-L-glutamine
L-arginine
l-carnitine
L-carnosine
L-citrulline
L-glutamine
L-glycine
l-isoleucine
L-leucine
L-ornithine
L-proline
L-taurine
L-threonine
L-valine
lactalbumin
Lavandin
Legume protein
Lentein
Lentil
leucine alpha-ketoglutarate
lipids
magnesium
malic acid
maral root
Marine protein
Marjoram
Maslinic acid
Menthol oil
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methylxanthine
Milk
Milk Protein
Mineral ascorbate
Mineral blend
NADH
nicotinamide riboside
Ornithine
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
Pea
Peppermint
Peptides
Phosphatidic Acid
Phosphocreatine
phosphorus
phytocannabinoids
Phytoecdysteroid
Plankton
polyphenols
potash
potassium
Propionyl-L-Carnitine
protein
proteolytic enzymes
Puerain
pyruvate
Qin Jiao
quinoa
Quinoa Protein
Rhaponticum
rhizome
ribose
rue
Safed musli
Salmon Oil
salt
Shilajit
Sida cordifolia
siler root
solomon's seal
Soy Protein
soybean
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spinach
spirulina
squawvine
suma
Taurine
Taxillus sutchuenensis
Terpenoids
Tongkat ali
trace minerals
Tribulus Terrestris
Trichopus zeylanicus
Turkesterone
turmeric
Tynanthus panurensis
ubiquinol
Urolithin A
Ursolic Acid
Vegetable Protein
Viburnum
vitamin B
vitamin C
vitamin D
vitamin D3
Watermelon
wheat germ
Whey protein
white willow
Wintergreen
Withanolides
Wood betony
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)

Other body systems supported by astaxanthin

Arteries
Brain
Circulatory System
Eyes
Heart
Immune System
Muscles
Skin