Astaxanthin supports memory and mood, according to recently published studies
Two recent human clinical studies have studied the cognitive health effects of the patented astaxanthin supplement called AstaZine, from Algae Health Sciences, a division of BGG.
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Two recent human clinical studies have studied the cognitive health effects of the patented astaxanthin supplement called AstaZine, from Algae Health Sciences (Irvine, CA), a division of BGG. The first trial, published in EC Nutrition1, studied the effects of astaxanthin on mood. Researchers gave 28 healthy subjects (half male and half female) with a median age of 42 either 12 mg of astaxanthin per day or placebo. At baseline and at the end of an eight-week supplementation period, subjects completed a Profile of Mood States survey to assess global mood state and subscales, specifically vigor, tension, depression, anger, fatigue, and confusion. Results showed that subjects taking astaxanthin experienced significant improvements in global mood state (+11%) and vigor (+5%), and reductions in depression (-57%), fatigue (-36%), tension (-20%), anger (-12%), and confusion (-28%).
The second study published in Pharmacometrics2 studied the effects of astaxanthin on cognitive function, specifically memory. Researchers gave 44 subjects either 9 mg of astaxanthin or placebo every day for 12 weeks. The cognitive function of subjects was tested at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks after intake. Results showed that compared to placebo, subjects taking astaxanthin showed a significant increase in composite memory (calculated as the sum of verbal memory and visual memory domains). Visual memory was also significantly higher among subjects taking astaxanthin, compared to placebo.
“We’re extremely pleased to have two additional successful clinical trials for AstaZine under our belt,” said Yanmei Li, PhD, chief scientific officer of BGG, in a press release. “Our goal is to maintain a leadership role in the botanical sector through innovation and continuing scientific discoveries.”
References:
1. Talbott S. et al. “Astaxanthin Supplementation Reduces Depression and Fatigue in Healthy Subjects.” EC Nutrition, vol. 14.3 (2019): 239-246
2. Sekikawa, T., Kizawa, Y., Li, Y., Takara., T. “Cognitive Function Improvement with Astaxanthin Intake: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Pharmacometrics, vol. 97, no. ½ (2019): 1-13
