AstaZine astaxanthin improves visual function in middle-aged and elderly adults who use digital screens, study shows

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A second vision-health study on BGG World’s (Irvine, CA) AstaZine branded astaxanthin ingredient has found that the ingredient poses significant benefits for visual function. A new study¹ in Japan examined the effects of AstaZine supplementation on adults who use visual display terminals (VDT).

The six-week, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled parallel study enrolled 60 healthy adults between the ages of 20 and 64. For six weeks, subjects were given a daily softgel containing either 9 mg of BGG’s AstaZine astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) or a placebo of safflower oil.

Subjects were screened before beginning supplementation and six weeks after beginning supplementation. They were asked to play a video game on a portable gaming device for 60 minutes. Using tools like a functional visual acuity tester, researchers screened subjects’ visual acuity, functional visual acuity, and pupil constriction rate.

Results showed that in subjects 40 years and older who were given the AstaZine supplement, there was a significant difference in near-vision visual acuity of the dominant eye after VDT work, compared to the placebo group. Researchers concluded that “the present findings showed that the intake of astaxanthin (9 mg/day) for six weeks could prevent VDT work-related visual acuity loss.” In subjects younger than age 40, however, including those taking AstaZine, no significant differences were observed in near-vision visual acuity before and after VDT work. The study also did not find significant differences between the test and placebo groups in terms of pupil constriction rate and functional visual acuity.

The researchers discussed the benefits seen in older adults, pointing to astaxanthin’s known antioxidant benefits and ability to reduce oxidative stress related to digital screens. “These results suggest astaxanthin reduces oxidative stress caused by visual display terminal work,” they wrote. “Age-related reduction in ciliary muscle strength is likely the main detractor of visual acuity. Correspondingly, astaxanthin reduced visual display terminal–induced visual stress in the middle-aged and elderly.”

In a press release, Yanmei Li, PhD, BGG’s global chief scientific officer, stated, “This is the second publication for visual health which used AstaZine. As we age, doctors believe that key muscles in our eyes lose strength, which in turn leads to a reduction in our ability to see detail. This is particularly pronounced in people overusing computers and smartphones. Fortunately, supplementing with AstaZine is an effective way to combat this condition that affects so many of us in today’s world.”

Reference

1. Sekikawa T et al. “Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study.” Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition. Published online October 18, 2022.