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Astaxanthin for Endothelial Dysfunction

D Early Research Only preliminary research exists (lab studies, case reports).

Improved blood rheology and microcirculation in small RCTs. Membrane-spanning antioxidant may help protect endothelial cells. FMD endpoint studies are needed.

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            D

        

        

            
The Bottom Line

            
            
Improved blood rheology and microcirculation in small RCTs. Membrane-spanning antioxidant may help protect endothelial cells. FMD endpoint studies are needed.

            
            
        

    










    

  
Key Study Findings





    

        
        

            

                
                    Review
                
                
                
                
            

            
                Astaxanthin: a novel potential treatment for oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular disease.
            
            

                
                Dose: None
                
                
                vs: None
                
                
                Outcome: Astaxanthin: a novel potential treatment for oxidative stress …
                
                
                Effect: None
                
                
                None
                
            

            
            
Population: None

            
        

        
    







    
    

        
        

            

  
Key Statistics





            


    

        
2

        
Studies

    

    

        
100

        
Participants

    

    

        
            
            ↑
            
        
        
Positive

    

    

        D

        
Grade

    




        


        
        
        

            

  
Referenced Papers





            

                
                

                    

                        
                            Astaxanthin: a novel potential treatment for oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular disease.
                        
                        
                            
                                Review
                            
                            
                            
                        
                    

                    

                        The American journal …
                        2008
                        
                        441 citations
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Dosage & Usage





            
mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units


            
            

                
Commonly Used Dosages

                

                    
                    

                        
general:

                        
4-12 mg/day

                    

                    
                    

                        
cardiovascularsupport:

                        
8-12 mg/day

                    

                    
                

                
                

                    Upper limit: Not formally established; up to 40 mg/day used in short-term studies
                

                
            

            

            
            

                
Dosages Studied in Research

                

                    

                        
                            

                                Dosage
                                Duration
                                Effect
                                N
                            

                        
                        
                            
                            

                                None
                                --
                                
                                    
                                    Positive
                                    
                                
                                --
                            

                            
                        
                    

                

            

            

            
            

                Best taken: With meals containing fat (carotenoid — fat-soluble)
            

            
        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Safety & Side Effects





            

                
                

                    
Reported Side Effects

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Generally well-tolerated
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Orange skin discoloration at very high doses (harmless)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ⚠
                            Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Known Interactions

                    
    
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Blood pressure medications (may have mild additive hypotensive effect)
                        
    • 
                        
                        
  • 
                            ●
                            Hormone-sensitive conditions (theoretical, as carotenoid)
                        
    • 
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    

                        Tolerable upper intake: Not formally established; up to 40 mg/day used in short-term studies
                    

                

                
            

            

                Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.
            

        

        

        
        
        

            

  
Frequently Asked Questions





            




    
    

        
            Does Astaxanthin help with Endothelial Dysfunction?
            
        
        

            Based on 2 studies with 100 participants, there is preliminary evidence that needs more research that Astaxanthin may support Endothelial Dysfunction management. Our evidence grade is D (Very Early Research).
        

    

    
    

        
            How much Astaxanthin should I take for Endothelial Dysfunction?
            
        
        

            Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 4-12 mg/day. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
        

    

    
    

        
            Are there side effects of Astaxanthin?
            
        
        

            Reported side effects may include Generally well-tolerated, Orange skin discoloration at very high doses (harmless), Mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.
        

    

    
    

        
            How strong is the evidence for Astaxanthin and Endothelial Dysfunction?
            
        
        

            We rate the evidence as Grade D (Very Early Research). This rating is based on 2 peer-reviewed studies with 100 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.
        

    

    




        

        

        
        
        

            

  




            

                
                

                    
Other ingredients for Endothelial Dysfunction

                    

                        
                        
                            Cocoa Flavanols
                            A

                        
                        
                        
                            L-Arginine
                            C

                        
                        
                        
                            Grape Seed Extract
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                

                
                

                    
Astaxanthin for other conditions

                    

                        
                        
                            High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia)
                            C

                        
                        
                    

                

                
            

        

        

    


    
    






  
References

  
    
    
    
  1. 
      [1]
      Fredric J Pashkow et al..
      Am J Cardiol.
      2008.
      Astaxanthin: a novel potential treatment for oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular disease.
      doi:10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.02.010
      PubMed
    
    2. 
    
  















    

        FDA Disclaimer:
        These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.