The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, oxidative stress indices, lipid profile, uric acid level, blood pressure, endothelial function, quality of life, and disease symptoms in heart failure subjects
What this study found
Astaxanthin was associated with a favorable overall effect in heart failure, with the clearest finding being a significant between-group difference in total antioxidant capacity after 8 weeks. Compared with placebo, the active arm showed improvements in lipid profile, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory markers, nitric oxide, uric acid, blood pressure, quality of life, fatigue, shortness of breath, appetite, and some anthropometric measures. The authors concluded that astaxanthin may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering benefits in heart failure.
- Study & population
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in adults with stage C or D heart failure diagnosed by cardiologists and treated at Chamran Heart Hospital in Isfahan, Iran.
- Intervention
- Adults with heart failure received astaxanthin capsules 20 mg orally once daily for 60 consecutive days, compared with placebo.
- Key limitation
- The intervention was short, lasting only 8 weeks, and the study was single-center with a modest sample size of 40 participants per arm.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Background Heart failure is a chronic and progressive disease where the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood and oxygen to meet the body’s needs. Oxidative stress and inflammation are key elements in the development and progression of heart failure. Astaxanthin, a carotenoid, has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that may protect the cardiovascular system. A study will evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory status, oxidative stress, lipid profile, uric acid levels, endothelial function, quality of life, and disease symptoms in people with heart failure. Methods The current study is a double-blind controlled randomized clinical trial for 8 weeks, in which people with heart failure were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention (one capsule containing 20 mg of astaxanthin per day, n = 40) and placebo (one capsule containing 20 mg of maltodextrin per day, n = 40) will be divided. At the beginning and end of the intervention, uric acid, lipid profile, oxidative stress indices, inflammatory markers, blood pressure, nitric oxide, and anthropometric factors will be measured, and questionnaires measuring quality of life, fatigue intensity, shortness of breath, and appetite will be completed. SPSS version 22 software will be used for statistical analysis. Discussion There is a growing global interest in natural and functional food products. This RCT contributes to the expanding body of research on the potential benefits of astaxanthin in heart failure patients, including its antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and anti-inflammatory effects. Trial registration Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20200429047235N3. Registered on 26 March 2024.