Astaxanthin improves the immune system in humans

It is shown in a recent published study by Park et al that astaxanthin can improve immune response in humans (1). By increasing the immune response, the body will defend pathogens, virus and inflammation better and in that way sustain human health. Immune cells are particularly sensitive to oxidative stress due to a high percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their plasma membranes. Astaxanthin can lower the oxidative stress level in the membrane and in that way enhance the immune response. In this randomized, double blind study, 42 healthy females were divided into three groups to receive 0 (control), 2 mg or 8 mg astaxanthin daily for 8 weeks. Several immune markers significantly enhanced by feeding 8 mg astaxanthin included T-cell and B cell mitogen-induced lymphocyte proliferation, NK cell cytotoxic activity, IFN-gamma and IL-6 production, and LFA-1 expression. This illustrate that dietary astaxanthin can improve the function of the immune system. In addition, subjects fed with 2 mg astaxanthin showed lower plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory action of astaxanthin in humans. Dietary astaxanthin also decreased the damage of DNA and concentrations of 8-OHdG were dramatically lower as early as week 4. To sum up, the study by Part et al showed that astaxanthin enhanced immune response and it decreased inflammation and DNA oxidative damage. So, this study support astaxanthins high potential for human health and that it should be part of every person’s life style.

Reference

Park et al. Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans. Nutr Metab. 2010;5(7):18.

Published 10-06-23