Astaxanthin's cardiovascular health-boosting potential in firefighters?

Astaxanthin is known to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, eye protection, cardiovascular protection, and immune regulation effects.

1. Antioxidant effect: Astaxanthin has a strong antioxidant capacity, which can neutralize free radicals, reduce cell oxidative damage, and protect cells from oxidative stress.

2. Anti-inflammatory effect: Astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammatory responses and reduce the release of inflammatory mediators, thereby helping to relieve the symptoms of inflammation-related diseases.

3. Eye protection: Astaxanthin accumulates in the human retina, absorbs blue light and protects the retina from light damage, helping to prevent eye-related diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts.

4. Cardiovascular protection: Astaxanthin has the effects of lowering blood lipids, inhibiting the oxidation of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and anti-platelet aggregation, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and heart disease.

5. Immunomodulation: Astaxanthin can regulate the function of the immune system, enhance the activity and function of immune cells, improve the body's resistance, and help prevent infection and inflammatory diseases.

A study has found that supplementing with Astaxanthin could improve biomarkers of cardiometabolic health and reduce inflammation among firefighters.

Researchers largely link these effects to the strong antioxidant potential of astaxanthin as a functional ingredient.

The trial, which was conducted at the Texas A&M University, found that the astaxanthin nutraceutical can reduce levels of inflammatory biomarkers compared with the placebo group during short bursts of intense exercise.

There was also evidence to suggest that astaxanthin supplementation could enhance the ventilatory anaerobic threshold, meaning individuals taking the ingredient daily may experience an improvement in endurance.

This study is available to view in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Active occupational heart health

Firefighters are exposed to highly hazardous conditions on a regular basis, while also having a physically demanding role. 

These stressors could lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature ageing, owing to their exposure to high levels of inflammation and oxidative stress.

However, after four weeks of astaxanthin supplementation, it appears that the functional ingredient can work to mitigate this effect.

Throughout the study, participants were required to follow a standardised eight week strength and conditioning programme, with an incremental maximal cardiopulmondary exercise test and fire ground test being performed before and after each treatment.

During this study period, it was found that supplementing with 12mg of astaxanthin daily could reduce levels of interleukin-1β, uric acid and cortisol — three biomarkers associated with the inflammatory response.

Its ability to enhance a user's ventilatory anaerobic threshold was also noted, suggesting its potential benefits for exercise efficiency. 

The potential of astaxanthin in other active populations

Although this study hones in on the potential of astaxanthin in firefighters, the results can likely be extrapolated to other active populations. 

By offering protection to the muscles and cardiovascular system, astaxanthin could support active consumers in utilising their energy efficiently, while also working to reduce oxidative stress and exercise-induced muscular inflammation.

The ability of astaxanthin to supporting individuals in high-risk occupations, while also catering to the general consumer population, highlights its versatility as a health-boosting natural ingredient.

The effects and functions of astaxanthin may vary from person to person. As a supplement, astaxanthin should be used under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist and a healthy diet should be maintained during the period of use.