Building strength, endurance, and mobility using an astaxanthin formulation with functional training in elderly

Abstract

BackgroundBuilding both strength and endurance has been a challenge in exercise training in the elderly, but dietary supplements hold promise as agents for improving muscle adaptation. Here, we test a formulation of natural products (AX: astaxanthin, 12 mg and tocotrienol, 10 mg and zinc, 6 mg) with both anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties in combination with exercise. We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of elderly subjects (65–82 years) on a daily oral dose with interval walking exercise on an incline treadmill.MethodsForty‐two subjects were fed AX or placebo for 4 months and trained 3 months (3×/week for 40–60 min) with increasing intervals of incline walking. Strength was measured as maximal voluntary force (MVC) in ankle dorsiflexion exercise, and tibialis anterior muscle size (cross‐sectional area, CSA) was determined from magnetic resonance imaging.ResultsGreater endurance (exercise time in incline walking, >50%) and distance in 6 min walk (>8%) accompanied training in both treatments. Increases in MVC by 14.4% (±6.2%, mean ± SEM, P < 0.02, paired t‐test), CSA by 2.7% (±1.0%, P < 0.01), and specific force by 11.6% (MVC/CSA, ±6.0%, P = 0.05) were found with AX treatment, but no change was evident in these properties with placebo treatment (MVC, 2.9% ± 5.6%; CSA, 0.6% ± 1.2%; MVC/CSA, 2.4 ± 5.7%; P > 0.6 for all).ConclusionsThe AX formulation improved muscle strength and CSA in healthy elderly in addition to the elevation in endurance and walking distance found with exercise training alone. Thus, the AX formulation in combination with a functional training programme uniquely improved muscle strength, endurance, and mobility in the elderly.

Astaxanthin as a Putative Geroprotector: Molecular Basis and Focus on Brain Aging

“…ASX has been widely studied in vivo models for its potential role in preventing muscle loss and ameliorate muscle strength and exercise performance, and there is preliminary evidence in endurance performance and post-exercise recovery in humans [ 49 ]. In healthy older adults, in particular, a recent study has shown how supplementation with ASX has improved muscle strength and muscle size of cross-sectional area (CSA), in addition to the increase in endurance and distance covered with physical training alone [ 50 ]. Therefore, ASX supplementation, in combination with a functional training program, can potentially improve muscle strength, endurance, and mobility in the elderly.…”

Effects of astaxanthin on the protection of muscle health (Review)

“…The CK and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in serum were significantly increased with soccer training without treatment but were lowered with astaxanthin administration (45). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, Liu et al (46) examined a test formulation consisting of astaxanthin (12 mg), tocotrienol (10 mg) and zinc (6 mg) on building strength, endurance and mobility in exercise training among the elderly. A total of 42 elderly subjects (aged 65-85 years) were recruited, fed with test formulation or placebo for 4 months and trained with increasing intervals of incline walking for three months (three times weekly for 40-60 min).…”

“…identified a greater endurance in a 6-min walk upon exercise training in both experimental groups. The subjects administered astaxanthin formulation had higher MVC and CSA, indicating improved muscle strength and size as compared to the placebo-treated exercised subjects (46). A recent study by Takami et al (47) assessed whether foods containing antioxidants (such as catechin, astaxanthin, quercetin, glutathione and anthocyanin) could boost aerobic metabolism during exercise training.…”

“…The authors identified a greater endurance in a 6-min walk upon exercise training in both experimental groups. The subjects administered astaxanthin formulation had higher MVC and CSA, indicating improved muscle strength and size as compared to the placebo-treated exercised subjects ( 46 ).…”

Recent Progress in Sources, Biological Activity and Application of Astaxanthin

“…Astaxanthin could improve the muscle strength of elderly. And it has been shown that the right amount of astaxanthin combined with functional training can significantly improve the muscle strength, endurance and flexibility of the elderly (Liu et al, 2018). The edible history of astaxanthin has been in existence for more than 20 years and there has been no safety problems.…”