Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies

Abstract

Astaxanthin (AST), a naturally-occurring keto-carotenoid found in several species of bacteria and microalgae, has demonstrated diverse biological activities in vitro and in vivo. There is growing commercial interest in the application of astaxanthin in nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, due to its purported photoprotective, DNA repair, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory benefits. This systematic review therefore aimed to summarize current clinical evidence on the effects of astaxanthin supplementation on skin health. Using the following combinations of broad Major Exploded Subject Headings (MesH) terms or text words [astaxanthin OR AST OR ASX OR carotenoid OR xanthophyll] AND [skin OR derm*], a comprehensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Clinicaltrials.gov, and Google Scholar databases found a total of eleven clinical studies. There were six randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials, while the rest were prospective, open-label studies. In many of the randomized, controlled trials reviewed, AST supplementation improved skin texture, appearance (wrinkles), and moisture content at the end of the study period. AST also appeared to protect against UV-induced skin damage. No serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies. However, most available studies had a relatively small sample size and were conducted on healthy Japanese females. Many of the studies were also funded by commercial entities, with potential conflicts of interests. This was difficult to account for in our analyses. Overall, there is some clinical data to support the benefits of astaxanthin supplementation (in the range of 3 to 6 mg/d) on skin health, especially for photoaged skin.

Keywords:

• anti-ageing
• astaxanthin
• carotenoid
• clinical trials
• skin
• systematic review
• xanthophyll

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Qin Xiang Ng

Dr Qin Xiang Ng is a practicing clinician in a tertiary hospital in Singapore and an active member of the Singapore Medical Association, the Royal Society of Physicians (UK), the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (USA), and the Society for Science and the Public (USA). He has broad academic and research interests in the fields of nutritional psychiatry, functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, and evidence-based medicine. He has published several papers in these areas and is skilled in the conduct of lab work, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. Dr Ng holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.,B.S.) from the National University of Singapore, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree.

Michelle Lee Zhi Qing De Deyn

Dr Michelle Lee Zhi Qing De Deyn graduated from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, School of Medicine. She has been working in the NHS and has practiced in Dermatology, Plastic Surgery, Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, Respiratory, Upper GI General Surgery and Psychiatry in various hospitals in North East England. Dr De Deyn has a special interest in Dermatology, which led to her obtaining a postgraduate diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London. She also teaches and regularly does clinical audits to improve patient care.

Wayren Loke

Dr Wayren Loke completed his formal undergraduate medical training at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (UK). He is currently a Urology Medical Officer at a tertiary hospital in Singapore. He has prior experience in the fields of Anaesthesiology, Internal Medicine as well as General surgery. He has a special interest in Anaesthesiology and has presented at several conferences and written several papers on this subject.

Nadine Xinhui Foo

Dr Nadine Xinhui Foo is a graduate of the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore. She has practiced in Internal Medicine, Orthopaedic surgery and Obstetrics and Gynaecology departments in various hospitals in Singapore including Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Changi General Hospital, Sengkang General Hospital and KK Women's and Children’s Hospital. She has completed audits and research related to frailty and sarcopenia in the elderly, and received awards for her work at national conferences. She believes in a holistic approach towards healthcare and looks forward to a meaningful career in primary care.

Hwei Wuen Chan

Dr Hwei Wuen Chan is an accredited Consultant Ophthalmologist, currently practising at the National University Hospital, Singapore. She received her formal medical training at the University College London (UCL) before pursuing residency training in Singapore. During her residency training, Dr Chan served as the Chief Resident, and is still actively involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Dr Chan holds a joint appointment on the National University of Singapore (NUS) Clinical Faculty Scheme. She is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (UK). She is currently pursuing her fellowship training in medical retina and vitreoretinal surgery. Dr Chan also has a keen interest in visual electrophysiology and complex cataract surgery. She is proficient in the management of adult cataracts and is trained in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery.

Wee Song Yeo

Dr Wee Song Yeo is a fully-registered Consultant Paediatrician in Singapore, currently enjoying a fulfilling private practice career. He previously held the position of Consultant Paediatrician and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Division of Paediatric Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation of the Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital. Dr Yeo received his undergraduate education at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore before pursuing further specialty training in Paediatrics at the university hospital. He has been a member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health of the United Kingdom (MRCPCH) since 2006 and is accredited as a specialist in both Paediatric Medicine and Paediatric Nephrology by the Ministry of Health, Singapore. He is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh (FRCPE), Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (FRCPCH), Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, the American Society of Nephrology (FASN), and the Academy of Medicine, Singapore (FAMS). He is a published researcher in the fields of transplant immunology and immunological basis of childhood nephrotic syndrome, and maintains an interest in bioengineering and medical device development.