Astaxanthin and the Liver

Chronic liver disease is reported as one of the 15 leading causes of death in the U.S.

In the year 2020 it contributed to over 50,000 fatalities.¹

These liver diseases include nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, viral hepatitis, and other toxic conditions.

A large proportion of the population is at risk of long-term liver damage.

Researchers are intrigued by animal, preclinical and human data about the carotenoid astaxanthin and its potential ability to protect the liver in multiple ways.^2-5

Studies show that this plant carotenoid can help defend the liver against injury and may help reverse damage that has already been done.^2,3

Astaxanthin has been studied for potential clinical benefits, including for eye,^6-8 heart,^8-10 and brain health.^8,11

Protecting the liver is one more area where astaxanthin may prove valuable.²

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid produced by marine microorganisms such as microalgae and phytoplankton. It is responsible for the pinkish color of shrimp, salmon, and flamingos, as a result of how much astaxanthin they consume.¹⁰

Astaxanthin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.¹⁰

More recent research has found that astaxanthin protects against various forms of injury that can cause chronic liver disease.^2,3

Role in Liver Fibrosis

Several factors can cause liver damage, including poor diet, metabolic disease, alcohol consumption, hepatitis viruses, and others. These lead to a cycle of chronic inflammation, and tissue destruction that over time can cause liver fibrosis (scarring).¹²

In the late stages of liver disease, this scarring becomes permanent. When large sections of the liver are replaced by scar tissue and can no longer function, it is known as cirrhosis. The end-stage result is liver failure. At this point, the only effective treatment is a liver transplant.¹²

Several in vivo and in vitro studies have found that astaxanthin is protective against fibrosis.^2,3,13,14

With fibrosis, a certain type of liver cell becomes activated and begins synthesizing fibrous tissue. In animal models and human liver cells, astaxanthin prevents and reverses this process, blocking the activation of these cells and shutting down cells that have already been activated.^15,16

The chemical carbon tetrachloride is a powerful liver toxin. It causes severe liver damage, leading to fibrosis.¹⁷

In an animal trial, with liver damage induced by this liver toxin, rats were given astaxanthin at a dose of 10 mg/kg. After two weeks it was observed that the liver in the treatment group was protected from oxidative damage induced by the toxin, with a significant reduction of inflammation and fibrosis.¹⁷

Role in Fatty Liver Disease

A condition called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease causes the liver to accumulate fat, resulting in inflammation and damage that can lead to liver fibrosis and loss of function. More than 20% of adults in the U.S. and North America may suffer from this condition.¹⁸

Preclinical studies show that astaxanthin may help to prevent or even reverse it.

Several rodent model studies have shown that astaxanthin can prevent and reverse the development of fatty liver changes. It also improved markers of metabolism and insulin sensitivity.^{5,13,14,19-21}

One group of scientists studying different models of fatty liver disease in mice found that giving them astaxanthin:⁵

• Prevented fatty liver changes,
• Reversed existing changes, decreasing liver fat,
• Reduced inflammation and fibrosis, and
• Improved insulin sensitivity.

The same research group performed a preliminary study in humans with existing fatty liver. Subjects were randomized to receive either 12 mg of astaxanthin per day for 24 weeks or a placebo. Compared to the placebo, astaxanthin was able to reduce liver fat and slow the progression of fatty liver.⁵

Several studies have illustrated some ways that astaxanthin can protect the liver.² In addition to shielding against oxidative damage and inflammation, it inhibits the signaling proteins NF-kB and PPARs, which are both drivers of liver inflammation and formation of fatty deposits. These effects can even help decompose existing fat droplets in the liver.^20,21

Other Liver Benefits

Preclinical studies have found that astaxanthin administration holds promise for a wide range of liver disorders.²

• One notable example is alcoholic liver disease—multiple changes that are normally seen in the liver with excessive alcohol intake—including inflammation, fatty change, fibrosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Excessive alcohol intake over time is one of the most common causes of cirrhosis and liver failure. Several animal model studies have shown that astaxanthin protects against alcohol-induced liver damage.^22-27 It was shown in a mouse model that by improving gut health and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress caused by alcohol, astaxanthin guarded against liver damage.²⁶
• In a study of mice on a high-fat diet, astaxanthin inhibited the increases in body weight, and reduced liver weight, liver triglyceride, plasma triglyceride, and total cholesterol.²⁸ This suggests astaxanthin might be of value in reducing the likelihood of obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Even in a study of healthy older women, astaxanthin reduced liver enzymes in the blood, which can be markers of liver damage.⁴ This provides evidence that astaxanthin intake may protect the liver in people with or without any obvious signs of liver damage.

Conclusion

The carotenoid astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory.

Preclinical models show that astaxanthin is protective of the liver, and some preliminary research in humans is also promising. Astaxanthin may guard against fatty liver changes, damage due to alcohol and other toxins, and liver fibrosis.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

References

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