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Improved fertility with astaxanthin
Studies suggest that supplementation of astaxanthin alongside essential nutrients supports healthy pregnancy by reducing oxidative stress risks and promoting embryonic development. BDI-BioLife Science, Austria’s leading producer of astaxanthin, outlines how the antioxidant shows promise in enhancing fertility in both male and female patients.
N
atural astaxanthin from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis is an active agent
from the group of carotenoids and the subclass xanthophylls. As the molecule has 40 carbon atoms and numerous conjugated double bonds, it can efficiently transfer electrons and neutralise free radicals. Due to its specific chain length, the structure of its end groups and the number of methyl groups, it has a strong effect as an antioxidant without becoming a radical or pro-oxidative. Antioxidants like astaxanthin have anti-inflammatory properties and can support the immune system. In numerous studies, a positive effect has been attributed to astaxanthin supplementation regarding the activity of natural killer cells in the body, oxidative balance and inflammation. Vitamins and trace elements, so-called micro-nutrients, are fundamental for a functioning organism and a healthy lifestyle. Improving the quality of food and supplementation with micro-nutrients, including antioxidants like astaxanthin, is especially recommended in phases like growth, everyday stress and pregnancy.
mother increases, iron and B vitamins help the female body to produce new blood cells, prevent signs of fatigue and support the functioning of the thyroid. With the intake of folic acid and iodine, the risk of a neural tube defect is minimised and nerve development enhanced. During pregnancy, among other things, the production of ROS rises due to the placenta’s manner of functioning. During the first weeks, the placenta assumes all important vital functions like nutrition, detoxication and oxygen supply of the foetus. Oxidative stress that may occur is correlated to a risk of spontaneous termination of the pregnancy and other complications. As studies have shown, astaxanthin, together with the aforementioned vitamins and nutrients, can support a healthy pregnancy.
Success in studies
Oxidative stress has a negative effect on male fertility and may harm DNA. Sperm cells have a specific plasma membrane structure that is responsible for high sperm motility and enables the fertilisation of an oocyte. The high amount of unsaturated fatty acids in the plasma
“A significantly higher number of pregnancies was observed over the test period in female partners of the astaxanthin group.”
Prior to pregnancy, the proper nutrient and vitamin supply can support a healthy embryonic development and an uncomplicated birth – for example, zinc and B vitamins can enhance human fertility. For healthy child development, omega-3 fatty acids are recommended to promote the development of the foetus’ eyes and brain. As the blood volume of the
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membrane of sperm cells makes the latter sensitive to high amounts of ROS and oxidative stress. As sperm cells have little protection against free radicals, oxidative stress can reduce the vitality and motility of sperm and may alter its metabolism. Analyses between 1971–2011 in industrial countries show a significant reduction of sperm count by more than 50%.
In a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind study on astaxanthin supplementation, the enhancement of sperm concentration and quality were demonstrated. Furthermore, a significantly higher number of pregnancies was observed over the test period in female partners of the astaxanthin group taking 16mg of astaxanthin every day. More than half of the group (54.5%) became pregnant, while the number in the placebo group was only 10.5%. Additionally, astaxanthin may also contribute to increased fertility due to improved sperm capacitation. Only due to the capacitation, the biochemical alteration process of the sperm cell, is it possible to fertilise the oocyte. In-vitro studies have shown that astaxanthin may improve this process due to its positive effect on oxidative balance. Furthermore, testing animals with typical risk factors for poor fertility demonstrated positive effects in the test group with astaxanthin supplementation. For example, sperm cells of overweight rats that had been fed with astaxanthin saw a higher sperm count, motility and vitality than the rats of the reference group. Another experiment showed astaxanthin may minimise the deleterious effects of nicotine on fertility. Since the 1990s, astaxanthin has been explored and used in horse breeding to reach higher reproductive performance and profitability. In summary: Male fertility and the probability of pregnancy can be enhanced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing ROS as well as by astaxanthin supplementation combined with other nutrients and vitamins. ●
www.bdi-biolifescience.com 15
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