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Research studies exploring the effects of astaxanthin on testosterone (T) synthesis suggest benefits for men’s health and sexual performance. It is also promising as an agent to improve certain markers of male infertility.
Astaxanthin may help to naturally modulate the levels and activities of testosterone, estrogen (E) and certain other hormones. Natural astaxanthin is known as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. It also demonstrates certain other medical potentials.
The majority of research completed on astaxanthin to date has been in-vitro or animal based. A limited number of small-scale human trials have been sponsored by certain supplement manufacturers.
Larger-scaled, double-blind, controlled human trials are warranted to determine the full effects of astaxanthin on testosterone and male infertility.
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Astaxanthin may affect testosterone synthesis in a few different ways. It is important for men to maintain endogenous (internally synthesized) testosterone levels as they get older.
Doing so can help to inhibit andropause (male menopause), sarcopenia (muscle wasting due to age) and general declines in physical performance capacities.
Testosterone is an androgenic steroid hormone. Androgens are compounds which promote and accommodate the development and maintenance of male traits.
Steroids are compounds with specific molecular structures containing four 6-carbon rings that exert influences on organs systems throughout the body.
Like all steroid hormones, testosterone is synthesized by cholesterol. Cholesterol has a similar molecular structure, also containing four rings.
It has been shown that increasing certain fatty acids in the diet can help to upregulate natural testosterone synthesis. These include MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids), PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) and saturated fats. It has also been shown that decreasing saturated fats in the diet is associated with decreased serum testosterone levels.
How Astaxanthin Increases Testosterone
Astaxanthin’s effects on testosterone may be linked to certain cardioprotective properties that it induces. It has been shown to help lower LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, “bad” cholesterol). It also shows positive effects for decreasing serum triglycerides, and for elevating HDL-C (“good” cholesterol).
Astaxanthin effects include naturally inhibiting an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase (5AR). Pharmaceutical agents which inhibit 5AR may cause testosterone increases.
However, 5AR-inhibitor drugs are associated with increased risks for developing high-grade prostate cancer and other serious conditions. Some suggest that astaxanthin may be a safe, natural way to raise testosterone levels without the risk of serious side effects.
Astaxanthin may also inhibit the aromatase enzyme. This enzyme converts testosterone to estradiol. Estradiol is a major form of estrogen (female hormone).
If testosterone is converted to estradiol excessively, then gynecomastia (male breast growth) and/or other undesirable effects may develop. Excess levels of estrogen in men can also cause signs of “estrogen dominance”, which can result in weight gain, changes in mood, acne and other side effects.
Astaxanthin and Dihydrotestosterone
Astaxanthin has also been reported to decrease levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the active form of testosterone. Among other effects, it promotes prostate growth. Increasing levels of DHT are associated with prostate enlargement in aging men.
However, there are some who argue that the positive effects of astaxanthin on testosterone levels are negated because it blocks the conversion into active DHT. In studies, Astaxanthin has been found to increase serum testosterone levels in men by preventing it from being converted into dihydrotestosterone.
This is a similar mechanism of action to saw palmetto extract, which also blocks DHT conversion. More research is needed to determine the effects of astaxanthin on testosterone utilization in the body.
Astaxanthin Testosterone Trials on PUBMED
One human trial studied astaxanthin testosterone effects, as well as it effects on other hormones like estradiol and DHT. All of these substances are associated with the development of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia, enlarged prostate), andropause and prostate cancer.
The trial involved 42 men between the ages of 37 and 70. All were considered healthy. The combination supplement tested was called Alphastat®. It is a mixture of natural astaxanthin and saw palmetto berry extract. One group of the men took 800 mg of Alphastat® each day; the other took 2000 mg daily. The study lasted 14 days.
Within 3 days of beginning the study, significant increases of T were noted along with significant decreases in DHT. Clinically significant declines in estradiol were noted only in the group receiving the 2000 mg daily dose.
In another study, astaxanthin’s effects on testosterone were studied in conjunction with certain markers of male infertility. Astaxanthin was used in combination with a specific mainstream male infertility treatment.
This randomized, double-blind study was conducted on 30 male subjects who had been experiencing infertility symptoms for at least 2 months. 16 mg daily doses of AstaReal, or a placebo were administered over a 90-day period.
Parameters monitored in this study included certain semen markers, levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), spontaneous or induced pregnancies in partners; and serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, inhibin B and follicle stimulating hormone.
Significant reductions in ROS and inhibin B were reported. Additionally, the treatment group achieved a 54.5% increase in total pregnancies. In this study, astaxanthin’s effects on testosterone were not conclusive.
Astaxanthin vs. Testosterone Replacement Therapies
If you supplement with synthetic testosterone for extended time periods, it may actually cause you to lose your ability to self-maintain T levels. Using common testosterone replacement therapies can cause you to suppress your regulatory hormones; causing them to be released at inadequate levels. In time, this can hinder the ability to naturally synthesize testosterone.
Testosterone replacement therapies may include injections, pills, creams and other delivery methods. All TRT methods are associated with potentials for major side effects. Various minor side effects are quite common. In comparison, astaxanthin’s testosterone boosting effects are not associated with any adverse side effects, major or minor.
Conclusions
To date, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effects of astaxanthin on testosterone synthesis or male infertility. Preliminary human research seems promising and larger-scaled human trials have been warranted.
If you are considering using natural astaxanthin to increase your testosterone levels, then speak with your doctor first. Astaxanthin has the potential to affect numerous biological and psychological functions.
Although this natural substance is known to be quite safe generally, possibilities may exist for certain interactions with prescribed medications, other herbal supplements and/or certain diseases and conditions.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
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AM 78 YEARS OLD CAN I TAKE ASTAXANTHIN