An astaxanthin ingredient marketed by Solabia-Algatech as AstaPure Arava was evidenced in a recent placebo-controlled human clinical study to have a beneficial effect on immune function and global well-being. A key function of the ingredient, according to the study, was a significant reduction in cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, compared to placebo, coupled with positive changes in the gut microbiome.
 
AstaPure Arava is a whole-algae ingredient sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis, which contains all of the nutrients found in microalgae. It provides 3% astaxanthin, 50% polysaccharides and dietary fibers, 28% lipids, 14% proteins, and a variety of B-complex vitamins and trace minerals. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant evidenced to cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, according to the company.
 
In the present study, appearing in EC Pharmacology and Toxicology, 16 male and 16 female runners took either AstaPure Arava or a placebo daily for three weeks before and for one week following a competitive marathon or half-marathon. The runners then completed a profile of mood state psychological assessment and a health log questionnaire assessing health status and upper respiratory tract complaints (URTCs), and provided saliva and fecal samples for measurements of cortisol and microbiome diversity.
 
Subjects in the experimental group reported significantly fewer URTC complaints, and a significantly better overall sense of well-being. In the supplement group, the total number of URTC symptoms reported, like cough, sore throat, sniffles, stuffiness, etc., were 78% lower compared to placebo, while the Global Mood State scores were improved by 14% compared to no change in the placebo group.
 
Cortisol, the primary hormone associated with stress, was reduced at the end of treatment in the supplement group, with a 25% greater reduction than in the placebo group. There were no significant differences in overall microbiome indices following the endurance run, however, the supplement group saw a 72% increase in Streptococcus thermophilus, suggesting to the authors an improved immune system regulation.
 
Excessive training is known to suppress immune system vigilance and increase susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, and chronic overload can cause psychological distress and deteriorations in mood state, according to Shawn Talbott, PhD, chief science officer at Amare Global Research and co-author of the study.
 
“Athletes building up for an endurance competition such as a half-marathon or marathon are exposed to strenuous physical and mental conditions,” Talbott said. “The one-to-two-week period following intense endurance competition represents a period of particularly elevated susceptibility to immune deficiency and psychological stress.”
 
“These results suggest that AstaPure Arava could help improve the immune system’s acuity and improve the overall sense of well-being following stress conditions,” said Dr. Solli Brawer, chief scientific officer of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. “The lower cortisol and superior microbiome parameters, suggest that immune vigilance and mental well-being are linked through the microbiome and stress response pathways. This research also adds to the growing scientific literature supporting the amazing arsenal of benefits astaxanthin together with other algal compounds, confers to our physical health and mental wellness.”