AstaReal Enhances Energy Metabolism During Exercise: Study

An astaxanthin ingredient marketed as AstaReal was shown in a recent clinical study to shift the metabolic balance of women favorably during exercise, as they burned more fat than carbohydrates compared to those who were not taking the supplement. The findings were published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements.

The findings, according to the authors, suggest that it may support steadier energy and more efficient performance in women, who have historically been under-represented in sports nutrition research.

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, 20 recreationally active women were administered a placebo or 12 mg of AstaReal for two weeks. Researchers assessed energy-use efficiency during a graded cycling exercise by measuring respiratory exchange ratio, a biomarker that reveals the balance between fat and carbohydrate used for energy production.

Women who took the astaxanthin ingredient saw significant improvements in fat oxidation at moderate intensities during exercise. At submaximal intensities, fat utilization is highest, and metabolic shifts can support smoother workouts and endurance adaptations. These improvements occurred without increases in heart rate, blood lactate, or perceived exertion, suggesting no cardiovascular or perceptual stress.

“These findings reinforce a shift in sports nutrition from simply increasing output to improving metabolic efficiency,” said Hunter Waldman, PhD, study author. “Rather than pushing the body to work harder, AstaReal Astaxanthin optimizes how it produces and utilizes cellular energy, making it a powerful performance multiplier.”