The effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and anthropometric indices in patients with heart failure: a randomized controlled trial

Chronic inflammation and dyslipidemia are common pathophysiological features of heart failure (HF). Astaxanthin, a potent marine-derived antioxidant, has shown anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering properties. This study conducted to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation on inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and anthropometric indices in patients with heart failure. In this 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 80 patients with stage C/D heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50% were randomly assigned to receive 20 mg/day of astaxanthin or placebo. Serum levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α), Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1(MCP-1), and high sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), lipid profile, and anthropometric indices were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Astaxanthin administration resulted in a significant reduction in TNF-α levels (-3.19 vs. -1.26 pg/mL; p = 0.013) and MCP-1 concentrations (-2.47 vs. 6.48 pg/mL; p = 0.004) compared to placebo. Additionally, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels decreased significantly (p = 0.024), while a non-significant reduction in total cholesterol was observed after adjustment (p = 0.061). No significant changes were observed in other lipid parameters, hs-CRP, or anthropometric measurements. Eight-week supplementation with 20 mg/day astaxanthin may have beneficial effects on selected inflammatory markers and limited effects on lipid parameters in patients with HF. Its effects on anthropometric indices remain inconclusive.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT20200429047235N3. Registered on 26 March 2024. http//irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/75913.