•  
  •  
 

THE EFFECTS OF ASTAXANTHIN SUPPLEMENTATION ON MARKERS OF SUBSTRATE OXIDATION RATES AND PERFORMANCE IN MIDDLE AGE FEMALE CYCLISTS

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Aging is a progressive decline in cellular function and is strongly associated with cardiometabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers and dementia. An estimated 47 million Americans have cardiometabolic disease and progressing age (≥ 40 years) is considered a major risk factor. Astaxanthin (AX), a carotenoid pigment produced by a microalgae, is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants that has the unique ability to access both the aqueous and lipid portion of a cell. Astaxanthin may offer several cardiometabolic protective benefits such as increasing fat oxidation rates and improving endurance performance. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of 4-weeks of AX supplementation on markers of substrate oxidation rates and 10-km time trial (TT) performance in middle-age female cyclists. METHODS: This study will implement a between-group, double-blind design with subjects visiting the lab on three occasions: 1) VO2peak and familiarization, 2) baseline testing (PRE), and 3) post-supplement testing (POST). Twenty-five training and older female cyclists (≥40 y) will be recruited to participate in this study. Following collection of preliminary measurements and completion of the VO2peak and the familiarization sessions, subjects will complete two experimental trials before and after supplementation which will consist of a graded exercise test (GXT), followed immediately by a 10-km TT. The GXT will consist of subjects cycling at 40% of their max wattage (Wmax) obtained during the VO2peak session, and each stage will increase by 5% for 5 min per stage until each subject has obtained 65% of their Wmax (6 stages total). Expired air will be collected continuously throughout the GXT by a Parvo metabolic system and used for the calculation of fat and carbohydrate oxidation rates. Subjects will then have their metabolic headgear removed and immediately complete a 10-km TT, with time to completion as the dependent variable of interest. Following PRE-testing, subjects will be stratified to groups based on their 10-kn TT performance and receive either AX (12mg/d-1) or a placebo (PLA) supplement to ingest daily for 4-weeks. Statistical analysis will include a 2-way repeated measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) for each dependent variable at their respective timepoint. Additionally, effect sizes (Cohen’s d) will be calculated and reported to provide interpretation of meaningful differences. ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Our hypothesis is that astaxanthin will improve markers of fat oxidation rates and 10-km TT performance in older, trained female cyclists.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS