M. Osterlie et al., Plasma appearance and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z and R/S isomers in plasma lipoproteins of men after single dose administration of astaxanthin, J NUTR BIOC, 11(10), 2000, pp. 482-490
Appearance, pharmacokinetics, and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z and R/S i
somers in plasma and lipoprotein fractions were studied in 3 middle-aged ma
le volunteers (37-43 years) after ingestion of a single meal containing a 1
00 mg dose of astaxanthin. The astaxanthin source consisted of 74% all-Ei 9
% 9Z-, 17% 13Z-astaxanthin (3R3'R-, 3S3'S; meso-, and 3S,3'S-astaranthin in
a 1:2:1 ratio). The plasma astaxanthrin concentration-time curves were mea
sured during 72 hr. Maximum levels of astaxanthin (1.3 +/- 0.1 mg/L) were r
eached 6.7 +/- 1.2 hr after administration, and the plasma astaxanthin elim
ination half-life was 21 +/- 11 hr. 13Z-Astaxanthin accumulated selectively
, whereas the 3 and 3'R/S astaxanthin distribution was similar to that of t
he experimental meal. Astaxanthin was present mainly in very lo,v-density l
ipoproteins containing chylomicrons (VLDL/CM; 36-64% of total astaxanthin),
whereas low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) c
ontained 29% and 24% of total astaxanthin, respectively. The astaxanthin is
omer distribution in plasma, VLDL/CM, LDL, and HDL was not affected by time
. The results indicate that a selective process increases the relative prop
ortion of astaxanthin Z-isomers compared to the all-E-astaxanthin during bl
ood uptake and that astaxanthin E/Z isomers have similar pharmacokinetics.
(J. Nutr. Biochem. 11:482-490, 2000) (C) Elsevier Science Inc. 2000. All ri
ghts reserved.