Plasma appearance and distribution of astaxanthin E/Z and R/S isomers in plasma lipoproteins of men after single dose administration of astaxanthin

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.