Effects of 28-day astaxanthin supplementation on psychological fatigue and biochemical markers in taekwondo athletes: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant with strong free-radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties and has been widely used in endurance sports; however, studies specifically targeting taekwondo athletes remain scarce.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a 28-day randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial in which young male taekwondo athletes consumed 12 mg of astaxanthin daily to evaluate its effects on oxidative stress, muscle damage, and psychological status.

Results

A mixed-design ANOVA showed a significant group × time interaction for creatine kinase (CK), suggesting differential changes in exercise-induced muscle damage over the intervention period. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed significant group and time main effects, whereas mal

SUBMITTER: Shu MY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC13632218 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature