Astaxanthin and the reproductive system

"…El Garem and coworkers evaluated the effect of supplementation with algal Astaxanthin on the semen quality of infertile male volunteers (El Garem et al. 2002).

This double blind randomize trial included 20 couples suffering from infertility for at least 12 months and with diagnosed abnormal semen quality. The sub-fertile man received either 16 mg/day algal Astaxanthin, or identically packed placebo capsules during a period of three months, in addition to the conventional treatment as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Following three months treatment, the ROS activity in the semen decreased in the Astaxanthin group, while no change was observed in the placebo group. In addition, sperm motility and morphology was improved in the supplemented group. At the end of the treatment period, five couples out of ten successfully conceived in the Astaxanthin-supplemented group, compared to one out of ten couples in the placebo group.

The researchers concluded that supplementation with Astaxanthin improved the quality of the spermatozoa, which is suggested to be the explanation for the increased frequency of conception…"