From the Guidelines
Astaxanthin, grape seed extract, and resveratrol should not be recommended for the treatment of NAFL/NASH due to lack of sufficient evidence on their efficacy, as stated in the most recent guideline 1. When considering antioxidant supplements for general health, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits and risks. Astaxanthin, grape seed extract, and resveratrol are all beneficial antioxidant supplements, but they have different strengths and applications.
- Astaxanthin is generally considered the most potent of the three, with superior antioxidant capacity and excellent ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and cell membranes.
- Grape seed extract excels at cardiovascular support and collagen protection.
- Resveratrol is known for its potential longevity benefits and metabolic support. However, the current evidence does not support the use of these supplements for the treatment of NAFL/NASH, as stated in the ESPEN practical guideline: clinical nutrition in liver disease 1.
- The guideline recommends that antioxidants, including resveratrol, cannot be recommended to treat NAFL/NASH until further data regarding their efficacy are available.
- Some studies have shown conflicting results, with resveratrol having no effect on insulin resistance, steatosis, and abdominal fat distribution in some cases, while improving AST, ALT, LDL, and total cholesterol in others 1. It's crucial to prioritize the strongest and most recent evidence when making recommendations, and in this case, the evidence suggests that these supplements should not be recommended for the treatment of NAFL/NASH.
- Instead, lifestyle interventions and other evidence-based treatments should be prioritized to improve liver health and reduce the risk of comorbidities.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of these supplements in the context of NAFL/NASH.
From the Research
Comparison of Astaxanthin, Grape Seed Extract, and Resveratrol
- Astaxanthin is a natural C40 carotenoid with numerous reported biological functions, most of them associated with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity 2.
- Grape seed extract, which contains resveratrol, has shown considerable promise in health promotion and disease management, including maintaining heart health and protecting against aging, aging-associated diseases, neurodegeneration, and some cancers 3.
- Resveratrol, a grape antioxidant, has been a topic of intense research for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Safety and Dosage
- The maximum safe daily intake of astaxanthin is still being evaluated, with recommended or approved doses varying between 2 and 24 mg in different countries 4.
- There is no direct comparison of the safety and dosage of grape seed extract and resveratrol with astaxanthin in the provided studies.
- However, whole-grape products or specific combinations of grape constituents may provide synergistic interactions leading to improved efficacy and safety 3.
Potential Health Benefits
- Astaxanthin has been associated with several health benefits, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and antitumoral properties, as well as benefits on skin and eye health promotion 2, 5, 6.
- Grape seed extract and resveratrol have shown potential in maintaining heart health, protecting against aging, and preventing certain diseases, such as neurodegeneration and cancer 3.
- Further clinical studies are needed to understand the benefits of these compounds in the prevention and management of specific diseases.