The effect of astaxanthin treatment on oxidative stress in women

INTERVENTION: Participants are taken one capsule (an astaxanthin capsule including 12mg of astaxanthin) once a day for 12 weeks. A placebo capsule is taken one capsule once a day for 12 weeks. CONDITION: Women in perimenopause and within 5 years after menopause. Inclusion criteria are those with an increased oxidative stress marker: more than 300 Carr Units measured by the Diacron‐reactive oxygen metabolites test and low antioxidant state, less than 2000 micro Units, by the biological anti‐oxidant potential test. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Before, and 4, 8, 12 weeks after the supplement, all participants are interviewed for their medical histories, subjective symptoms, anti‐aging common questionnaire, simplified menopausal index, questionnaire for poor circulation, and the status of the supplement. Measurements of body height and weight, blood pressure, and blood oxidative stress measured by the Diacron‐reactive oxygen metabolites test and antioxidant state by the biological anti‐oxidant potential test. SECONDARY OUTCOME: General blood count, coagulation and fibrinolysis, liver and kidney function, lipids and lipoproteins, inflammatory and oxidative markers, 17‐beta E2, FSH, and general urinalysis were measured before and 12 months after the treatment. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Women in perimenopause or within 5 years after menopause. Inclusion criteria are those with an increased oxidative stress marker: more than 300 Carr Units measured by the Diacron‐reactive oxygen metabolites test and low antioxidant state, less than 2000 micro Units, by the biological anti‐oxidant potential test.