The antioxidant Astaxanthin (ASTX) may have potential to improve cardiometabolic risk factors. This study aimed to systematically review the impact of ASTX supplementation on lipid profile and glycemic indices in animal and clinical trial studies.

Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from inception up to June 2021. All clinical trials and animal studies published in English that investigated the effects of ASTX on lipid profile and glycemic parameters were considered in the study.

A total of 3258 studies were retrieved from the search strategy from which 20 animal and five human studies were included in this systematic review. Twenty animal studies evaluated the effect of ASTX on lipid profile, of which 17 studies reported significant beneficial impact on one or more lipids. In addition, of 20 animal studies assessing the effect of ASTX on glucose homeostasis parameters, only 11 detected significant improvements. Five clinical trials evaluated the effect of ASTX on lipid profile; from these, three reported significant beneficial effect on at least one lipid. Moreover, of five human studies in which glucose homeostasis parameters were measured, only two observed significant improvement.

Evidence supports positive effects of ASTX on lipid profile. Nevertheless, the results on glycemic parameters are controversial and more studies are needed to draw a definite conclusion. ASTX could have great potential for reducing the risk of CVD and prevent T2DM and obesity-associated metabolic disturbances.