The Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Depression in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Double-blind, Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Oral administration of astaxanthin may improve the symptoms of depression and cognitive function through its beneficial effects on inflammation and oxidative stress. This study was conducted to determine the effects of astaxanthin on depressive symptoms and cognitive performance in patients with type II diabetes mellitus. Methods: This double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical study was performed on 44 patients with type II diabetes mellitus aged 30-60 years. The patients were randomized into two groups to receive 8 mg astaxanthin (n=22) or placebo (n=22) daily for 8 weeks. Changes in depression and cognitive performance were assessed by Beck;nbsp__AWT_NOKT_COMMA__Depression Inventory-II;nbsp__AWT_NOKT_COMMA__(BDI-II) and Cognitive Functioning Questionnaire, respectively. Findings: After 8 weeks of intervention, the baseline cognitive function score was significantly improved only in the astaxanthin group during the study (P;lt__AWT_NOKT_COMMA__ 0.01). However, there was no significant decrease in the BDI-II score in any of the research groups. Conclusion: As the findings indicated, astaxanthin supplementation in diabetic patients had positive effects on cognitive function over 8 weeks.