AstaPure Max, an astaxanthin ingredient containing a whole-algae complex called AstaPure Arava, combined with the highly-absorbable magnesium glycerophosphate and vitamin B6, was linked to reductions in self-reported post-exercise pain in an 8-week survey.
 
Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common occurrence among people who exercise frequently, and can signal damage to muscle tissues. Evidence also links this phenomenon to the production of free radicals and oxidative stress, which could force people who exercise to extend recovery time in between workouts. AstaPure Max was formulated to target muscle fatigue and pain associated with exercise due to its antioxidant activity to enhance muscle performance and improve recovery.  According to the company, the magnesium gycerophosphate form of magnesium has stronger clinical associations to relaxing contracted muscles, and is not associated with digestive problems.
 
The in-house survey, conducted by supplier Solabia-Algatech Nutrition, recruited 160 participants who reported that they exercised at least three times per week. Over an eight-week period, the subjects were randomized into a treatment group or a placebo group and took an online survey twice weekly to report their degrees of pain, cramps, and recovery, along with monitoring their experience overall.
 
The treatment group saw significant reductions in the number of subjects that reported pain after exercise, with 74% at baseline to 47% after seven weeks, and only 35% after eight weeks. Meanwhile, the 65% of the placebo group reported experiencing post-exercise pain with no changes on week seven, and a reduction to 58% at week eight.
 
“Astaxanthin is increasingly gaining recognition both by industry stakeholders and health-conscious consumers for its valuable contribution to the sports nutrition sector,” Doron Safrai, CEO of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition, said. “As a world-leading manufacturer of astaxanthin, our goal is to keep bringing astaxanthin-centered innovation to the market. That is why we developed the AstaPure Max formula uniquely for the flourishing sports nutrition category.”
 
AstaPure Arava, the whole-algae ingredient involved in the complex, is cultivated in a closed, controlled system exposed to natural sunlight which typifies the harsh desert environment in which it grows. The strain naturally contains omega-3 oils, fibers, proteins, vitamins, and phospholipids. The vegan, non-GMO, gluten- and allergen-free, kosher, and halal certified ingredient is suitable for hard capsules, tablets, gummies and bars, the company said.