Researchers tested a natural red pigment called astaxanthin to see if it could help heal inflamed colons in mice. The supplement appeared to work by strengthening the intestinal lining, boosting healthy gut bacteria, and reducing inflammation. After treatment, mice showed significant improvement in colon health and had more diverse beneficial bacteria in their digestive systems. While these results are promising, this was a mouse study, so scientists will need to test whether astaxanthin works the same way in humans before recommending it as a treatment.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a natural red pigment from algae called astaxanthin could reduce inflammation and damage in the colon
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice that were given a chemical to trigger colon inflammation similar to inflammatory bowel disease in humans
  • Key finding: Mice treated with astaxanthin had healthier colons, less inflammation, and more beneficial bacteria compared to untreated mice
  • What it means for you: This suggests astaxanthin might help with inflammatory bowel conditions, but human studies are needed before doctors can recommend it as a treatment. Talk to your doctor before trying new supplements, especially if you have digestive issues

The Research Details

Scientists gave mice a chemical called dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to create colon inflammation similar to what happens in human inflammatory bowel disease. Some mice received astaxanthin treatment while others did not. The researchers then measured how much the supplement helped by checking colon length, inflammation markers, and the types of bacteria living in the mice’s digestive systems.

Astaxanthin is a natural red pigment found in algae and seafood that has been used as a dietary supplement. The researchers wanted to understand exactly how it works to reduce inflammation and repair damage to the intestinal lining.

This type of study is important because it helps scientists understand the biological mechanisms before testing treatments in humans. By studying mice first, researchers can identify which compounds are worth investigating further in clinical trials.

Understanding how astaxanthin works at the cellular level helps scientists determine whether it’s worth testing in humans with inflammatory bowel disease. The study looked at multiple ways the supplement might help—strengthening the intestinal barrier, changing gut bacteria, and reducing immune system inflammation—which gives a more complete picture than just measuring one effect.

This study was published in a peer-reviewed journal focused on immune system research, which suggests it met scientific standards. However, the sample size was not specified in the abstract, which makes it harder to assess reliability. The biggest limitation is that this was done in mice, not humans, so results may not translate directly to people. Animal studies are valuable for understanding mechanisms but don’t prove effectiveness in humans.

What the Results Show

Mice treated with astaxanthin showed significant improvements in colon health. Their colons were longer and healthier compared to untreated mice, suggesting the supplement helped prevent the damage that inflammation typically causes. The disease activity index—a measure of how severe the inflammation was—decreased substantially in treated mice.

The supplement also reduced inflammatory markers, which are chemical signals that indicate how much inflammation is happening in the body. This suggests astaxanthin actively calmed down the immune system’s overreaction.

Perhaps most importantly, astaxanthin changed the composition of gut bacteria in beneficial ways. Treated mice had more diverse bacterial communities and higher levels of beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillaceae, which are known to support digestive health. At the same time, harmful bacteria like Lachnospiraceae and Muribaculaceae decreased.

The study showed that astaxanthin’s benefits appear to work through multiple pathways simultaneously. By strengthening the intestinal barrier (the protective lining of the colon), the supplement prevented harmful substances from leaking through. By promoting good bacteria and suppressing bad bacteria, it helped restore a healthier microbial balance. By reducing inflammatory immune cells, it calmed the body’s overactive response to the chemical trigger.

Previous research has suggested that astaxanthin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but this study provides more detailed evidence of how these properties specifically help with colon inflammation. The findings align with other research showing that gut bacteria composition plays an important role in inflammatory bowel disease, and that supplements affecting bacterial balance may help reduce symptoms.

This research was conducted in mice, not humans, so the results may not work the same way in people. The abstract doesn’t specify how many mice were studied or provide detailed statistical information about the strength of the findings. The study used a chemical to trigger inflammation rather than studying naturally occurring disease. Long-term effects and optimal dosing for humans remain unknown. Additional human clinical trials would be needed to confirm these results are applicable to people with inflammatory bowel disease.

The Bottom Line

Based on this mouse study, astaxanthin appears promising for potentially helping with colon inflammation, but it’s too early to recommend it as a treatment. The evidence is preliminary (confidence level: low to moderate). Anyone with inflammatory bowel disease should continue following their doctor’s treatment plan and discuss astaxanthin with their healthcare provider before trying it, as supplements can interact with medications.

People with inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis should find this research interesting, as should anyone interested in natural approaches to digestive health. However, this study is not yet applicable to humans. People without digestive issues don’t need to change anything based on this research. Pregnant women and people taking blood thinners should be especially cautious with astaxanthin supplements.

If astaxanthin eventually proves effective in humans, benefits would likely take weeks to months to appear, similar to other anti-inflammatory treatments. This is not a quick fix but rather a potential long-term support strategy.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If a user is interested in astaxanthin, they could track daily supplement intake (yes/no), digestive symptoms on a 1-10 scale, and energy levels weekly to monitor any personal changes over 8-12 weeks
  • Users could set a daily reminder to take an astaxanthin supplement at the same time each day, paired with a meal containing healthy fats (which helps absorption), while simultaneously tracking any changes in digestive comfort or symptoms
  • Create a weekly digestive health check-in that measures symptom severity, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Compare trends month-to-month to identify whether the supplement appears to be helping. Share results with a healthcare provider to ensure the supplement is working safely alongside any other treatments

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. Astaxanthin is not an approved medical treatment for inflammatory bowel disease or colitis. Anyone with digestive symptoms or inflammatory bowel disease should consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. Astaxanthin may interact with blood thinners and other medications. This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always speak with a doctor before making changes to your health regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications.