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In the randomized, double-blinded crossover study, 11 well-trained male athletes underwent three exhaustive exercise tests after a week of supplementation with a tomato powder, then a lycopene supplement, and then a placebo. Three blood samples (baseline, post-ingestion, and post-exercise) were taken for each of the supplements used, in order to evaluate total antioxidant capacity and variables of lipid peroxidation, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-isoprostane.

Astaxanthin is a unique fat-soluble antioxidant carotenoid found in algae, yeast, salmon, krill, shrimp and other kinds of fish and crustaceans. Clinical trials indicate that astaxanthin improve the condition of the skin, enhance recovery from exercise, relieve occasional indigestion, support gastric health, help maintain cholesterol level within a healthy range, enhance immune response, promote healthy vision, and support the male reproductive system.

In the athletes, tomato powder enhanced total antioxidant capacity by 12%. Interestingly, the tomato powder treatment also resulted in a significantly reduced elevation of 8-isoprostane compared to both the lycopene supplement and the placebo. The tomato powder also significantly reduced exhaustive exercise MDA compared to the placebo, however, no such difference was indicated between the lycopene and placebo treatments.