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<\/p>\nAstaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment, is a powerful antioxidant with a multitude of health and beauty benefits. Known for its distinctive red pigment, astaxanthin reduces free radicals in the body and protects cells against oxidation (1).\u00a0<\/p>\n
Astaxanthin is used for eye support, brain health and immune support. Astaxanthin can also be used as a topical treatment to protect skin against sun damage and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has also been studied for its potential to treat for Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Parkinson\u2019s disease, stroke, high cholesterol, and an eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) (2).<\/p>\n
Astaxanthin is closely related to lutein and zeaxanthin, other carotenoids naturally found in the retina (3). Unlike most antioxidants, astaxanthin is unique because it cannot become pro-oxidant and therefore cannot cause harmful, toxic oxidation in the body. In nature, astaxanthin is found in its highest concentration in wild sockeye salmon. Astaxanthin can also be found in algae, crustaceans\u00a0and other marine wildlife (1).<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Benefits of Astaxanthin<\/strong> ene, but up to 10 times stronger, astaxanthin can help protect the retina of the eye from oxidative damage caused by sun exposure. Prolonged exposure to sunl<\/p>\n ight can lead to degradation of retinal membranes and can cause severe damage to photoreceptor cells. Studies of the link between astaxanthin and eye health are just beginning, but findings thus far have been extremely promising (3).<\/p>\n Brain and cognitive support.<\/strong>\u00a0Astaxanthin has been used to support memory and cognitive function in individuals whose cognitive abilities have become impaired with age. Astaxanthin is unique in that it is one of the only antioxidants with the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier due to its fat-soluble properties. Studies have shown that astaxanthin may counteract oxidative stress in the brain and prevent cell degeneration. Researchers believe astaxanthin may protect the brain against dementia and Alzheimer\u2019s disease, but continued research is required to validate these claims (4).<\/p>\n Immune function.<\/strong>\u00a0A study conducted by state researchers at Washington State University, Inha University in Korea, and La Haye Labs, Inc. in 2010, found a link between astaxanthin and increased immune function in women. The findings of the study revealed that women who took astaxanthin supplements saw an increase in the activity of their natural killer cells. The researchers stated definitively, \u201cDietary astaxanthin decreases a DNA damage biomarker and acute phase protein, and enhances immune response in healthy females (7)\u201d.<\/p>\n Other uses.<\/strong>\u00a0Astaxanthin has also been studied with regards to Alzheimer\u2019s disease, Parkinson\u2019s disease, heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, and cancer. Research is promising, but no definitive claims about the link between astaxanthin and disease prevention and\/or treatment have been made as of yet.<\/p>\n How to Take Astaxanthin<\/strong> Astaxanthin Research<\/strong><\/p>\n There has been a fair amount of research indicating that astaxanthin can benefit various aspects of health.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the majority of health-related astaxanthin studies have so far been in animals. In several species, including cats and dogs, dietary astaxanthin was shown to improve several aspects of the immune function: it increased production of antibodies, activated several types of immune cells and reduced inflammation. In rats, astaxanthin inhibited thrombosis (blockage by clots) in cerebral vessels. In mice, it prevented the formation of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. In both cell culture and animal studies, astaxanthin was shown to reduce a number of negative effects of free radicals, including DNA damage. There is also considerable evidence of benefits of astaxanthin for the nervous system and the eyes. In many cell culture studies and some animal studies astaxanthin protected neurons and retinal cells from a variety of damaging factors ranging from oxidative stress to hypoxia to toxins. Importantly, astaxanthin crosses blood-brain barrier (as opposed to many of its cousins, such as beta-carotene and lycopene), which potentially makes it a promising neuroprotective agent for clinical use. When taken orally, it should still easily get to the cells of the nervous system and retina and thus be in a position to protect them.<\/p>\n Some of the above effects have been confirmed in human clinical studies. In a small but well-designed 2010 study (i.e. randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled), Dr Park and co-workers from Washington State University gave young women 0, 2, or 8 mg astaxanthin per day for 8 weeks. They reported that astaxanthin stimulated proliferation of several types of immune cells (such as T & B lymphocytes and natural killers) as well as enhanced their activity. Astaxanthin also increased the levels of interferon gamma and interleukine-6 (key molecular mediator of immunity). Furthermore, astaxanthin appeared to reduce general intensity of inflammation: \u201cplasma C-reactive protein concentration was lower on week 8 in subjects given 2 mg astaxanthin”. Dr Park and co-workers also reported that astaxanthin reduced the markers of DNA damage (possibly due to reduced DNA damage from free radicals).<\/p>\n Other human studies (unfortunately most of them relatively small) indicated the following potential benefits of astaxanthin: increase in HDL cholesterol (a.k.a. good cholesterol); improvement in male fertility (when combined with other infertility treatments); reduction of free radical damage (as evidenced by reduction in lipid peroxidation and other markers); enhanced physical performance (astaxanthin improved cycling time); partial protection from oxidative damage caused by smoking; and others.<\/p>\n References Published in WholeFoods Magazine February 2018<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Astaxanthin Research<\/strong><\/p>\n There has been a fair amount of research indicating that astaxanthin can benefit various aspects of health.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, the majority of health-related astaxanthin studies have so far been in animals. In several species, including cats and dogs, dietary astaxanthin was shown to improve several aspects of the immune function: it increased production of antibodies, activated several types of immune cells and reduced inflammation. In rats, astaxanthin inhibited thrombosis (blockage by clots) in cerebral vessels. In mice, it prevented the formation of ethanol-induced gastric ulcer. In both cell culture and animal studies, astaxanthin was shown to reduce a number of negative effects of free radicals, including DNA damage. There is also considerable evidence of benefits of astaxanthin for the nervous system and the eyes. In many cell culture studies and some animal studies astaxanthin protected neurons and retinal cells from a variety of damaging factors ranging from oxidative stress to hypoxia to toxins. Importantly, astaxanthin crosses blood-brain barrier (as opposed to many of its cousins, such as beta-carotene and lycopene), which potentially makes it a promising neuroprotective agent for clinical use. When taken orally, it should still easily get to the cells of the nervous system and retina and thus be in a position to protect them.<\/p>\n Some of the above effects have been confirmed in human clinical studies. In a small but well-designed 2010 study (i.e. randomized double-blind and placebo-controlled), Dr Park and co-workers from Washington State University gave young women 0, 2, or 8 mg astaxanthin per day for 8 weeks. They reported that astaxanthin stimulated proliferation of several types of immune cells (such as T & B lymphocytes and natural killers) as well as enhanced their activity. Astaxanthin also increased the levels of interferon gamma and interleukine-6 (key molecular mediator of immunity). Furthermore, astaxanthin appeared to reduce general intensity of inflammation: \u201cplasma C-reactive protein concentration was lower on week 8 in subjects given 2 mg astaxanthin”. Dr Park and co-workers also reported that astaxanthin reduced the markers of DNA damage (possibly due to reduced DNA damage from free radicals).<\/p>\n Other human studies (unfortunately most of them relatively small) indicated the following potential benefits of astaxanthin: increase in HDL cholesterol (a.k.a. good cholesterol); improvement in male fertility (when combined with other infertility treatments); reduction of free radical damage (as evidenced by reduction in lipid peroxidation and other markers); enhanced physical performance (astaxanthin improved cycling time); partial protection from oxidative damage caused by smoking; and others.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Astaxanthin: The Super Antioxidant Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment, is a powerful antioxidant with a multitude of health and beauty benefits. Known for its distinctive red pigment, astaxanthin reduces free radicals in the body and protects cells against oxidation (1).\u00a0 Astaxanthin is used for eye support, brain health and immune support. Astaxanthin can also […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":297,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-447","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/447","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=447"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/447\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":451,"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/447\/revisions\/451"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=447"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nEye support.<\/strong>\u00a0The human eye is one of the organs at greatest risk for oxidation, due to constant exposure to air and UV light. Capillaries also have the potential to carry harmful oxidative residues through the blood. Astaxanthin is used to reduce the risk of macular degeneration because it prevents unstable molecules from causing damage to cells. A carotenoid that is similar in structure to beta-carot<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/astalabs.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/astaxanthin-capsules-500x500.jpg\")
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\nOne would have to consume over a pound of salmon each day to get the equivalent amount of astaxanthin found in a 4 mg capsule, which is why supplementation is necessary to receive all the positive benefits. One producer of a popular astaxanthin supplement recommends a dose of 4 to 6 mg per day for most individuals. They recommend athletes or individuals who engage in a lot of rigorous physical activity take 12 mg per day. Since astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid, it is best absorbed when taken with food or a supplement such as fish oil (8). Be wary of synthetic astaxanthin. Look for natural astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvial (9).<\/p>\n
\n1. Adams, Case. \u201cAstaxanthin Speeds Muscle Recovery for Athletes.\u201d RealNatural.org, 4 Jan. 2017.
\n2. \u201cAstaxanthin Explained.\u201d Nutrex Hawaii.
\n3. \u201cAstaxanthin For Macular Degeneration And Immune Function.\u201d Natural Eye Care.
\n4. \u201cAstaxanthin Supplements: How Are They Made?\u201d Nutrex Hawaii.
\n5. \u201cASTAXANTHIN: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings.\u201d WebMD
\n6. Daniells, Stephen. \u201cStudy Supports Astaxanthin\u2019s Immune Boosting Power.\u201d Nutraingredients.com, 26 Apr. 2010.
\n7. Mayachia. \u201c5 Reasons To Add Astaxanthin to Your Skincare Routine.\u201d Maya Chia, 26 July 2016.
\n8. Mercola, Joseph. \u201cHow Does Astaxanthin Improve Brain Function?\u201d Mercola.com, 29 Oct. 2012.
\n9. Murray, Michael T. The Whole Body Benefits Of Natural Astaxanthin. 2016.<\/p>\n