Astaxanthin is a carotenoid and a powerful antioxidant that helps fight the signs of aging, boost physical performance, improve vision, and support joint and skeletal health. It belongs to the family of carotenoids and is known to all of us - as the pink color of salmon. Astaxanthin is related to the carotenoid family such as lutein, Astaxanthin is a unique natural carotenoid pigment and an extremely powerful biological antioxidant.
A growing body of scientific literature shows that natural astaxanthin surpasses many of the antioxidant benefits of vitamin C and vitamin E. Astaxanthin holds superior antioxidant activity and has an ability to support and maintain natural inflammatory response. Additionally, scientific research has proven that astaxanthin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and the central nervous system better than many other antioxidants.
According WebMd: Astaxanthin is used for treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, "brain attack" (stroke), high cholesterol, and an eye condition called age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It is also used for preventing cancer. Astaxanthin is applied directly to the skin for protection against sunburn.
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant. The free radical scavenging activity of astaxanthin protects lipids from peroxidation and reduces oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol (thereby reducing arterial plaque formation), cells, cell membranes, mitochondrial membranes. Astaxanthin increases strength and endurance. Astaxanthin seems to improve the immune system by increasing the number of antibody producing cells. Astaxanthin enhances antibody production by exerting actions on T-cells and T-helper cells. Astaxanthin protects the eyes and skin from sun radiation damage by quenching singlet and triplet oxygen. Studies with rats show that astaxanthin reduces retinal injury. Studies have shown the anti-cancer effects of astaxanthin in rodents. The inhibitory effect of astaxanthin on cancer is stronger than that of beta-carotene.
Other health benefits of Astaxanthin include:
It may prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease: There is substantial evidence that neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Parkinson's and so on, are caused (at least in part) by oxidative damage to your nervous system. Studies into astaxanthin show that it can pass through the blood-brain barrier to extend its antioxidant benefits. There has been little clinical research into astaxanthin in humans yet, but the science appears promising and preclinical trials seem to back it up. This is definitely one of the most significant astaxanthin benefits to watch out for.
It protects your eyes: A study in 2002 which looked at the effect of astaxanthin on the degree of eyestrain in VDU (visual display terminal) users showed that those who took 5mg per day of astaxanthin had significantly improved visual function compared to those taking the placebo, who's vision was unchanged. Another study into healthy volunteers over 40 showed that after 28 days, the uncorrected far vision acuity improved vastly, with the sweet spot somewhere between 4mg and 12mg per day. This evidence shows that astaxanthin can not only reduce eyestrain in computer works, but also improve your eyesight as well.
It acts as natural sunscreen to prevent skin damage: A number of studies and clinical trials show that the reddening skin damage after exposure to UV rays was reduced by both synthetic and natural forms of astaxanthin – although it should be said that, as always, the natural form was far superior. One study referred to the synthetic form as "statistically non-significant". The studies also found that the anti-inflammatory properties of astaxanthin combined with melanin formation may have been the cause of the reduction in skin damage. Basically, astaxanthin benefits your skin by protecting it from UV rays, reducing recovery time after UV exposure and one study showed that it improved the visual appearance of the test groups skin – removing wrinkles and improving the moisture in their skin too.
It can be used to treat and prevent gastric ulcers: One of the main causes for painful gastric ulcers is the low gastric tissue antioxidant levels. Several research teams in Sweden, Denmark, Japan, and Korea have been looking into how astaxanthin benefits gastric ulcers over the last decade. They found that algal cell extract-containing astaxanthin reduces gastric inflammation and bacterial load, essentially soothing the pain of the ulcer and reducing the inflammation until the ulcer is no longer there. Not much research in human studies has been recorded, but there are examples of people having eased their gastric ulcer pain using natural astaxanthin supplements.
It reduces your risk of heart disease: It may seem like everything is being linked to a reduced risk of heart disease lately, but this one should come as no surprise. Inflammation is a considerable cause of cardiovascular disease, so it stands to reason that the strongest anti-inflammatory nutrient available can reduce that risk. A study in which test groups were given astaxanthin and made to run on a treadmill showed that astaxanthin increased their cardiovascular health, blunting exercise-increased biochemical markers in the heart. It's certainly not conclusive evidence, but it's a good enough reason to get some astaxanthin in your body!
It prevent premature aging: Multiple oxidative chain reactions in the mitochondria, which generates the energy required by the cell, produces large quantities of free radicals that are a major cause of tissue aging and cell death. The effectiveness of astaxanthin in reducing oxidation of mitochondria in rats was as high as 100 times that of vitamin E! This potency and membrane-protective capacities show the unique function of astaxanthin in helping to preserve cellular health, meaning that it shows real potential in preventing premature aging.
It may help to fight cancer: They say that prevention is better than a cure, and never has that been truer than when talking about cancer – since many of the treatments include harmful cytotoxins. There is a whole lot of science behind a study from 2005 which looked into astaxanthin and its potential role in preventing cancer. The study found that astaxanthin significantly upregulated GJIC (gap junctional intercellular communication) which resulted in the inhibition of in vitro malignant tumor growth, as well as growth reduction of human tumors in external grafts. This promising research may not cure cancer, but it might help to reduce growth long enough to be able to treat cancer more effectively using traditional methods like tumor removal or chemo.
It promotes a healthier liver function: Results of a 2002 study into the effects of astaxanthin on liver function showed that it protects the liver from oxidative damage (those powerful antioxidant properties at work again). Not only that, but the study also showed that 100mg dose of astaxanthin induced detoxifying enzymes in the liver cells, thereby improving its function at removing harmful contaminants, bacteria, viruses and dead red blood cells.
It improves your brain and central nervous system: Your central nervous system is particularly prone to oxidative damage, a problem that a strong antioxidant like astaxanthin is very good at aiding. Yet another study shows that astaxanthin can improve both learning and memory skills – something which could be particularly beneficial to those of you at risk (through hereditary genes) of vascular dementia.
It increases male fertility: If you, or someone you know, has struggled to conceive a child because of infertility, astaxanthin could help. A double-blind placebo study, in which men were given either 16mg/day of astaxanthin or a placebo, showed that 5 in 10 couples who had previously struggled for over 12 months to conceive a child were able to get pregnant during the 3-month trial, compared to only 1 in 10 couples getting pregnant from the placebo control group. Researchers concluded that astaxanthin improved the quality of the sperm rather than the quantity – which is what accounted for the increased frequency of conception.
It may prevent diabetes: A recent study into whether or not astaxanthin benefits diabetes found that after 12 weeks of treatment, the astaxanthin-treated group showed a lower level of blood glucose as compared with the non-treated group. The results seemed to suggest that, once again, the antioxidative activity of astaxanthin reduced the oxidative stress on the kidneys, preventing renal cell damage. It could well be a novel approach to preventing diabetes and more studies and potential trials are in the pipeline to gain more conclusive evidence that this awesome antioxidant can prevent diabetes.
You should also know about the possible side effects of astaxanthin. No toxic side-effects are related with overdose of astaxanthin. However, mild to moderate side effects are noticed with high doses of it. Some side effects may include:
Aplastic anemia
Eye damage because of crystal formation
Reduction in blood pressure
Enhanced skin pigmentation
Gynecomastia (abnormal enlargement of breasts in men)
Inhibited 5-alpha-reductase
Increased hair growth
Lowered eosinophil counts
Parathyroid intervention
Lowered serum calcium
Inhibited conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone
You should consult your doctor if you're sensitive or allergic to carotenoids. Pregnant women should also avoid taking of it because it may have an effect on internal systems and hormones. It also interacts with some medicines. You should contact your physician if you are taking medicine for asthma, cholesterol or menopause.
Research has shown that the optimal dosage for health of astaxanthin is 4 mg per day - which relates to 200 mg of a 2% extract.
Testimony:
"Previously, I was only taking 2mg - 4mg per day. But for a while now, I've been taking 16mg per day (400% more than before), and I've discovered something truly astounding: The health benefits of this natural medicine keep increasing as the dose increases (to a limit, of course). I've found that 16mg a day is the ideal dosage for me to experience maximum benefits from this supplement... benefits that include outstanding athletic performance, a significant reduction in muscle soreness and joint pain, radical improvements in resistance to UV sun exposure, stabilized blood sugar and many more."
Note: This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA.
Astaxanthin is practically non-toxic in acute animal studies at doses up to 18 grams. When tested for genotoxicity, there was no evidence for mutagenicity in Ames/Salmonella assays nor did it induce micronuclei when tested in vivo up to 2000 mg/kg in mice. There was no maternal, embryo-toxic or teratogenic effects in a teratology study in rabbits given up to 400 mg/kg over most of the gestational period.
No adverse effects were noted in a one-generation reproduction study at doses up to 400 mg/kg in rats. In multiple subchronic feeding studies in rats, astaxanthin did not produce any adverse toxicological effects.
Astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family, is an oxygenated pigment called a xanthophyll. It is a fat-soluble nutrient with a molecular weight of 596.8 Da and a long, double-bonded polyene chain with a six-membered ring polar (water-loving) end group. Its unique molecular structure gives it superior antioxidant capacity.
There are many sources of Astaxanthin, however an all-natural, renewable material extracted from microalgae known as Haematococcus pluvialis appears to be the best source. Properly extracted it should contain no organic solvents, and is characterized and standardized to ensure the highest quality.
Astaxanthin product should begin with the most highly concentrated natural source of astaxanthin; the Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. This source is far more concentrated than other sources of astaxanthin as shown below:
|
Microalgae |
15,000-20,000 ppm |
|
Yeast up to |
800 ppm |
|
Crustaceans up to |
400 ppm |
|
Salmon |
3-40 ppm |
Astaxanthin is then extracted from the microalgae to further increase the concentration to 10.0% or 100,000 ppm.
Astaxanthin is more stable than the microalgae because the extracted Astaxanthin Complex is better protected within the oleoresin matrix than in the dry form of the microalgae meal. The esterified form of Astaxanthin (as in the microalgae) also contributes to stability; an advantage over extracts of crustaceans, which are not as highly esterified.
In addition, Astaxanthin is also in the same isomeric form found in the most common source consumed by humans - salmon. Astaxanthin found in the yeast, Pfaffia is in the opposite form, and synthetic astaxanthin is a mixture of both forms.
Astaxanthin is a natural complex of carotenoids including astaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein and canthaxanthin in its own natural oil containing small amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (essential fatty acids). This complex provides a more desirable group of carotenoids than a single dietary ingredient.
Yes. There is a substantial body of literature including in vitro studies, preclinical studies and several human clinical trials. These data consistently suggest that Astaxanthin, with its unique molecular structure and resulting potent antioxidant activity, may be an effective therapeutic modality for a variety of conditions, including cardiovascular, immune, anti-inflammatory, and neurodegenerative.
There have been numerous preclinical in vivo and in vitro studies and several human clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of astaxanthin. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that astaxanthin was found to significantly increase strength and endurance. Another clinical study shows that astaxanthin alleviates symptoms in patients with H. pylori (pre-ulcer indigestion). A third clinical study demonstrated bioavailability in humans. Additional human clinical studies are being sponsored.
Inhibits lipid peroxidation at the cell level, thus protecting the cell membrane and the mitochondrial membrane within the cell.
Crosses the blood-brain barrier, which makes it available to the eye, brain and central nervous system to alleviate oxidative stress that contributes to ocular, and neurodegenerative diseases such as glaucoma and Alzheimer's.
Provides significantly more antioxidant capacity than other carotenoids and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and Vitamin E.
Entraps free radicals by adding them to its long, double-bonded chain rather than donating an electron.
Stabilizes the cell membrane like a bridge because its polar end groups span the cell membrane, thus increasing its rigidity and mechanical strength.
Neutralizes singlet and triplet oxygen (de-charges) generated by UVA and UVB radiation and other sources.
Binds to a lipoprotein, an efficient transport vehicle, making it more bioavailable.
Increases immune system function including heightened production of antibody-secreting cells and Interleukin 2 and suppression of Interferon-gamma. Inhibits reactive oxygen species that cause inflammation.
Enhances the antioxidant actions of Vitamin E and Vitamin C and encourages the release of Vitamin A from the liver when needed.
Astaxanthin very likely increases cell gap junctional communication, a mechanism thought to inhibit cancer.
Astaxanthin has 100-500 times the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E and 10 times the antioxidant capacity of beta-carotene. Many laboratory studies also indicate astaxanthin is a stronger antioxidant than lutein, lycopene and tocotrienols.
After ingestion, Astaxanthin is absorbed by the duodenal mucosa and transported to the liver where it binds with a lipoprotein for transport through the body to the cells. The polar end groups attach to the outer and inner side of the cell membrane, where free radical attack first occurs. The hydroxy and carbonyl groups in astaxanthin help to anchor this molecule to the cell membrane, thus strengthening it.
Astaxanthin is an oxygenated carotenoid called a xanthophyll. Because it is oxygenated, a xanthophyll has greater antioxidant capacity than many other carotenoids. Within the xanthophylls, the astaxanthin molecule contains the longest conjugated, double-bond polyene chain along with both hydroxy and carbonyl groups at each end. This configuration supports the greatest antioxidant capacity, its peroxyl radical chain-breaking abilities, its incorporation of free radicals into its polyene chain (thereby more effectively trapping them), and its enhancement of Vitamin C as an antioxidant. While other carotenoids and antioxidants may perform one or two of these functions, astaxanthin does them all and, in most cases, does them better.
In addition to entrapping free radicals, astaxanthin also de-charges singlet and triplet oxygen and inhibits reactive oxygen, giving it anti-inflammatory properties. Astaxanthin may also increase gap junctional communication between cells, which is a mechanism in the body thought to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
The cell membrane is constructed of two layers of lipid (fat) molecules, resulting in the name "lipid bilayer." The lipid molecules are polar (water-loving) on one end and non-polar on the other. They line up so that the non-polar center of the membrane is inside of the polar outer edges, which are in contact with the water-based material inside and outside of the cell.
The blood-brain barrier is a very dense network of tight capillary walls (5 nanometers between cells) that are wrapped around the capillaries of the brain to prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other substances from entering the brain while allowing neurotransmitters and nutrients that nourish the brain to cross. These nutrients include growth factors, water, fat-soluble molecules less than 600 Da, oxygen and carbon dioxide.
Increases strength and endurance (2.8 times greater increase over baseline versus placebo in human study).
Alleviates symptoms in patients with H. pylori (pre-ulcer indigestion).
Reduces the number of new and abnormal cells in the liver.
Protects cell and mitochondrial membranes from oxidative damage, thus protecting the cell from oxidative damage.
Boosts immune system by increasing the number of antibody-producing cells.
Prevents the initiation of cancer cells in the tongue, oral cavity, large bowel, bladder, uterus, and breast.
Inhibits lipid peroxidation that causes plaque formation, thus reducing risk of cardiovascular disease.
Alleviates oxidative stress and crosses the blood brain barrier. Therefore, may assist in neurodegenerative conditions such as AMD, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS and MS.
Protects the eyes and skin from UV A and B damage by quenching singlet and triplet oxygen.
Preclinical studies demonstrate that astaxanthin is safe. There are no known side effects when taken in normal doses up to 4mg per day.
Astaxanthin enhances the action of Vitamin C and Vitamin E and increases the release of Vitamin A from the liver. On a weight basis astaxanthin has about 10 times the antioxidant activity of other carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene, and is about 100 to 500 times greater than alpha-tocopherol. Astaxanthin compliments and enhances the effects of other dietary supplements.
The recommended dosage of 1 mg twice per day is similar on a weight basis to current doses for beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol. The recommended dose is one half of that used in the Malmsten human clinical study in which astaxanthin was found to increase strength and endurance threefold.
The following reviews have been selected:
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: Chew, 35-44 Male, 1/28/2012 3:11:02 PM
Comment:
Feel better, more energy, bp is down from prehypertension levels, and lost 16lbs in 45 days of use. I take one 5mg sotgell with breakfast. I Havn't changed diet or exercise much at all. Just eating big breakfast, reasonable lunch and small supper.
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47 of 48 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars freedom, January 31, 2011
By
Super@60
Dr Oz had another doctor on his show who recommended Astaxanthin... After taking astaxanthin for a few days, my joints and muscles feel great. The doctor said this is a fat supplement which means must be taken after a meal. Also, he recommended to take 10 mg a day. I take 8 mg and feel great. I would advise others to try it.
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: skillin, 35-44 Male, 11/2/2011 2:35:47 PM
Comment:
i took this for well-being, But after falling to sleep in the sun for 4hrs then expecting the worst sunburn & prickly heat itching-WHICH NEVER HAPPENED ! i will now use it for sun protection. For me, astaxanthin is far superior to any sun block lotion.
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48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars GOOD PRODUCT, November 13, 2007
By
Mai T. Tran (Houston, TX USA)
I often suffer from fatigue. After taking this product for a few days, I restore my energy and my fatigue symptom decreases significantly. However, this product causes me a little stomachache, I have to take it after having meals. It really works for my fatigue.
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: Donnawan, 45-54 Female, 10/19/2011 10:16:21 PM
Comment:
I was told I had fibromialgia. I had severe muscel and nerve problems. I had trigger point injections to the nerves of neck and baCK WHICH HELPED, BUT WORE OFF IN 2-3 WEEKS, AND i STARTED FALLING UNTILL THE NEXT INJECTION SERIES OF 7-12 INJECTIONS IN MY NERVES.I went thru this for several months..Then, i STARTED THAKING ASTAXANTHIN, AND IN 1 MONTH... I GOT MY LIFE BACK!After several months, I stopped taking it, and the muscels started aching again. Went back on it and it went away.I used 4 different brands..
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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Supplement!, February 1, 2012
By
Dr. J. L. D. PhD "Dr. Jacob Driesen" (USA)
I recommend patients to use this supplement if they want a super antioxidant; especially for mid and elderly aged persons. I also use it myself,for more than a year,and am extremely satisfied with how it works and the good health it promotes, both for myself and for my patients. Delivery is quick and reliable. Quality is excellent!
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Reason for taking: General Health & Wellness
Reviewer: Allen, 55-64 Male, 8/3/2011 10:05:18 AM
Comment:
I got it strictly for sunburn. I burn very, very, very easily. I'm of Irish descent with freckles and red-ish hair. I know better studies are needed but for what it's worth, it absolutely helps. Sometimes you forget or stay in the sun, unprotected, longer than you'd planned. I would start to get beet red later, but taking 4mg in the morning has prevented any such burning. It also helps AFTER the fact. Think about it... you get sun exposure then hours later you start to turn red. You CAN do something, chemically, between the exposure and the damage. Works for me, absolutely.
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5.0 out of 5 stars ...Natural Astaxanthin, January 18, 2012
By
Chakoteh "Chakoteh" (Alabama USA)
I started using this brand last year after reading something about it on an MS website. I started with 4mg two times a day and went to 8 mg twice a day when I noticed some relief from the pain in my arm but not complete relief. 12-16mg a day seems eliminate all the pain. My husband, who has degenerative disk disease and arthritis also gets pain relief from this formula and when we take it daily, we do not need Nsaids for pain related to inflammatory processes.
I ran out of the astaxanthin on a Friday and by Monday my arm was screaming! Took 2 pills/8mg when it arrived today (Wednesday) and within 2 hours the pain was gone.
I have recommended this to several people and it seems to work great for some and not at all for others. I'm glad it works for me as before I found it, the only relief I could get from the arm pain was with a steroid dose pack.
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