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Astaxanthin use in Australia is growing, following the endorsement of this product by prominent health practitioners including Dr. Mehmet Oz and Dr. Joseph Mercola. According to these individuals and other researchers, Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidants discovered in nature.
Natural astaxanthin is a carotenoid produced by certain algae, bacteria and yeast. Its main source in nature is the Haematococcus pluvialis bacteria; a green-colored microalgae. Astaxanthin is a deep-red pigment that is manufactured by this algae in response to certain biological stressors, such as insufficient water or too much sunlight.
It is an oxygen-containing carotenoid called a xanthophyll. Astaxanthin molecules have long chains of conjugated bonds in their cores which yield strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials. It is both fat soluble and water soluble, making it unique among antioxidants.
In Australia, astaxanthin is used to inhibit the effects of aging and to suppress cellular damage that occurs from free radical attacks. It is also used to alleviate systemic inflammation, promote eye health, improve energy metabolism, support skin health, and to protect brain tissue and blood vessels from oxidative damage.
Anti- Oxidant
Heart Health
Anti- Aging- Antioxidant and immune booster
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Shown to improve cholesterol levels
Top Astaxanthin Products* ❯Astaxanthin in Australia
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In Australia, dietary supplements are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which is a delegate of the Minister for Health. In order for a supplement ingredient to be sold legally in Australia, it must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
Astaxanthin was added to this register in 2013, making it approved for use as a therapeutically active ingredient in dietary supplements sold within Australia.
Under the regulations set out by the TGA, Astaxanthin esters must be extracted from the Haematococcus pluvialis bacteria in order to be used in supplements. Products are also not allowed to exceed more than 12 mg of astaxanthin per daily dose.
The Complementary Medicines Branch of the TGA have also approved the following statements regarding the standard indications for use of Astaxanthin supplement in Australia:
- Support of healthy eye function.
- Aids, assists or helps in the maintenance or improvement of general well-being.
- May assist in the management of dry skin.
- May assist in the maintenance of normal/healthy cholesterol levels in healthy individuals.
- May assist in the maintenance of normal blood lipid/blood fat levels in healthy individuals
Uses for Astaxanthin in Australia
According to the Natural Medicines database, astaxanthin is used for cancer, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and age-related macular degeneration.
Australians use natural astaxanthin supplements to support general health and to reduce signs of aging in the body.
In-vitro and animal research seem promising on various therapeutic fronts. Some degree of human research has validated certain uses of astaxanthin. However, there is not enough reliable evidence available to rate it for the following purposes:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow;
- Functional dyspepsia (indigestion);
- Exercise induced soreness in the muscles;
- Hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease;
- Certain symptoms of male infertility;
- Hot flashes, mood swings and other symptoms of menopause;
- Bone and joint disorders including osteoarthritis;
- Rheumatoid arthritis and certain other autoimmune diseases;
- Skin wrinkles, dryness and lacking elasticity;
Astaxanthin Antioxidant Effects
Australians use natural astaxanthin products largely because they provide potent antioxidant protection. All pigmented carotenoids demonstrate antioxidant properties.
Xanthophylls like astaxanthin exhibit superior antioxidant powers when compared to non-oxygen-containing carotenoids. Natural astaxanthin is the most powerful known xanthophyll in terms of antioxidant activity.
Astaxanthin supplements are able to help reduce the cellular damage associated with free radicals like superoxide (O2-). Unlike some other antioxidants which donate electrons to neutralize the ionic charges of free radicals, astaxanthin is able to actually absorb the radical agents into its structure. This suppresses their capacity to initiate cascading damages.
Routine supplementation with natural astaxanthin tablets may help to reduce the effects of aging on cells and inhibit oxidative stress. It may also effectively inhibit the development of numerous associated diseases and conditions.
Astaxanthin Anti-inflammatory Effects
Natural astaxanthin is also reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory benefits. While short-term inflammation is important for healing and survival, chronic inflammation is harmful.
When cells die off, they cause inflammatory responses to occur in the body. Weight gain, sedentary lifestyles, poor diets and insufficient hydration can all increase the inflammatory response in the body.
Some individuals can develop low-grade inflammation throughout the body that can interfere with healthy organ function. This chronic, systemic inflammation is associated with nearly every known disease.
Oral Astaxanthin capsules have been found to modulate certain factors which control inflammatory responses. By affecting levels of mediators like cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and others, natural astaxanthin reduces this harmful type of inflammation.
Safety of Using Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is approved as a dietary supplement ingredient in Australia, which means that regulators believe it to be safe for use at appropriate dosages. The TGA in Australia has instituted a maximum therapeutic dosage of 12 mg per day for astaxanthin supplements to prevent any risk of side effects.
The Natural Medicine database rates naturally-sourced astaxanthin as “likely safe” when used orally in appropriate amounts. Astaxanthin that is not sourced naturally is often manufactured from chemicals containing petroleum products. Clinical tests have shown that this type of astaxanthin is not as biologically useful as natural astaxanthin.
Natural astaxanthin has been used without causing any side effects for as long as 12 weeks. This is based on daily doses between 4 mg and 40 mg.
When astaxanthin has been used in combination with other carotenoids and/or certain vitamins and/or certain minerals, 4 mg daily doses have been used safely for up to one year.
There are no known adverse interaction between natural astaxanthin capsules and drugs or herbal supplements. Eating foods which contain other carotenoids may reduce the absorption and utilization of astaxanthin.
Not enough is understood about astaxanthin effects on pregnancy and lactation to determine its safety. Pregnant or nursing Australian women are advised not to use astaxanthin supplements without the express consent of their doctors.
Certain antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects have been associated with astaxanthin in animal trials. Usage may alter blood-glucose levels and/or blood pressure rates. If you are scheduled for a surgery in the next 2 weeks, you should discontinue using astaxanthin until your surgeon clears you for use.
Supplemental use of astaxanthin in Australia continues to grow in popularity. This non-toxic substance shows significant anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which may contribute to overall health and wellness.
Astaxanthin is approved as a dietary supplement in Australia and can be purchased in a single ingredient formulation or in products combined with other carotenoids. Before you buy Astaxanthin in Australia, check with your doctor to determine whether this supplement is appropriate for you.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment