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Astaxanthin is a natural anti-oxidant which is used for its anti-aging effects, to promote eye health, brain health and heart health. In Canada, astaxanthin is available as a dietary supplement and can be purchased without a prescription.
In Canada, supplement ingredients are regulated by Health Canada and must be approved as Natural Health Products (NHP) before they can be sold domestically. Astaxanthin qualifies as a NHP under Schedule 1, item 2 of the regulations as an isolate from a natural ingredient.
This compound is naturally found in Krill Oil and in Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater species of Chlorophyta. According to the Canadian Natural Health Products Database, Astaxanthin is an anti-oxidant which can help fight and protect cells against the oxidative damage caused by free radicals.
There are several different brands of astaxanthin supplements sold by retailers in Canada. You can find this supplement at GNC, Walmart, Costco, Shopper’s Drug Mart or from specialty online retailers. In most cases, astaxanthin is combined with other complementary antioxidants to improve efficacy and boost absorption.
Anti- Oxidant
Heart Health
Anti- Aging- Antioxidant and immune booster
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Shown to improve cholesterol levels
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Astaxanthin is a natural red-colored pigment which is produced mainly by the Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. H. pluvialis is a species of chlorophyta; a green algae division. Concentrated amounts of astaxanthin are found in its resting cells.
Natural astaxanthin quickly accumulates in H. pluvialis when its survival environment becomes unfavorable. Examples of this include a short supply of water, excessive salinity, or absorbing too much direct sunlight. When normal cell growth becomes threatened, the algae produces astaxanthin to protect itself.
Astaxanthin is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Naturopathic doctors in Canada may suggest natural astaxanthin to help their patients prevent or improve hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), age-related macular degeneration, stroke, certain neurodegenerative diseases and certain types of cancer.
Well-organized, large-scale human research is lacking concerning the therapeutic effects of astaxanthin. However, much in-vitro and animal research has yielded promising results on several levels.
Many Canadians choose astaxanthin supplements to help them improve certain symptoms of skin conditions, male infertility, muscle soreness, fatigue, arthritis and menopause.
Food Sources of Astaxanthin
H. pluvialis is the most prevalent source of natural astaxanthin. Other organisms which are capable of producing it include certain other algae, a few types of bacteria and a specific type of yeast.
Astaxanthin also accumulates in organisms which consume its small number of natural sources. These creatures include fish like rainbow trout and salmon, shrimp, crayfish, lobsters, some crabs, quail, flamingos and storks to name several.
Astaxanthin Antioxidant Properties
Astaxanthin supplements are most known for their strong antioxidant effects. Routine dietary supplementation with natural astaxanthin may help to inhibit free radical damage, oxidative stress and the effects of aging. It may also help to reduce the chances of developing various diseases.
Natural astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid called a xanthophyll. Xanthophylls have unique molecular structures which make them superior to other carotenoids; at least in terms of their capacities to neutralize radical agents throughout the body.
Naturally-sourced astaxanthin in Canada is rated as the strongest xanthophyll in terms of antioxidant power. Astaxanthin may be the most potent antioxidant substance known.
Numerous animal and in-vitro studies have reported astaxanthin’s capacities to protect cells from free radical damage and the stress of oxidation. According to research, the antioxidant effects of natural astaxanthin include:
- Reducing oxidative stress in the CNS (central nervous system);
- Reducing the risks of developing certain neurological conditions;
- Protecting cells against damage from ultraviolet radiation;
- Preserving the structural integrity of individual cells;
- Decreasing hydroperoxide levels in lipids;
Astaxanthin’s overall antioxidant strength is significantly greater than other substances including vitamin E, vitamin C, lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene.
Astaxanthin Anti-inflammatory Properties
Canadians also use astaxanthin supplements for their anti-inflammatory effects. While short-term inflammation is vital for healing and repair, chronic inflammation is associated with almost all diseases.
Natural astaxanthin has been shown to modulate multiple biological mediators which control the body’s inflammatory responses.
By reducing the expression of substances like TNF (tumor necrosis factor), COX-1 (cyclooxygenase-1), COX-2 and various others, astaxanthin may help to reduce low-grade, systemic inflammation.
This may reduce the risks of developing numerous diseases and ailments; including heart disease, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cancer, autoimmune diseases and others.
Additional Astaxanthin Effects
In addition to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, natural astaxanthin also possesses several other therapeutic potentials. According to Natural Medicines database, it demonstrates multiple mechanisms of biological actions, including:
- 5 alpha reductase inhibitory and MMP (matrix metalloproteinase) inhibitory;
- Antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal;
- Antianxiety and antihypertensive, antidiabetic and anticancer;
- Antiasthma, anticoagulant, hypolipidemic and cardioprotective;
- Cytoprotective (cells), hepatoprotective (liver), renoprotective (kidney) and neuroprotective (brain);
Large-scale, placebo-controlled, double-blind human trials are necessary to determine the specific therapeutic effects associated with natural astaxanthin.
Conclusions
A number of brands of astaxanthin supplements are available in Canada. It’s important to be selective when choosing the best astaxanthin supplement for your unique requirements.
In general, natural astaxanthin is known to be likely safe when taken orally and properly. Natural astaxanthin has been safely used in combination with other carotenoids, vitamins and minerals.
Astaxanthin 4 mg has been used daily without side effects for as long as 12 months. When natural astaxanthin is used alone, daily doses between 4 mg and 40 mg have been safe for up to 12 weeks.
Taking astaxanthin may increase the risks for side effects with certain types of pharmaceutic and/or herbal agents. Use caution if combining astaxanthin supplements with other substances, especially those which possess antidiabetic and/or antihypertensive properties.
Canadians considering using a natural astaxanthin supplement should talk about it with their physicians first. Let your doctor know about pre-existing medical conditions and any medications you take.
Pregnant and nursing women are not recommended for astaxanthin use. Stop using this natural supplement at least 2 weeks prior to any surgeries.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment