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User reviews of astaxanthin suggest that this supplement can have benefits for heart health, joint pain, sleep, skin health, protecting the eyes, and for improving energy levels. Clinical research shows that astaxanthin is an effective antioxidant.
In research studies, Astaxanthin supplements are associated with improved cardiovascular, dematological and neurological health. This supplement is also being researched for its anti-cancer effects and as a chemopreventative agent.
Astaxanthin is a red pigmented carotenoid molecule. It is primarily found in certain fish, crustaceans (such as krill or shrimp) and algae. It also provides the color to salmon muscle and to the feathers of pink flamingos.
According to research and reviews, astaxanthin may generally support health and well-being by combating free radical damage, reducing inflammation in the body and by supporting metabolism. It is also said to help protect the skin from UV radiation and to improve vision and eye health.
Anti- Oxidant
Heart Health
Anti- Aging- Antioxidant and immune booster
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Shown to improve cholesterol levels
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As a dietary supplement, astaxanthin comes in tablets, powders, liquids and gelcaps of dosages between 4 – 12 mg per serving. This compound is also found naturally in Krill Oil, though only in trace amounts.
There is a small amount of clinical research into the therapeutic benefits of astaxanthin supplements. Most of the available research is in the form of in vitro (laboratory) or animal studies.
Preliminary evidence suggests its usefulness is preventing and/or treating certain conditions including:
- Age-related macular degeneration;
- Carpal tunnel syndrome;
- Exercise-induced muscle soreness;
- Hyperlipidemia and dyspepsia;
- Menopause symptoms and male infertility;
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and wrinkled skin;
Many of these uses are supported by anecdotal reports from consumers and by doctors or naturopathic medicine practitioners who have seen positive results in their clients. However, human clinical trials are needed to validate these uses.
Astaxanthin Reviews for Oxidative Damage
Research shows that astaxanthin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anticancer and other beneficial properties. Of these, its potency as an anti-oxidant is most notable. Astaxanthin has been called the most powerful antioxidant compound ever discovered in nature.
Antioxidants are substances which inhibit and reverse some types of cell damage. They act to neutralize the effects of radical agents like free radicals, food toxins, industrial pollutants, tobacco smoke and others. Antioxidants are found naturally in various foods, especially certain vegetables.
Some of the more notable antioxidants include beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, lycopene and selenium. Astaxanthin demonstrates more antioxidant activities than all of these.
In fact, astaxanthin research reviews state that it is a stronger antioxidant than all other carotenoids, of which there are more than 600.
Research shows that this supplement can protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radical particles with unpaired electrons.
In fatty acid-enriched model membranes, astaxanthin has caused at least a 40% reduction in levels of lipid hydroperoxide. This means that it may prevent oxidative damage to lipids (like cholesterol), which is a major cause of heart disease.
Astaxanthin is also believed to protect the DNA in our cells from experiencing free radical-induced damage. In human trials, it has significantly decreased plasma 8-OHdG; a marker for DNA damage. Damage to DNA caused by radicalized particles is believed to increase the risk of developing cancers.
Are Antioxidants Always a Good Thing?
Just like everything else in nature, too much of a good thing can cause negative effects. Excessive usage of antioxidants like astaxanthin may have unintended adverse effects, which is why it is important to always follow recommended dosage guidelines.
In some cases, using antioxidant supplements like resveratrol when exercising can diminish the cardiovascular benefits linked to intense workouts. The same may be true for astaxanthin products.
Note that excessive supplementation with antioxidant substances may increase certain health risks. For instance, excessive doses of beta-carotene can increase the risk of developing lung cancer in those who smoke tobacco products.
Chronically excessive vitamin E levels have been linked to prostate cancer and a certain type of stroke. Certain drug interactions are also possible when taking excessive dosages of antioxidant supplements. For this reason, it is important to use antioxidants appropriate to derive desired health benefits.
Astaxanthin Review for Cancer
Anticancer effects have been noted in several astaxanthin reviews. In-vitro studies show that it is able to inhibit cellular proliferation (rapid multiplication) and modulate the immune system.
In one study on human colon cancer cells, astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis arrested cell cycle progression and promoted normal cell death (apoptosis).
Other astaxanthin research studies have shown that it impedes proliferation and reduces viability of leukemia cells. In K562 leukemia cells, astaxanthin inhibited cellular proliferation by upregulating the expression of Nrf2, a signaling pathway transcription factor.
It also increased the expression of PPAR-gamma (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma). Astaxanthin also inhibited activities in cell lines infected with HTLV-1 (human T cell leukemia virus type 1).
Astaxanthin Review for Heart Health
Astaxanthin user reviews posted online show that this supplement is frequently taken to help manage cholesterol levels and to generally improve factors related to heart health. This is supported by research studies, which show that astaxanthin provides anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects that may improve long-term cardiovascular health.
The muscular tissue of the heart (myocardium) has been protected from ischemia-reperfusion damage via astaxanthin administration. In damaged myocardial tissue, CRP (C-reactive protein) and MAC (membrane attack complex) have been reduced.
Preliminary research shows that astaxanthin may help to improve lipid profiles. In one case, taking AstaREAL Astaxanthin daily over 12 weeks lowered triglycerides and elevated HDL-C (high density lipoprotein cholesterol). 6-18 mg doses were compared against placebo doses in patients with mild hyperlipidemia.
In one 4-week astaxanthin trial, combining this supplement with folic acid, red yeast rice, berberine and policosanol resulted in the following:
- Lowered total cholesterol and LDL-C;
- Decreased triglycerides by at least 20%;
- Increased HDL-C by 5%;
By lowering “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C), elevating “good” cholesterol (HDL-C) and reducing serum triglycerides, astaxanthin may help to reduce certain risk factors associated with atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and long-term cardiovascular disease.
Astaxanthin Dosing Review
When used orally or topically, astaxanthin is rated as likely safe in amounts which are commonly gained from the diet. The US FDA considers astaxanthin a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) food.
It is rated as possibly safe when used as a dietary supplement for up to 12 weeks at doses between 4 mg and 40 mg daily. When used in combination with other nutrients, 4 mg astaxanthin doses over 4 weeks have caused no adverse effects.
Conclusions
Clinical research on astaxanthin has been limited up until recently, but there are now more trials being conducted to examine the potential benefits of this natural carotenoid.
In addition to its antioxidant, hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, this supplement is used to improve eye health, energy metabolism and skin health. User reviews of astaxanthin suggest that it can have a number of anti-aging benefits. However, more research is needed to validate many of these uses.
Speak with your doctor if you are considering using an astaxanthin supplement. If you have used this product, share your astaxanthin reviews below to let other readers know about your experience, any benefits and any side effects.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment