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Natural astaxanthin sources include several marine organisms like shrimp and salmon. However, these creatures are not able to biosynthesize astaxanthin internally. Like humans, they must consume it from external sources.
Astaxanthin may only be biosynthesized from certain algae, bacteria and yeast; most notably Haematococcus pluvialis. H. pluvialis is a freshwater species of chlorophyta; a division of green algae.
Other natural astaxanthin sources in nature include Botryococcus braunii, Chlorella zofingiensis and Chlorococcum. Naturally-sourced astaxanthin, extracted from H. pluvialis, is available commercially via a variety of manufacturers.
Anti- Oxidant
Heart Health
Anti- Aging- Antioxidant and immune booster
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Shown to improve cholesterol levels
Top Astaxanthin Products* ❯What is Natural Astaxanthin?
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Natural astaxanthin is a pink/red pigment. It is a certain type of carotenoid called a xanthophyll. Carotenoids are known to be some of the strongest antioxidant substances found in nature.
They provide the spectrum of colors observed in the plant kingdom. The hues of yellow bell peppers, red beets, green broccoli, white cauliflower and purple cabbage are all results of carotenoid concentrations.
There are hundreds of different carotenoids. The average human can gain needed amounts of various carotenoids by routinely ingesting a variety of fruits and vegetables of different colors.
Recently, astaxanthin dietary supplements have gained favor as a powerful source of antioxidants. This compound has been found to be a more effective antioxidant than Vitamin C, Vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Individuals can buy astaxanthin capsules or tablets online. You can also derive this antioxidant from Krill Oil capsules or by eating a diet rich in foods that contain this carotenoid.
Astaxanthin Sources in Food
Certain marine organisms and avian species are known to possess concentrated levels of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin sources in human foods include, but are not limited to:
- Salmon and salmon roe (eggs);
- Rainbow/red trout;
- Krill;
- Shrimp;
- Lobster;
- Crayfish;
- Certain crab species;
Natural astaxanthin is also present in the feathers of certain birds which consume the above marine creatures. It is interesting that flamingo feathers are naturally white/grey. The “pink” colored flamingo features are a result of natural astaxanthin-like substance (canthaxanthin) accumulating in the feathers.
This happens because the flamingo has no known biological uses for the substance. It builds up in the feathers.
In some marine organisms, natural astaxanthin is bound to protein cells. When these animals are heated during cooking processes, their protein chains are denatured and begin to unwind. This releases the astaxanthin; causing them to redden as they cook. You will note this effect in shrimp, lobster, certain crab species and more.
Other astaxanthin sources in nature include storks, quails and propolis. Propolis is the red/brown resin used by bees to provide structural stability to honeycomb. Bees gather propolis-based astaxanthin from a variety of trees, flowers and other plants they visit daily.
The only other known natural astaxanthin sources are certain bacteria like Paracoccus carotinifaciens and Agrobacterium aurantiacumand. There is also a species of yeast which can synthesize astaxanthin de novo: Phaffia rhodozyma.
Health Benefits of Natural Astaxanthin
According to recent research, naturally-sourced astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid which demonstrates “extraordinary” potentials for preventing and/or treating a wide scope of diseases. Astaxanthin may be the strongest antioxidant substance in known existence.
As a scavenger of radical agents like superoxide, natural astaxanthin shows about 65 times the strength of vitamin C.
Other tests show that it scavenges free radicals more than 50 times more effectively than beta-carotene, and about 14 times stronger than vitamin E. Likewise, it is many times stronger than other well-established antioxidants like lutein and lycopene.
Increasing your dietary intake of astaxanthin food sources may also help your body to quench singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen is a specific type of oxidative particle. Astaxanthin is rated at more than 500 times the level of vitamin E for neurtalizing this cell-damaging type of unstable oxygen.
Astaxanthin for Brain and Eye Health
Unlike other carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene, naturally sourced astaxanthin is able to cross the BBB (blood brain barrier) and the BRB (blood-retinal barrier). This allows for direct protection for the brain, CNS (central nervous system) and eyes.
In addition to its antioxidant effects, natural astaxanthin is also under widespread research as a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
It is well established that long-term, low-grade systemic inflammation is present in almost every disease. Natural astaxanthin has been found to reduce inflammation throughout all areas of the body.
Astaxanthin suppleemtns are used to treat vision disorders like age-related macular degeneration. This product is also used to reduce the risks for medical conditions and diseases including:
- Blindness and cataracts;
- Neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s:
- Stroke;
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia);
- Cancer;
In in-vitro, animal and human trials, naturally sourced astaxanthin has demonstrated multiple therapeutic potentials. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antiasthma, renoprotective, liver-protective, photoprotective, cardioprotective, cytoprotective, immunomodulatory and other effects have been noted.
Conclusions
There are both natural and synthetic Astaxanthin sources avialble today. There is a need for natural healthcare consumers to beware of lab-made astaxanthin supplements. Many of these are manufactured using petrochemicals.
Non-natural astaxanthin products are approved by the US FDA as food additives and colorants. However, the medicinal properties and effects of astaxanthin are associated only with naturally sourced astaxanthin.
If you are considering enriching your diet with astaxanthin food sources or supplements, then you should consult with your doctor and discuss the safety as it pertains to you. Be sure to mention any pre-existing health conditions and/or medication you may be taking.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment