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Natural astaxanthin supplements are used primarily for their strong antioxidant properties. In addition to helping fight signs of aging, this supplement is also suggested to have anti-inflammatory benefits, to support cognitive function, eye health and hearth health.
This compound is both lipophilic and hydrophilic (fat soluble and water soluble), which makes it unique among most other available antioxidant supplements. Astaxanthin has been cited as being 500 times more powerful as an antioxidant compared to Vitamin E.
Astaxanthin supplements are sometimes recommended to help prevent cancer, hypertension, anxiety, fatigue, skin health and improve cellular function. Large-scale human research on the effects of astaxanthin is currently lacking.
According to the Natural Medicines database, astaxanthin supplements may have benefits for age-related macular degeneration, hyperlipidemia, some forms of cancer, stroke and more. But more research is needed to validate some of these findings.
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 naturally occurring pigment called a carotenoid. There are hundreds of known carotenoids. Carotenoids are known to be strong antioxidant substances.
Free radicals like superoxide, poisons in the food supply, industrial toxins and other radical agents constantly bombard the cells of all living organisms. Antioxidants help to inhibit and reverse damage to cells caused by these radical agents.
Research has shown astaxanthin to be the strongest known carotenoid in terms of antioxidant strength. It is now also believed widely to be the strongest antioxidant in all of nature. Astaxanthin provides more antioxidant protection than well-known antioxidants like beta-carotene, lycopene, alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E), lutein and vitamin C.
In terms of free radical scavenging capacities, natural astaxanthin supplements rate at 500 times the strength of vitamin E. It is also about 65 times as strong as vitamin C and 150 times as strong as beta-carotene.
How to Get Natural Astaxanthin
Carotenoids are pigmented substances which provide the colors to the foods from nature. Adequate amounts of the majority of carotenoids can be gained simply by eating a diet based on vegetables and fruits of different colors.
However, astaxanthin is somewhat more difficult to come by in the diet. Previously Krill Oil was recommended as a source of this antioxidant. But the doses found in most krill oil supplements are at very low levels and not significant enough to provide therapeutic benefits.
Astaxanthin is found in a certain bacterium, Haematococcus pluvialis. H. pluvialis is a naturally green microalgae. It biosynthesizes astaxanthin only when its water supply is running low, it is lacking available nutrients or it is endangered by excessive sunlight.
It does this to prevent damage or death, particularly from overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunburn). Human research shows certain photoprotective and other dermatologic benefits associated with certain astaxanthin supplements.
Additional Natural Sources of Astaxanthin
Other natural sources of this compound include the organisms which feed on the bacteria; including shrimp, crayfish, certain other crustaceans, salmon and trout.
Interestingly, astaxanthin is the pigment in shrimp which causes them turn pink/red when cooked. Further, it is the substance which builds up in flamingos’ naturally white feathers to make them “pink” flamingos.
Synthetic astaxanthin is made from certain petrochemicals and other substances which may not be beneficial for health. Lab-made astaxanthin is used in animal feeds to imbue color. It is used heavily in the salmon farming industry to create the desired pink-red hue.
Consumers are reminded to consider the benefits of natural astaxanthin as compared to those of synthetically manufactured astaxanthin supplements. Research has shown that animals which are fed natural astaxanthin have improved growth, fertility, reproduction, immunity and survival rates compared to those given synthetic sources.
Astaxanthin Supplement Benefits
Insufficient clinical evidence exists currently to prove the effectiveness of astaxanthin for specific therapeutic purposes. What is known is that it provides very potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection.
It protects cells, tissues and organs from oxidative damages and chronic inflammation. It may be beneficial for inhibiting and/or reversing certain effects of aging.
Some of the conditions and diseases that astaxanthin supplements are being researched for include:
- Chronic, systemic, low-grade inflammation;
- Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and certain other bone/joint conditions;
- Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and certain other neurodegenerative conditions;
- Carpal tunnel syndrome;
- Dyspepsia (indigestion);
- Exercise induced muscle soreness;
- Male infertility and certain symptoms of menopause;
- Loss of skin elasticity and wrinkled skin;
Reported Mechanisms of Action
Astaxanthin supplements may induce multiple beneficial health effects. They act diversely to modulate certain inflammatory mediators; including Tnf-alpha (tumor necrosis factor alpha), NO (nitric oxide), histamine, interleukins, hydrogen peroxide, COX-1 (cyclooxygenase-1) and COX-2.
Low-grade systemic inflammation is a factor associated with almost all diseases. It is estimated that roughly 75% of all people in the United States are affected with it. Systemic inflammation often goes undetected. Over time, it can cause damage to your brain, other organs, immune system and more.
Managing chronic inflammation with natural astaxanthin supplements may help to reduce the long-term probabilities associated with developing various conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, ulcers, allergies, asthma, cancer and more.
Astaxanthin Supplement Adverse Effects
There are no serious side effects associated with proper use of astaxanthin supplements. The US FDA categorizes astaxanthin as a “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS) food ingredient. It is rated as likely safe for oral usage in amounts normally found in an average human diet.
When used as a supplement, oral doses of astaxanthin between 4 and 40 mg daily have been safe for up to 12 weeks. When astaxanthin is used with vitamins, minerals and/or other carotenoids, 4 mg doses have been used safely for up to 12 months.
Astaxanthin supplements may cause certain antidiabetic and antihypertensive effects. These effects may increase the risks of side effects associated with other similar medicinal agents.
Stop supplementing with astaxanthin at least two weeks prior to a scheduled surgery. Pregnant and nursing women are advised to not use astaxanthin supplements due to a lack of available research. Consult with your doctor before beginning to use this supplement or any other health product.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment