Natural Astaxanthin Supplements from Haematococcus Pluvialis

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Natural astaxanthin is a red-pigmented carotenoid produced by the Haematococcus pluvialis bacterium. H. pluvialis is a species of freshwater chlorophyta; a green microalgae. When water and/or nutrients are scarce, or it is threatened in other ways, the bacterium biosynthesizes natural astaxanthin.

Astaxanthin is one of the strongest known antioxidants, considered to be 500 times more potent than Vitamin E. Research shows that this compound also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects which may help to reduce the risks of numerous diseases and conditions.

Currently, natural astaxanthin is used to prevent and/or treat hypercholesterolemia, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, age-related macular degeneration, stroke and some cancer types.

Natural sources of astaxanthin are preferred over synthetic sources, which are made from petrochemicals. Synthetic astaxanthin may be cheaper to manufacture, but only the natural products are approved for use in human dietary supplements.

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Benefits of Natural Astaxanthin

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In-vitro, animal and human research continues to show a variety health benefits associated with natural astaxanthin. Some of these include:

• Reducing low-grade, systemic inflammation;
• Supporting the immune system;
• Boosting metabolism and energy levels;
• Protecting the health of the eyes;
• Combating signs of cellular aging;
• Improves lipid profiles and long-term cardiovascular health;
• Protecting the brain from some forms of neurodegenerative damage;
• Reducing bone and joint pains;
• Improving certain symptoms of male infertility;
• Helps support normal blood-glucose levels;
• Improves certain symptoms of menopause;
• Treats gastric ulcerations;
• Promotes apoptosis (normal death) in certain cancer cells;
• Improves asthma symptoms by normalizing histamine levels;

Natural astaxanthin also provides some degree of photoprotection when applied topically to the skin. By synthesizing astaxanthin, H. pluvialis is able to inhibit the effects of excessive ultraviolet radiation exposure; more commonly known as sunburn.

In human research, natural astaxanthin has improved certain factors of dermatological health; including increased skin moisture, greater elasticity and reduced wrinkles. Some evidence suggests that taking oral astaxanthin for 2 weeks can prevent sunburn.

Human-based clinical research on natural astaxanthin has been limited in the past. Currently, there is not enough evidence to rate the efficacy of astaxanthin for specific therapeutic purposes.

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Natural Astaxanthin Vs. Synthetic Astaxanthin

The primary source of natural astaxanthin is H. pluvialis. The only other natural sources are the creatures that consume this bacterium. Salmon, trout, shrimp, krill, crayfish and certain birds are some examples. Krill oil is a popular dietary source of this compound.

Natural astaxanthin is far more potent as a medicinal substance than synthetic astaxanthin. Astaxanthin that’s made in laboratories is used very widely in aquaculture industries. It is used largely to add the desired color to salmon.

However, non-natural astaxanthin has been clinically shown to be inferior on certain levels. Research shows that wild animals, like salmon, raised on natural astaxanthin demonstrate improved immunity, fertility, reproduction and survivability.

Non-natural astaxanthin is often manufactured using certain petrochemicals. It is less than 1/20th as potent as an antioxidant than natural astaxanthin. Research has shown the following concerning natural astaxanthin’s effects as compared to lab-made varieties:

• Improves survival rates and longevity in slamon;
• 300% increases in salmon roe (egg) production;
• Accelerated farmed salmon growth rates by 600%;
• Improves salmon egg quality;
• Significantly reduces infections from salmonella in chickens;

Synthetic astaxanthin is still used more in aquaculture than the natural compound. Some companies are embracing the higher costs of natural astaxanthin as consumer demand for natural products and practices continues to increase worldwide.
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Natural Astaxanthin Side Effects

There are no major adverse effects associated with natural astaxanthin. The US FDA has rated astaxanthin as a GRAS (generally regarded as safe) foodstuff. When used orally, it is likely safe in amounts commonly found in average diets.

Doses between 4 and 40 mg daily have been used without side effects for up 12 weeks consecutively. When astaxanthin has been used in combination with other carotenoids, or certain vitamins and minerals, 4 mg daily doses have been safe for up to one year.

There are no reported interactions between natural astaxanthin and diseases. No interactions of concern have been reported concerning drugs, herbs or lab tests. Eating foods with concentrated amounts of other carotenoids may reduce absorption of astaxanthin.

Natural astaxanthin has not been studied enough to rate its safety for pregnant or nursing women. Usage is not advised. Astaxanthin exhibits certain antihypertensive and antidiabetic properties. It may increase the risks for certain side effects when used in conjunction with medications for glucose control and/or blood pressure modulation.

Because of possible lowering effects on blood-glucose and blood pressure, you should discontinue using natural astaxanthin supplements, and other similar agents, at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Conclusions about Natural Astaxanthin

Lab-made, synthetic astaxanthin is used primarily for feeding farmed animals like salmon and chicken. It is opted for by farmers because it is considerably less expensive to use than natural astaxanthin. Research has shown health disadvantages associated with using synthetic varieties in farmed animals.

If you are considering using an astaxanthin supplement to gain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and certain other therapeutic effects, then consider opting for a naturally-sourced astaxanthin product.

Speak with your doctor about the safety of natural astaxanthin, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are using prescription medications.

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