Thread: "Astaxanthin" the ultimate anti-aging/antioxidant

Haha... I swear, no intention of selling it on this forum bro

I'm Dickie boy (not danny boy)...

I bought mine from a local pharmacy today. Sharing is caring.
Nothing about living longer, just living better and healthier is all.

No wrinkles on my cock yet 55

That not what your boyfriend has told us.

Originally Posted by NZdick1983

^ or even better, incorporate supps into an already healthy diet.. and exercise regime..

although I don't really consider astaxanthin a 'supplement'.. it's more a food source..

*like Manuka honey, or coconut oil...

Eating a variety of fresh organic foods—and incorporating supernutrients like astaxanthin—is the best approach to health, along with good sleep, exercise.

You're right about all that, above.
An older guy than I was hopping and skipping along in Nelson a few years back, met him at a chemist when he was picking up his month's supply of astaxanthin, swore by the stuff.
I found a great source of the stuff in the shrimp industry, most of it's thrown away as waste.

http://www.google.co.nz/url?sa=t&sou...mcVjKfxsIlw7GA

Originally Posted by NZdick1983

Yup, ask Dr. google 55... heaps of info on it.. no sides (not like Vit a) it's a food like Makuka honey.. can't overdose on it.

KIDDING BRO! 55 stay healthy guys...

And be precise in choosing the brand of honey. This guide is recommended before purchasing https://diligentchef.com/best-manuka-honey/

^ IMO, benefits of UMF factor (Kiwi Manuka honey) has been over played/accentuated... I know there are studies proving the higher UMF has special qualities over 'normal' honey... but it's very expensive... (and I sell the stuff!)...

It's just as important to use unpasteurized (raw) honey.... much of its potency is lost in the process of pasteurization/heat *reduces the anti-oxidant capacity considerably...

Hate to rain on your parade Dick but The last time I read up on Manuka Honey,the main benefit was a slightly higher antibiotic content which is destroyed on reaching the stomach. May work on your skin though. But so will antiseptics at a tenth of the price. I admit to being no expert on these, antioxidants, vitamins, etc.
My father died at 91 years old after a fall. Was sceptical about any type of health food or supplement and certainly never took any. Never ever drank water. Never went to a hospital until shortly before he died. Always looked younger than his age. His sister lived about the same age. My father rarely drank alcohol was never overweight and ate small meals.Oh and he started smoking at 14 and did not give up until he was 78. Again, I believe Genetics.
My take? It's in the genes and there is no proof that most of these supplements will help, other than the placebo effect, or will make you live one second longer. In short, snake oil for the gullible or Lourdes in a bottle.
Sensible lifestyle choices and eating habits will give you a better quality of life on the way but I believe that, barring accidents our inescapable demise is mainly programmed into our DNA. In saying that, I am open to any empirical scientific evidence that has been shown to be efficacious on a large number of individual humans in a double blind study. Unfortunately, very few of these supplements can supply that.

To have inherited good genetics would be fantastic - unfortunately few off us can count on this!
Ideally all our nutrition should come from good food sources, problem here is the food chain is pretty well screwed, if anybody can tell me where to obtain good natural food at reasonable prices that is uncontaminated I'm all ears?
Another factor we have to take into account is our genetic type/blood group, what is good for you may not be so great for me.
I'm not looking to extend my life, but while I am here I would like to have good quality of life, be able to stay reasonably fit and healthy without taking any of the numerous chemicals that the pharmaceutical companies market to ensure good health & I don't want to be going to hospitals!
I have been supplementing my diet for 40 years now, what I need has changed over the years as the body ages, there are doubtless certain essentials that can no longer be obtained from eating a "normal" diet due to mass farming, depleted soils, animals being fed total crap etc.
Knowing what supplements you need to take is key, the only way to know for sure is to get tested, which I have been doing annually for some years, it helps if you know your body type also.
From what I have read and experienced just about everyone needs to supplement, Vit C, magnesium, Selenium & fish oils, most will be deficient in other basics.
If you do supplement you need to know what you are supplementing with, taking cheap synthetic "vitamins" will probably do more harm than good, try to be sure they are coming from a good natural and sustainable source, not easy, its a cut throat business.
Good nutrition is a must for all, it should be basic knowledge that we are taught from birth, instead we get indoctrinated with crap - trust your Doctor! he knows whats best for you! bollocks, learn to take care of yourself, most have no idea.
Just my thoughts, a lot will disagree as is your right.

^ Very good post, Airport... I agree totally.


The idea that you can get all your nutrients from food is fine in theory, but virtually impossible in practice.
Soil and water depletion, food and environmental toxins, poor absorption, pesticides, exercise, and lack of calories can all cause nutrient deficiencies.
There is evidence that consuming nutrients from food is more beneficial than supplements, which is why you should focus on a nutrient rich diet first. However, it’s rarely enough anymore.

Why Getting Your Nutrition Only from Food is A Bad Idea

By: Dave Asprey



You’ve likely heard conflicting information about nutrient supplementation. With thousands of multivitamins, minerals, and other unpronounceable supplements lining health food store shelves, it’s no wonder people are confused.
Which of these pills and potions are legit, if any? Are the people that buy these just investing in really expensive pee? Even worse, can supplements damage your body?
As the Standard American Diet (SAD) shifts further and further away from nutrient-dense foods like high-quality animal protein and vegetables, nutrient deficiency is becoming a widespread epidemic.
But even if you’re following a more nutrient-dense diet full of quality protein and fats, you can no longer rely on getting all of your nutrients from food.
Nutrient deficiencies hurt your performance, causing DNA damage, making you age faster, and contributing to chronic disease. If that’s not convincing enough, here are 10 more reasons you should consider nutrient supplementation.
10 Reasons You Should Take Supplements

1. You Eat Crap a Standard American Diet

Grains, legumes, and most forms of modern dairy are not food. The purpose of consuming food is to nourish the body and mind. These foods do the opposite.
First of all, grains, legumes, and conventional dairy are low in nutrients and difficult for a lot of people to digest. Grains and legumes contain phytic acid and other compounds that can interfere with nutrient absorption and can cause intestinal damage, which makes it even harder for your body to absorb nutrients [1,2,3,4,5]. Even if you’ve stopped eating these foods, you may be in nutrient debt or have lingering intestinal damage which is interfering with nutrient absorption. Dairy, especially conventional dairy, is inflammatory and difficult to digest for many people. It also contains mycotoxins which are extremely inflammatory [6].
2. Soil Depletion

Improper farming practices deplete the soil of essential nutrients. When plants are repeatedly grown on the same land, the soil loses vitamins, minerals, and microbes faster than they can be replaced. Over time, the plants have fewer nutrients to grow. Fertilizer contains just enough nutrition for the plant to survive until harvesting, but not enough to support human health. In addition, most plants are not harvested fresh. They sit on trucks, shelves, and counters for weeks before being eaten. Over time, the nutrient content of these plants decreases.
Most modern fruits and vegetables are grown to increase their sugar content, not their nutrient value [7]. As a result, the most common fruits and vegetables are artificially high in fructose and lower in key nutrients [8].
When plants contain fewer nutrients, the animals that eat these plants are also malnourished. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Health found copper levels in the UK have dropped 90% in dairy, 55% in meat, and 76% in vegetables [9]. Copper is an essential nutrient that helps to regulate several pathways in the body, including energy production and brain function [10].
3. Water Depletion

Water is also depleted of minerals due to modern production methods. There is a huge variation in the mineral content of bottled and tap water, with tap water generally having more [11]. Most water filters remove important minerals such as magnesium, which is essential for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Up until recently, clean, unfiltered fresh water was the main source of magnesium for humans. Not anymore. Our water is filtered of essential minerals like magnesium, contaminated with chlorine, and fortified with potentially harmful chemicals like fluoride.
The filtration of precious minerals from water could explain why people who drink water higher in calcium than magnesium develop more myocardial infarcts and ischemic heart disease [12,13].
4. Low-Calorie Diets Are Low Nutrient Diets

I know this is a crazy idea, but starving yourself of key nutrients is bad. Consuming a low-calorie diet means you’re consuming fewer total micronutrients. As humans, we’re designed to consume large amounts of nutrient-dense calories to meet our body’s needs [14]. When you’re constantly restricting your caloric intake, it’s easy to become malnourished. When you’re consuming low-quality foods, like pasteurized non-fat milk and other frankenfoods, you have to eat even more to obtain the right amounts of nutrition. That’s how you get fat. And just one more example of why food quality matters.
Animal foods are generally higher in calories and nutrients, so it’s no surprise that’s where the majority of calories came from in early human development [15]. Since the modern trend is to reduce the consumption of animal foods, people are consuming fewer nutrients per unit of food [16].
5. Non-organic foods contain fewer nutrients

Non-organic, pesticide-treated vegetables are lower in cancer-fighting polyphenols than organic ones. This is because the plant produces polyphenols as a defense against bugs and pathogens. When there is no reason to defend themselves, the plant stops producing polyphenols and your body and brain suffer the consequences [17].
There is also evidence that glyphosate – RoundUp herbicide – chelates minerals in crops on which it is sprayed. It remains to be seen how much of an impact this effect has, but it’s safe to avoid GMO foods for a variety of other reasons [18].
Unfortunately, organic is not always possible due to financial or logistical reasons. Even when you can find organic foods, they aren’t necessarily better.
6. Grain-fed Meat & Cooked/Conventional Dairy

Compared to grass-fed meat, grain-fed meat is abysmally low in antioxidants, micronutrients, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins [19]. Grains are not a food for humans or grazing animals. When herbivores are fed grains, they become malnourished, just like humans. Grain-fed meat and farmed seafood can also serve as a carrier for more toxins, which increases nutrient needs.
Raw, unpasteurized, unprocessed, full-fat dairy can be good for you, but the kind most people buy at the grocery store is not ok [20]. The majority of nutrients in milk are found in the fat (cream). When you remove or reduce the fat, you are removing and reducing the nutrient content. Pasteurization destroys some of the nutrients in both skim and full-fat milk. Conventional dairy is also high in aflatoxin and other mycotoxins that were in the cattle’s feed [21].
7. Toxin Exposure

Your body needs nutrients to deal with toxins. When more toxins are present, you need more nutrients. If you’re living in a cave or the garden of Eden, this will be less of a concern. If you’re like the rest of us mortals – you’re exposed to a litany of toxins on a daily basis.
Here are just some of the things your body has to contend with:

1. 1. Xenoestrogens (plastics, BPA, some molds, petroleum products).
   2. Industrial solvents and cleaners.
   3. Unnatural lighting.
   4. Food toxins (not a problem if you’re eating Bulletproof).
   5. Stress and lack of sleep.

There are hundreds of other sources of unnatural stress that increase the body’s need for proper nutrition. Even if you’re doing everything right in terms of diet – it’s almost impossible to get all of your nutrients from food.
Our bodies weren’t designed to deal with these toxins using only nutrition from food. Instead, it’s good to support detox and methylation pathways with supplements.
8. Nutrient Absorption Declines With Age

Several studies have shown kids need more nutrients to support growth, and older people need more nutrients due to malabsorption. As you age, hydrochloric acid and digestive enzyme production naturally declines, making it difficult for you to break down and absorb nutrients from your foods. As you age, you also often begin taking medications which can interfere with nutrient absorption. This means you need to take more nutrients in the most absorbable form possible.
9. Exercise Increases Nutrient Needs

Athletes often think tons of exercise is the key to a long and healthy life (it’s not). They are among the first to denounce supplementation as unnecessary, often with the idea that exercise is the best medicine. I don’t advocate high amounts of exercise, but this is an important point. If you’re doing enough exercise to substantially deplete energy reserves, you’re also using more nutrients for energy production and recovery. As a result, athletes are at an even higher risk of nutrient deficiencies. Since many athletes eat a low nutrient, high toxin diet – this is a serious concern.
10. Supplementation May Help You Live Longer

Aging is a natural process, but it’s not fun. If there are supplements that can delay this process, why not take them? As long as there isn’t an undue risk of harm, it’s hard to justify avoiding a substance simply because our ancestors didn’t have access to it. There is good reason to believe a higher intake of nutrients may prolong life. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors may have been malnourished at certain times which is not beneficial. If supplements can buy you a few more years of quality life, why not take them?
11. Expense & Health

Whether we like it or not, sometimes supplements are cheaper than real food. In the case of something like salmon, it may be better for you to supplement with a high-quality fish or krill oil than to settle for a farmed variety. Farmed salmon is low in omega-3s and high in toxins [22].
Farmed salmon are higher in parasites and bacteria. In order to hide the sickly appearance of farmed salmon meat, the fish are fed a pink pigment to change their tissue color. Farmed salmon contains 16 times more PCB’s and pesticides than wild [23]. Wild salmon is often more expensive than grass-fed beef, and presents more of a health risk than benefit. Grass-fed beef has enough omega-3’s by itself, but supplementation may be a good idea for some people (like kids).
The idea that you can get all your nutrients from food is fine in theory, but virtually impossible in practice. Soil and water depletion, food and environmental toxins, poor absorption, pesticides, exercise, and lack of calories can all cause nutrient deficiencies. There is evidence that consuming nutrients from food is more beneficial than supplements, which is why you should focus on a nutrient rich diet first [24]. However, it’s rarely enough anymore.
If you want to be Bulletproof, supplementation is a great start. Handicapping yourself by “only getting nutrients from food” is not a good idea, even on the Bulletproof Diet.
For your next step in Bulletproof supplementation, check out this article on the key nutrients almost everyone can benefit from.

References:
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6299329
[2] http://pmid.us/11595455
[3] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17519496
[4] http://pmid.us/4018443
[5] http://pmid.us/11595455
[6] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19762818
[7] http://www.organic-center.org/report...%20Mode%5D.pdf
[8] http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/r...5-18-1999.html
[9] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1...t=AbstractPlus
[10] Copper | Linus Pauling Institute | Oregon State University
[11] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1495189/
[12] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16675428
[13] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1930966/
[14] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9...t=AbstractPlus
[15] http://www.ajcn.org/content/71/3/682.long
[16] http://www.ana-jana.org/Journal/journals/ACF5FB7.pdf
[17] http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf020635c
[18] http://www.ipni.net/ppiweb/bcrops.nsf/$webindex/70ABDB50A75463F085257394001B157F/$file/07-4p12.pdf
[19] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19502506
[19] Salmon Aquaculture Reform Campaign - Pew Trusts
[20] http://www.realmilk.com/documents/Re...tofStudies.pdf
[21] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19762818
[22] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16323755
[23] http://www.ewg.org/reports/farmedPCBs/
[24] http://www.ajcn.org/content/89/5/1543S.abstract

^ The facts are out there, up to each individual to educate themselves as the society the average working man lives in will purposefully teach them nothing, they want them to die young, broke & in debt, after a "lifetime" of servitude!
I have been reading about nutrition for 40 years as i said, you constantly come across articles in the MSM that are put there just to completely confuse the average person, seems to be working! The common line is "if you eat right, you don't need..."
Yeh right!
Food is now "grown" only for profit, not sustenance!

Some fairly diligent research there Dick. Did you run a check to see how many of the studies were funded by companies promoting the product?

I applaud your intent, but I have always been super cynical. I’m also too lazy to check for myself.

As the aging process continues, more bits of this old fart seem to require attention. I have struggled to ignore my chronic osteo-arthritis over the years but if your supplements can offer relief, why not?
I will now try to find some credible information on possible side effects.
My lifelong studies on wanking making you go blind have so fa proved inconclusive.

PS I notice that the FDA differentiate between animal and plant derived supplement versions. Animal derived is authorized a a food coloring and plant derived is authorized as a supplement.

which one do you use?

Originally Posted by Switch

PS I notice that the FDA differentiate between animal and plant derived supplement versions. Animal derived is authorized a a food coloring and plant derived is authorized as a supplement.

which one do you use?

I'm always 'super cynical" when I see people refer to the FDA as if they are correct? who funds them, are they open to outside influences & are there intentions good or are they just yet another tool of the establishment?

Originally Posted by Airportwo

I'm always 'super cynical" when I see people refer to the FDA as if they are correct? who funds them, are they open to outside influences & are there intentions good or are they just yet another tool of the establishment?

Agreed. Still a useful starting point though.

Thanks Switch,

Nah bro... I don't sell supps... sold out of my stock of Makuka honey, busy selling retro gaming consoles/games from Japan (N64 PS3 limited editions, etc)...

also fishing lures (Mega Bass, Tackle house, Daiwa, etc)... wouldn't wana eat them suckers though heh...

Originally Posted by NZdick1983

^ Ay? I'm not selling it (yet) and when/if I do, it will be in Japan. Not to crusty old, cynical farts on this board.

Not trying to con anyone bud.

Just taken the time out of my day, to pass on some health food tips for the benefit of people interested.

I've already listed the numerous benefits of this antioxidant... next you will try to poo poo Manuka honey... lol

Plenty of information online/studies/clinical research, etc... I'm sure anyone interested will do their own research/due diligence.

Stick to your crackers and cheeseburgers, no skin off my nose, as you were, healthy man... cheers...

Some crusty old farts may be interested in the stuff if/when available in Thailand; like maybe keep us informed.

Fug me... did I say that? sheesh.... my apologies... I must've been on my man-period...

Some interesting history of a term that became "mainstream" not that long ago: Antioxidant



History:

As part of their adaptation from marine life, terrestrial plants began producing non-marine antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), polyphenols and tocopherols. The evolution of angiosperm plants between 50 and 200 million years ago resulted in the development of many antioxidant pigments – particularly during the Jurassic period – as chemical defences against reactive oxygen species that are byproducts of photosynthesis.

Originally, the term antioxidant specifically referred to a chemical that prevented the consumption of oxygen. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, extensive study concentrated on the use of antioxidants in important industrial processes, such as the prevention of metal corrosion, the vulcanization of rubber, and the polymerization of fuels in the fouling of internal combustion engines.

Early research on the role of antioxidants in biology focused on their use in preventing the oxidation of unsaturated fats, which is the cause of rancidity. Antioxidant activity could be measured simply by placing the fat in a closed container with oxygen and measuring the rate of oxygen consumption.

However, it was the identification of vitamins A, C, and E as antioxidants that revolutionized the field and led to the realization of the importance of antioxidants in the biochemistry of living organisms. The possible mechanisms of action of antioxidants were first explored when it was recognized that a substance with anti-oxidative activity is likely to be one that is itself readily oxidized.

Research into how vitamin E prevents the process of lipid peroxidation led to the identification of antioxidants as reducing agents that prevent oxidative reactions, often by scavenging reactive oxygen species before they can damage cells.

********

The bit about the "polymerization of fuels in the fouling of internal combustion engines" reminded me of the power of a good workout which literally blows the shit out of your system...Much the same as putting a car through its paces to clear out all the built up crap when it was only driven slowly for years by some old lady, on Sundays, heading to church...

Originally Posted by Switch

PS I notice that the FDA differentiate between animal and plant derived supplement versions. Animal derived is authorized a a food coloring and plant derived is authorized as a supplement.

which one do you use?

You didn’t really answer the question Richard. Which one do you USE?

Sorry, I didn't know your question was directed at me.

Plant based over synthetic supps, of course! much better bioavailability.

Our bodies have evolved to recognize and use nutrients that come from the plant sources that our ancestors found in nature.
That is why I will always recommend we seek our nutrients from food first. That’s why I recommend superfoods instead of vitamin supplements — acerola powder instead of so-called “vitamin C,” fermented cod liver oil instead of vitamin A & D supplements, low-temperature processed brewer’s yeast instead of a B-12 supplement, and so on

While you can buy astaxanthin as an isolated nutrient, it doesn’t come that way in nature. Rather, it’s usually found in marine animals like salmon, crab, lobster, and shrimp.
Krill oil contains astaxanthin naturally - and is better absorbed by the body - hence why I take it in it's most natural state.

*well, 2nd most natural state actually... but the huge quantities of salmon we would need to consume, not to mention the pollutants (mercury) etc, make supplementation a more practical (less risky) solution

How to Take

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

Astaxanthin appears to be recommended in the dosage range of 6-8mg daily, which is low enough that an enriched salmon oil or krill oil supplement may contain adequate levels. Doses of up to 20-50mg astaxanthin have been tolerated, although the exact toxicity and upper limit is not known.Despite the above recommendations, the ideal dose of astaxanthin is currently not known.Due to being a carotenoid, and related to the metabolism of Vitamin A (a fat soluble vitamin) it would be prudent to take astaxanthin alongside a meal.

There ya go. It's already in your fish oil supp or salmon steak.
Carry on.


https://examine.com/supplements/astaxanthin/

Crikey!

I thought I was a bit of supp fiend buy you've got me beat.
You better live to be 132, UnZedDuck.

Mate, that's just half of them... mind you... I buy in bulk, big bottles last a year... so works out quite cheap...

aced my health check... so must be doing something right..

You're still young. It's easy to ace a health check under 40.

Wait till you're 65 and ace it then.