Coming from a Science background, I have always been interested in health and how to enhance it naturally from within.
I'm trying to minimize my supplements, to a few core elements, which have the most body of Scientific proof to validate their health benefits.
Astaxanthin is perhaps the very best nutrient for anyone over the age of 40 to take on a daily basis. Although I'm still in my early 30's, I want to build/maintain my health for later years.
Also, I will sell some key NZ health products in Japan, so I'm experimenting with the best herbs/supps on the market.
My Nana (95) has macular degeneration disease - and noticed Astaxanthin was a key component of her Ocuvite prescription from her Dr. so thought it would be a good ingredient to help protect my eyes.
Anyway, I thought I would share it with you guys, so you can perhaps benefit from it as well...
Here is the skinny on associated benefits of this super-antioxidant:
- Astaxanthin is believed to be the most potent antioxidant nature has to offer. In terms of antioxidant power or potency, astaxanthin is 550 times stronger than vitamin E, and 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C
- While it is related to other carotenoids like beta-carotene, lutein, and canthaxanthin, it has a unique structure, and works in some very unique ways. It acts on at least five different inflammation pathways, and can handle far more free radicals at any given time
- The combination of its high-potency antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties allows it to address a vast array of health concerns, including joint problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow; protection from UV radiation; improved athletic performance; heart health; brain health, including protection against age-related dementia; and protection against age-related macular degeneration—the most common cause of blindness in the US
- Astaxanthin Explained
Astaxanthin is a powerful, naturally occurring carotenoid pigment that's found in certain marine plants and animals. Often called "the king of the carotenoids," astaxanthin is recognized as being one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It is of particular significance, because unlike some other types of antioxidants, astaxanthin never becomes a pro-oxidant in the body so it can never cause harmful oxidation.
What Are the Benefits of Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant, so it naturally reduces free radicals in the body. But besides that, it also significantly reduces the oxidative load in the body by protecting the cells against oxidation. Because of astaxanthin's unique molecular structure, this red-colored pigment is an extremely powerful antioxidant that is very effective against singlet oxygen. It has a powerful scavenging ability for lipid and free radicals, and effectively breaks peroxide chain reactions.
While astaxanthin was initially introduced as a "super antioxidant," it has also been found to benefit a number of bodily functions, including:
Eye Health – The structure of astaxanthin is similar to lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of nuclear cataracts. But, while similar, astaxanthin has a stronger antioxidant activity and UV-light protection effect, both of which point to it being an excellent supplement for eye health maintenance.
Skin Health – Astaxanthin has been shown to help improve skin moisture levels, elasticity, and smoothness while reducing wrinkles, freckles, and spots.
Astaxanthin's antioxidant properties have also been shown to help improve heart heath, cellular health, and the body's immune system.
Astaxanthin Sources
Astaxanthin is found in its highest natural concentration in wild Pacific sockeye salmon. It is also found in krill, algae, red trout, shrimp, crab, and lobster. Its vibrant red pigmentation is what helps give these marine animals and plants their intense coloring.
Studies and research data:
References:
- Aoi, W., et al. (2004, July 5). Astaxanthin Limits Exercise-Induced Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Damage in Mice. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling, 5(1), 139-144. Retrieved from http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs...08603321223630
- Astaxanthin. (2014, September). Retrieved fromhttp://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=160132
- Bloomer, R. J., et al. (2005, August). Astaxanthin supplementation does not attenuate muscle injury following eccentric exercise in resistance-trained men. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 15(4), 401-412. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16286671
- Comhaire, F. H., et al. (2005, September). Combined conventional/antioxidant "Astaxanthin" treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial. Asian Journal of Andrology, 7(3), 257-262. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16110353
- Hussein, G., et al. (2006, April). Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin: III. Antioxidant and histopathological effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biology and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(4), 684-688. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16595899
- Ikeuchi, M., et al. (2006, October). Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice. Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(10), 2106-2110. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17015959
- Kidd, P. (2011, December). Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(4), 355-364. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22214255
- Kimble, L., et al. (2013, March 30). Astaxanthin mediates inflammation biomarkers associated with arthritis in human chondrosarcoma cells induced with interleukin-1ß. American Journal of Advances Food Science and Technology, 2. 37-51. Retrieved fromhttp://www.uscip.org/paper/ajafst/AJ...rleukin-1B.pdf
- MacDermid, J., et al. (2012, March). A blinded placebo-controlled randomized trial on the use of astaxanthin as an adjunct to splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Hand, 7(1), 1-9. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3280376/
- Naguib, Y. (2000, April). Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 48(4), 1150-1154. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10775364
- Teo, I., et al. (2005, November). Antiproliferation and induction of cell death of Phaffia rhodozyma (Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) extract fermented by brewer malt waste on breast cancer cells. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 16(5), 931-936. Retrieved fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16211266
- Tominaga, K., et al. (2012, March). Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on human subjects. Acta Biochimica Polonica 59, 43–47. Retrieved fromhttp://www.actabp.pl/pdf/1_2012/43.pdf