The World's Most Powerful Antioxidant Found in Nature
"Health is not just about what you're eating. It's also about what you're thinking and saying."
-Anonymous
According to ORAC values, Astaxanthin is one of the most potent antioxidants in the world, with an ORAC value of 1,500 times higher than that of vitamin C and astonishing 6,000 times higher than that of vitamin E.
Astaxanthin, The King
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that provides a reddish color to many marine organisms, including krill, shrimp, lobster, and salmon. It is also found in certain types of algae, including Haematococcus pluvialis, which is considered one of the richest sources of astaxanthin. In fact, H. pluvialis can produce astaxanthin up to 3% of its dry weight under normal conditions, and up to 7% in response to stress, which can include environmental factors such as nutrient limitation, high light intensity, and temperature fluctuations. In their natural environment, algae face a variety of stressors, and increasing their production of astaxanthin can help protect them from oxidative damage and other harmful effects of stress.
For humans, stress is a common factor in daily life, and it can have a range of negative effects on health. However, astaxanthin has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to mitigate some of the negative effects of stress on the body. Additionally, the combination of astaxanthin with EPA & DHA Omega-3 fatty acids and Choline in phospholipids, as found in krill oil, may provide additional health benefits.
Overall, the high levels of astaxanthin found in certain types of algae, including H. pluvialis, suggest that this pigment may play an important role in the health of marine organisms. And with its potential health benefits for humans, including its ability to help protect against the negative effects of stress, astaxanthin is a nutrient worth considering for those looking to support their overall well-being.
What is so special about Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is being marketed as one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature - The King of Antioxidants. What makes astaxanthin unique is that it never becomes a pro-oxidant in the body, unlike some other types of antioxidants. In other words, other antioxidants may switch from anti- to pro-oxidant behavior, but not astaxanthin. This means that astaxanthin can control more than one free radical at a time. Unlike other antioxidants such as vitamin C and E, astaxanthin separates itself and forms an electron cloud around the molecule it is protecting. So when free radicals come along looking to attack and steal electrons, they are absorbed by the cloud and neutralized. Astaxanthin can stretch itself across the entire cell membrane, protecting it from the exterior, interior, and lipid layer, providing a unique, all-around, incredible protection.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is not produced in the human body, but its health-promoting effects are critical. Research shows that astaxanthin supplementation positively affects brain and heart health, physical endurance, energy levels, fertility, and even helps reverse skin ageing. Astaxanthin supplementation may also provide advantages in several aspects of health such as reducing oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammation, and stimulation of the immune system. Due to its anti-inflammatory effect, astaxanthin may also protect blood vessels against the development of atherosclerosis, a chronic low-grade inflammatory disease that is a leading cause of heart disease.
Numerous studies have explored the various health benefits of astaxanthin, some of which are discussed below.
Boosts Immune System
Astaxanthin has been found to boost the immune system by enhancing the production of antibodies and cytokines, as well as increasing the activity of natural killer cells and T cells (Park et al., 2010). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, astaxanthin supplementation for eight weeks significantly improved the immune response in healthy young women (Park et al., 2010).
Astaxanthin and Inflammation
Astaxanthin has been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (Choi et al., 2011). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks significantly reduced the levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, in overweight and obese individuals (Choi et al., 2011).
Joint Health
Astaxanthin has been found to improve joint health and reduce pain and inflammation in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (Fassett & Coombes, 2012). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, astaxanthin supplementation for eight weeks significantly reduced the levels of a marker of inflammation and improved joint function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (Fassett & Coombes, 2012).
Exercise
Astaxanthin has been found to improve exercise performance and reduce muscle damage and soreness after exercise (Djordjevic et al., 2012). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, astaxanthin supplementation for four weeks improved cycling time trial performance in competitive cyclists (Djordjevic et al., 2012).
Astaxanthin and Cellular Health
Astaxanthin has been shown to protect against cellular damage caused by oxidative stress and other forms of stress by reducing DNA damage, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and inhibiting apoptosis (Yuan et al., 2011). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks significantly reduced oxidative stress in healthy individuals (Yuan et al., 2011).
Brain Health, Cognitive Function, Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Astaxanthin has been found to improve brain health and cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, enhancing blood flow and neurotransmitter function, and protecting against age-related decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's (Katagiri, Satoh, Tsuji, & Shirasawa, 2012). In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, astaxanthin supplementation for 12 weeks significantly improved cognitive function in healthy older adults (Katagiri, Satoh, Tsuji, & Shirasawa, 2012).
Cardiovascular Health
It has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and improving lipid profiles (Yuan et al., 2011). Astaxanthin also has the ability to improve blood lipid profiles by reducing the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing the levels of HDL-cholesterol (Yang, Kim, & Lee, 2013). Furthermore, it has been shown to improve endothelial function, which plays an important role in regulating blood flow and blood pressure (Fassett & Coombes, 2011).
A study conducted on healthy, sedentary, middle-aged and older adults showed that astaxanthin supplementation improved arterial stiffness, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (Sawada et al., 2016). In addition, astaxanthin has been shown to improve exercise performance and reduce muscle damage during exercise (Djordjevic et al., 2012). These findings suggest that astaxanthin may have potential as an ergogenic aid for athletes.
The evidence suggests that astaxanthin can play a beneficial role in supporting cardiovascular health through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as its ability to improve lipid profiles and endothelial function. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which astaxanthin exerts its cardiovascular benefits.
Eye Health
Astaxanthin has been shown to protect eye health and prevent age-related eye diseases. It has been found to cross the blood-retinal barrier and accumulate in the retina and macula, two areas that are essential for vision (Nakamura et al., 2011). Studies suggest that astaxanthin can improve visual acuity, reduce eye fatigue, and protect against age-related macular degeneration (Shiratori et al., 2005; Tawarahara et al., 2012).
Skin Health and UV Protection
Astaxanthin has been shown to protect the skin from UV-induced damage, reduce skin inflammation, and improve skin moisture levels (Tominaga et al., 2012). It has also been found to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity (Yamashita, 2002). The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of astaxanthin make it a promising ingredient in topical skincare products.
Male fertility
Studies suggest that astaxanthin may have a positive impact on male fertility. It has been found to improve sperm motility, increase sperm count, and reduce DNA damage in sperm (Comhaire et al., 2005; Donà et al., 2013). Astaxanthin's antioxidant properties are believed to be responsible for these benefits.
Anti-Cancer Properties and Early Stage Cancer Prevention
Astaxanthin has been found to have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent the development of cancer in its early stages. It has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells (Park et al., 2010; Kang et al., 2003; Jyonouchi et al., 2009). While more research is needed in this area, these findings suggest that astaxanthin may be a promising natural cancer preventive agent.
Detoxification and Liver Function
Astaxanthin has been shown to protect the liver from various toxins, including alcohol, heavy metals, and drugs. In a study on mice, astaxanthin was found to protect the liver against alcohol-induced fatty liver disease by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation (Wang et al., 2018). In another study, astaxanthin reduced liver damage in rats exposed to high levels of cadmium, a toxic heavy metal (Nakao et al., 2010). Astaxanthin also increased liver function in rats with liver injury caused by the chemotherapy drug methotrexate (Kim et al., 2016).
Effect on Diabetes-Related Obesity
Astaxanthin has shown potential in managing diabesity, a combination of diabetes and obesity that is a major component of metabolic syndrome. Astaxanthin helps prevent the main elements of diabesity, including oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and extensive tissue damage from protein and lipid glycation. Studies have shown that astaxanthin supplementation slows the development of diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease), reduces cataract formation and diabetic retinopathy (both preventable forms of blindness in diabetics), and reduces the many cardiovascular complications of diabesity (Yoshida et al., 2004).
Conclusion
Incorporating Astaxanthin into your diet or taking a natural supplement may be a powerful way to improve several aspects of health. Its unique ability to control multiple free radicals at once without ever becoming a pro-oxidant, as well as its ability to stretch itself across the entire cell membrane, make it a true superstar among antioxidants.
So, whether you are looking to improve your skin health, reduce inflammation, support your immune system, or simply reap the many other benefits that Astaxanthin has to offer, consider adding it to your daily routine. You can find it in supplement form or in a variety of natural sources such as Antarctic Krill Oil, wild salmon, shrimp, and microalgae.
In conclusion, Astaxanthin is truly the king of antioxidants, and its unique ability to protect cells from oxidative damage and support overall health makes it a valuable addition to any wellness routine. By incorporating Astaxanthin into your daily diet or supplement regimen, you can experience its powerful benefits and live your healthiest, happiest life.
