Astaxanthin is the carotenoid, or pigmented chemical, responsible for the reddish color in salmon, lobster, krill and other aquatic sources. The supplement form of astaxanthin is derived from marine micro algae Haematococcus pluvialis at Hawaii's Kona coast. Astaxanthin mainly acts as a powerful antioxidant or anti-inflammatory agent in the body to improve eye, heart and skin health. The scientific community is also studying astaxanthin for its potential health benefits in preventing or improving several other conditions.
Antioxidant Category
Astaxanthin has been shown to have antioxidant properties. Atoms try to balance positive and negative charges in their structure through balancing the number of electrons they have. Free-radicals are atoms or molecules with a missing electron that grab electrons from close organs, which causes bodily damage. Antioxidant molecules donate electrons to stabilize free-radicals. Free-radicals are constantly produced in the body as by-products of energy creation. They are also created by toxins, excess sunlight and electromagnetic radiation. Aging reduces inner antioxidants, and therefore, ingesting antioxidants becomes more important with age. Astaxanthin stops free-radicals' potential to damage tissues, including damage to genes.
Eyes
Studies have shown that Astaxanthin can help slow eye degeneration. V. Parisi and colleagues treated 69-year-old patients who had mild impairment of the central part of the eye's retina, called the macula. When the macula is impaired the result is poor vision, or age-related macular degeneration. The treated half of the research group consumed daily antioxidants including astaxanthin for one year. Assessments of the central macular were made after 6 and 12 months. After comparisons of the treated and the untreated volunteers, the results showed improvement of the macular region in the group that took carotenoid and antioxidant supplements. Although the results of this study seem to indicate that astaxanthin can improve eye health, you should talk to your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.
Heart
J. S. Park's research group studied the effects of astaxanthin on inflammation and immune response in healthy women. In this content, inflammation refers to low-grade invisible inflammation in cells, a process that can be triggered by free-radicals instigating damage in tissues, or by toxins, or by excess sugars and starches in the diet. Cardiologists measure a blood level of inflammation called C-reactive protein to identify patients at risk for heart problems.The research group measured a DNA-damage biomarker, which is a substance that indicates genetic damage that can lead to cancer; C-reactive protein, a marker for heart disease; and markers for immune health. Astaxanthin decreased the genetic-damage biomarker and C-reactive protein levels, and improved immunity levels of the women.
H. Yoshida's group conducted a study on 61 non-obese subjects. The 2010 publication indicates that blood tests showed that 12 and 18 milligrams (mg) per day of astaxanthin reduced a high level of fat in the blood, termed triglyceride level, and 6 and 12 mg doses increased HDL-cholesterol (good cholesterol, needed for many bodily functions).
Safety
Researchers G. A. Spiller and A. Dewell conducted a patient study where blood pressure and standard blood analyses were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results show that 6 mg of astaxanthin per day from a H. pluvialis extract can safely be consumed by healthy adults.
H. pluvialis, a source of astaxanthin, was cleared for marketing by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August 1999 by means of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (21 CRF part 190.6).
Sources
The best food source for astaxanthin is wild salmon. A serving contains 2-4.5 mg of astaxanthin; however, taking a supplement of natural astaxanthin will allow a measurable and regular routine for health benefits. Keep in mind that this article is not intended to prevent or cure any disease. Consult your physician if you wish to consume astaxanthin capsules.
References
- "Ophthalmology"; Carotenoids and antioxidants in age-related maculopathy; Parisi V et al.; 2008
- "Nutr Metab"; Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress; Park JS et al.; 2010
- "Atherosclerosis"; Astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin; Yoshida H et al.; 2009
- "The Perricone Weight-Loss Diet"; Nicholas Perricone, M.D.; 2005
- "J Natural Products"; Astaxanthin, a carotenoid with potential; Hussein G et al.; 2006
