Astaxanthin is a phytochemical that belongs to a group of substances called cartenoids, and it is responsible for the pink-red pigmentation of fish and shrimp. Astaxanthin is a byproduct of haematococcus pluvialis, a type of dark red pigmented microalgae, and it is the consumption of this algae that gives salmon and shrimp their characteristic color. Astaxanthin supplements are manufactured from the haematococcus microalgae and sold for a variety of health-promoting purposes.
Antioxidant Activity
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, and it is considered to be 10 times more powerful then beta carotene and 100 times more effective then vitamin E in preventing free radical-induced damage in the body's cells and DNA. According to Vitamins-Supplements.org website, astaxanthin is such a potent antioxidant because it plays all three of the key antioxidant roles; quenching, scavenging and trapping free radicals. Astaxanthin also appears to work synergistically with other antioxidants and helps to enhance their activity and effectiveness. Due to its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin appears to enhance the immune system and protect against numerous diseases.
Natures Sunscreen
Astaxanthin is sometimes referred to as "nature's sunscreen" because the cartenoids in it help to protect against UVA damage caused by the sun. The NaturalNews.com website states that it also helps to keep people looking young from the inside out. It is purported to enhance skin elasticity and thereby improve fine lines and wrinkles, while also reducing inflammation and the cell damage that leads to premature aging.
Atherosclerosis
Astaxanthin may help to prevent and treat atherosclerosis, which is a disease characterized by a hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Vitamin-supplements.org explains that free radicals react with low-density lipoprotein or "LDL" cholesterol and transform it into a plaque-like substance that can build up on your artery walls. The free radical scavenging properties of astaxanthin help to prevent the LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, and thereby reduce the formation of arterial plaque.
Additional Purported Benefits
Astaxanthin supplements are purported to increase strength and endurance, and they may help to lower high blood pressure, reduce the risk for stroke, protect against damage to the brain and nervous system, and halt the progression of diabetes. Astaxanthin may also help to prevent and treat cancer, cataracts, gastric ulcers, stress, carpal tunnel syndrome and eye damage. These uses are based primarily on anecdotal and not scientific evidence, however, and more research needs to be done to confirm these theories.
Precautions
There is no established recommended dose for astaxanthin. Side effects are rare and mild even in high doses, and may include decreased libido, increased skin pigmentation, decrease in blood pressure, excessive hair growth, hormonal imbalance and low calcium levels. The Vitamins.ygoy.com website states that pregnant women and individuals with osteoporosis, asthma and hypertension should take astaxanthin with caution. In addition, astaxanthin may interact with certain medications, and as with any supplement, you should consult with your health-care practitioner before taking astaxanthin.
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