Salmon, shrimp and flamingos are pink because they eat a diet rich in a substance known as astaxanthin. This carotenoid is an antioxidant with a slew of possible health benefits. It can be incorporated into the diet by eating foods rich in astaxanthin, such as salmon, crayfish and trout, or by taking supplements. Talk with your midwife or doctor prior to taking astaxanthin supplements.
Fertility
According to NYU's Langone Medical Center, astaxanthin might be beneficial in helping couples conceive when male factor infertility is a problem. When couples decide to start a family, decreased sperm count, motility and quality can prevent those two magical lines from appearing on the pregnancy test. Further studies are needed to prove the effectiveness of astaxanthin on male fertility, though preliminary testing shows promise.
Safety
Astaxanthin supplements have not been tested or studied specifically on pregnant women, so the safety of the supplement and appropriate dosage during pregnancy have not been determined. The normal dose for non-pregnant people is 4 to 16 mg per day. If you are interested in taking astaxanthin in supplement form, speak with your midwife or obstetrician for recommendations and dosage instructions. There are no serious side effects associated with astaxanthin usage.
Carotenoids
Astaxanthin is considered a carotenoid. A carotenoid is a group of pigments, red, yellow or orange, many of which convert to vitamin A after they enter the body. Excessive amounts of vitamin A can be toxic to the human body and during pregnancy; too much vitamin A can cause birth defects. Astaxanthin is a different type of carotenoid because it does not change to vitamin A.
Diet
You can incorporate astaxanthin into your diet without taking supplements. Salmon, for example, can contain as much as 5 mg per serving. The FDA and MayoClinic.com note that pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 oz. of seafood per week. Be sure to avoid seafood that is known to have high mercury content, such as swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or health care provider.
References
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Astaxanthin
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Male Infertility
- Mercola.com: The Most Powerful Nutrient Ever Discovered for Eye Health; Dr. Joseph Mercola; November 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Pregnancy Nutrition
- MicrOrganics: Welcome
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin A and Carotenoids
