Astaxanthin

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a red-colored carotenoid extracted from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. This alga usually grows where sunlight is especially intense, and astaxanthin is what protects it from that radiation.

For its ability to protect cell membranes, astaxanthin is more than 65 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E.

And for neutralising free radicals, astaxanthin is an astonishing 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C.

Because of its structure, astaxanthin gives the cell membrane unique protection from oxidative stress, shielding it from both sides (the water side and the fat side) — unlike most antioxidants, which work only on the inner side (vitamin E and beta-carotene) or the outer side (vitamin C) of the membrane.

The benefits of astaxanthin

Anti-aging benefits. Studies show astaxanthin protects the mitochondria 1,000 times more effectively than vitamin E. It reduces free-radical DNA damage and premature cell death. Because astaxanthin freely crosses the blood-brain barrier, it has a neuroprotective effect and eases eye fatigue.

The skin is the body’s largest organ, made of several layers, each with unique and important functions. Natural astaxanthin can optimise skin health and radiance, protecting and supporting all the layers. Its clinical benefits for skin: reduces inflammation in all skin layers and rejuvenates aged skin; reduces the size of wrinkles and improves skin micro-texture; improves skin elasticity and strengthens the collagen layer.

Astaxanthin supports muscle function and improves muscular endurance. In studies, natural astaxanthin was found to reduce lactic-acid build-up and reduce fatigue. Benefits for muscle activity: increases muscle endurance and recovery; reduces fatigue; reduces muscle inflammation and damage; improves blood flow and red-blood-cell quality; by improving mitochondrial function, it strengthens fat metabolism.

Astaxanthin can help improve cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that natural astaxanthin reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, improves the lipid profile and promotes better blood flow in the capillaries. Benefits for the circulatory system: improves the lipid profile; reduces oxidative stress; improves blood flow in the capillaries.

Various clinical studies have shown that astaxanthin supplements can boost capillary blood flow and improve the quality of vision. Astaxanthin benefits for the eyes: may reduce eye fatigue; may help with blurred vision; may reduce eye irritation.

Like other parts of the body, the immune system works better when it is protected. Natural astaxanthin can both balance and strengthen your immune system. This unique antioxidant improves the body’s ability to defend itself while also dampening overactive immune responses that cause unwanted inflammation. Astaxanthin is well suited to autoimmune conditions. It is also recommended for detoxification or after chemotherapy, since it neutralises free radicals. Benefits for immunity: a faster immune response; strengthens and balances the immune system; strengthens antibody production; protects immune cells from oxidative damage.

The digestive system is one of the body’s most sensitive systems. Clinical studies have shown that astaxanthin supplements can reduce stomach inflammation, protect against stomach ulcers and reduce H. pylori infection. Benefits for the digestive system: reduces inflammation in the stomach; reduces Helicobacter pylori infection; reduces clinical symptoms in dyspepsia patients.

Studies have shown astaxanthin has a range of biological effects on the brain. Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials showed that 3 months of natural astaxanthin extract from Haematococcus pluvialis improved mental speed, multitasking and memory in older people complaining of age-related forgetfulness. Astaxanthin benefits for the brain: improves alertness and reduces age-related forgetfulness; reduces red-blood-cell oxidation (dementia prevention); improves capillary blood flow and the antioxidant quality of the blood; regulates blood pressure, reduces stroke risk and improves vascular endothelial function.

Astaxanthin, immunity and oncology support

Because astaxanthin is studied for protecting immune cells from oxidative damage and for supporting a balanced immune response, it is one of the components combined in concentrated immune-support formulas during oncological disease. Its role there is as an antioxidant partner to the mushroom polysaccharides — protecting the very immune cells (such as NK cells) that the polysaccharides are studied for activating.

Lentinan AXT from Zenius Labs™ is a formula combining 6 mg of natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis (the highest dose permitted in the EU) with clinically studied medicinal-mushroom polysaccharide extracts. Lentinan is one of the strongest known natural immunomodulators, used for decades in Japan and South Korea. The formula works on antioxidant defense, immune balance and cell recovery at the same time.

What to know before buying

Only extracts from Haematococcus pluvialis are used. Be sure the astaxanthin is of natural origin (not synthetic) — this must be written on the packaging. Synthetic astaxanthin (also used to color farmed salmon) may have side effects. In clinical studies (of natural astaxanthin), the most common dose used is 12 mg per day. The recommended duration of use is 3 months.

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