The Super-Anti-Oxidant
Research indicates that astaxanthin's antioxidant properties are far superior to other carotenoids such as beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, as well as vitamin E., In fact, the claims get even more impressive when compared to some of the other more established health supplements. Astaxanthin is reported to be:
800 x more powerful than COQ10
550 x more powerful than Green Tea Catechins
75 x more powerful than Alpha-Lipoic Acid
6000 x more powerful than Vitamin C
As it is a 'pure anti-oxidant' with an ability to cross the blood barrier astaxanthin can act quickly and effectively to provide support for a number of core bodily functions.
Dementia
Research in Japan (referenced in the British Journal of Nutrition) established that astaxanthin may lower the build-up of compounds known as 'phospholipid hydroperoxides' (PLOOH), which have been shown to build up abnormally in the red blood cells of patients with dementia.
Through the period of the study of 30 healthy volunteers aged 50-69 years old, PLOOH levels dropped by 40% and 50% with 6 and 12mg daily doses of astaxanthin respectively. In comparison, no difference was noted when a placebo was used. These results led to the report concluding that astaxanthin "may contribute to the prevention of dementia".
Joint well being
And as I already touched on, astaxanthin really helps to improve joint health, by reducing inflammation and pain caused by free radicals and protecting your joints.
Astaxanthin strengthens your overall immunity so you are better able to resist disease and illness.
Astaxanthin is fat soluble and best absorbed with healthy fats.
Energy boosting
As for energy boosting, astaxanthin has been shown to have a positive impact on mitochondria, the cellular energy centers that produce energy.
Astaxanthin has also been found to improve strength and stamina, and to speed muscle recovery time after exercise.
It has become popular among athletes for this reason and they believe it enhances performance, as well.
Reduced inflammation.
If you have an infection your body's responds by using inflammation as the instrument to restore the injured tissue. Another form is chronic inflammation, this is far more serious.
Some of the health conditions associated with chronic inflammation are arthritis, asthma, strokes, ulcers, Alzheimer's and much more. The prescription drugs used to treat these conditions have major and frequently alarming side effects.
When you compare astaxanthin to the standard anti-inflammatory treatments it does not work as fast as a drug. On the other hand, it is completely safe and there are no side effects besides being extremely effective for countless users.
Cancer prevention.
There has been a great deal of research on the effect astaxanthin has on various types of cancer cells. Although the studies have been carried out on rats and mice the results are very promising.
It has been proven to be very effective against urinary bladder cancer and colon cancer. The way it works is that it inhibits the start of cancer cells.
It also gives your immune system an enhancement by greatly increasing the number of antibodies and improving your resistance to colds.
Eyesight
Another study, highlighted in the Japanese Journal Medical Consultation & New Remedies, gave a daily dose of 6mg to 22 middle-aged and older people showing symptoms of presbyopia - a condition which causes the lens of the eye to lose the ability to focus (known as 'accommodation'). This makes short range vision hard.
The results showed a notable improvement in eye accommodation ability after astaxanthin supplementation over a 4-week term (Med Consult N Rem, 2009; 46: 89-93).
A separate study in Italy lasting a year that taking 4mg of astaxanthin daily alongside other carotenoids and antioxidants (180 mg of vitamin C, 30 mg of vitamin E, 22.5 mg of zinc, 1 mg of copper, 10 mg of lutein and 1 mg of zeaxanthin) resulted in better eyesight for patients with age-related macular degeneration (Ophthalmology, 2008; 115: 324-33.e2).
Skin Ageing and Wrinkles
Multiple research reports have shown that astaxanthin provides a natural barrier against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, the number one reason for premature skin aging. Another study reached the conclusion that astaxanthin may help fight against skin sagging and wrinkling (J Dermatol Sci, 2010; 58: 136-42).
More interestingly, clinical trials indicate that using astaxanthin can improve the overall condition and health of your skin. In a double-blind study, 16 women suffering from dried skin, aged around 40 years, were given either a placebo or a mix of 2mg of astaxanthin and 40 mg of tocotrienol (vitamin E). After just 2 weeks, the group who used the astaxanthin showed a number of improvements in their skin's condition, most notably fewer wrinkles, improved moisture and elasticity, a smoother surface, and less under-eye darkness and flabbiness. After 4 weeks the results improved further still, with various skin measurements providing a statistically significant change compared with the control group (Food Style 21, 2002; 6: 112-7).
Most recently a study with a bigger sample of women (49) tested the effects of astaxanthin alone in a 4mg daily dose. After just six weeks significant improvements were shown in the astaxanthin group in comparison to the control group using a placebo (Carotenoid Sci, 2006; 10: 91-5).
Getting Your Daily Fix
A standard and recommended the daily dose of astaxanthin is 2-4 mg/day. As it is fat-soluble it is absorbed by the body most effective when taken with a fat-containing meal (Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2009; 73: 1928-32). In general terms, it will go down best a dietary source of healthy fats, such as olive or flaxseed oil.
To date, no side effects have been recorded after using astaxanthin meaning it has a high safety profile. A human safety study concluded that 6 mg/day of astaxanthin extracted from Haematococcus Pluvialis is safe for healthy adults (J Med Food, 2003; 6: 51-6).
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