Astaxanthin is also referred to as the king of antioxidants. Why? Because this antioxidant is way ahead of its pack. It is 6000 times more potent than Vitamin C, 3000 times stronger than Resveratrol, 550 times more than vitamin E, and 40 times more than beta-carotene.
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is derived from haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis), a bright red natural occurring pigment found in marine life. Its natural reddish colors give it color to other organisms like crabs, salmon, shrimp, etc.
Astaxanthin is harvested from these algae that produce the highest amount of antioxidant that protects you from the extreme change in climate and harsh UV rays. The supplement provides many health benefits such as faster recovery from illness and injury, aging skin, Alzheimer’s disease, enhanced athletic performance, protecting muscles and joints, etc.
The antioxidant helps in preventing cell damage, and they neutralize free radicals. Some dietary sources of antioxidants are spices and herbs, beans, green tea, nuts, berries, etc.
Astaxanthin Benefits
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that helps neutralize reactive oxygen in your cell membrane’s inner and outer layers. It is a fat-soluble pigment powerpack with antioxidant properties that helps in protecting your cell’s oxidative stress and free radicals.
The supplements have many other benefits that can help in many ways, such as:
Boosts Physical Performance
Research suggests that astaxanthin can help improve the function of the powerhouse of cells – mitochondria. It provides energy to your muscles and further increases your endurance and overall performance.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Studies suggest that taking astaxanthin can improve your heart health [1]. It improves your lipid profile, blood flow, and arterial wall thickness.
It can also help lower your blood pressure and HDL-LDL cholesterol ratio, which is a major cause of cardiovascular disease [2].
Helps With Joint Pain
It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in protecting the joints. It treats joint problems like rheumatoid arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome caused by wear and tear of joints.
Improves Sleep Quality
Astaxanthin contains a compound chelate that helps to absorb zinc in the body. Taking the supplement makes you sleep faster and thus improves sleep efficiency.
Good for Eye Health
Studies suggest that astaxanthin can help prevent eye diseases related to the retina and macula. It also helps with age-related eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma.
It helps improve blood flow to the eye parts, reduces blockages, and clots in veins and arteries, reduces eye fatigue, improves syndromes related to computer vision, and promotes capillary.
Reduces Signs of Aging
Astaxanthin is rich in antioxidants that protect cells from oxidation and eliminate free radicals. This slows aging and reduces aging signs like wrinkles and age spots. And further improves your skin texture and elasticity and gives you young-looking skin.
Treats Neurodegenerative Diseases
According to studies, the powerhouse of antioxidants can protect neurons from oxidative damage. Therefore, it can protect these neurons from neurodegenerative diseases.
Enhances Male Fertility
Research studies suggest that astaxanthin can help boost male fertility.
Taking a supplement can improve sperm parameters like count, motility, etc.
Strengthens the Immune System
It can protect immune cells against oxidative stress and enhances antibody production.
Improves Muscle Health
Studies suggest that astaxanthin can enhance muscle endurance and nutrient conversion.
Astaxanthin Benefits for Skin
Astaxanthin can help to promote skin health. According to research, consuming as a supplement or applying topically can help to [3]:
- Smooth Wrinkles.
- Decreases fine lines
- Make age spots smaller.
- Maintain skin moisture and elasticity.
- Promotes skin smoothness.
- It can protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun without blocking vitamin D.
Astaxanthin Side Effects
Astaxanthin is usually safe to consume and has no side effects.
However, if taken in excess quantity, it can have effects like unwanted hair growth, changes in hormone levels and sex drive, increased skin pigmentation, low blood pressure, and a fall in calcium blood levels.
Astaxanthin Dangers
There are no dangers associated with consuming astaxanthin. However, consult your healthcare professional if you have diabetes, autoimmune disorder, bleeding disorder, low blood calcium levels, allergy to alpha 5 inhibitors, or asthma.
Also, pregnant and nursing mothers should only consume after consulting their doctor.
Astaxanthin Supplements
Astaxanthin is considered a natural supplement powerpack with antioxidants. You can take these supplements along with your meal.
Let us now have a look at the top 5 supplements.
- BioAstin Hawaiian by Nutrex Hawaii – It helps to support your eye, joint, and skin health.
- Sports Research – This triple-strength astaxanthin is a vegan, non-GMO certified supplement. It is blended with coconut oil to aid absorption.
- Now Food Astaxanthin – It contains lutein, beta-carotene, and canthaxanthin. This supplement is good for maintaining cellular function and balancing immune responses.
- Viva Naturals – It helps maintain skin health, hydration of skin, heart, and immune health.
- We Like Vitamins – This supplement supports exercise recovery. And it helps maintain the overall health of the skin, eyes, and joints.
How Much Astaxanthin Per Day?
According to research, consuming 4-18 mg daily for 12 weeks is safe.
Bottom Line
Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid power-packed with antioxidants. It is naturally found in wild-caught salmon, crab, shrimp, red trout, algae, lobster, etc.
It has many benefits, including improving brain function, maintaining heart health, supporting better vision, increasing endurance levels, boosting male fertility, and enhancing skin health.
You can add this powerful antioxidant to your diet as a natural supplement to reap its many health benefits.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
- Hussein, G., Goto, H., Oda, S., Sankawa, U., Matsumoto, K., & Watanabe, H. (2006). Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin: III. Antioxidant and histopathological effects in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin, 29(4), 684–688. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.29.684
- Kishimoto, Y., Yoshida, H., & Kondo, K. (2016). Potential Anti-Atherosclerotic Properties of Astaxanthin. Marine drugs, 14(2), 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/md14020035
- Singh, K. N., Patil, S., & Barkate, H. (2020). Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin: Recent scientific evidence, possible mechanisms, and potential indications. Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 19(1), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13019
