This article was previously published on April 20, 2019 and has been updated with new information.
Antioxidants play an important role in promoting health by protecting your body from free radicals, which are molecules that interfere with the function of your organs, leading to damage.first In this regard, many people do their best to increase their intake of well-known antioxidants like vitamins C and E, as well as flavonoids from plants. But sometimes, this is simply not enough.2
What if there is a certain antioxidant that beats everything else? The answer you’re looking for is not found in a single vegetable or fruit, but from deep within the ocean: astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin, often referred to as the “King of Carotenoids,” is a naturally occurring substance found in a specific type of microalgae, as well as some seafood. In addition, its red color is what makes the flesh of salmon, crab, lobster, and shrimp pink.3 Research regarding this antioxidant is promising, as it has been shown that astaxanthin has many health benefits.
The best astaxanthin comes from microalgae
You may have seen some astaxanthin supplements for sale in your local health store. Use caution when reading product labels as some of them are made with synthetic ingredients. Of course, you want to avoid these products as they are manufactured using petrochemicals obtained from petroleum and natural gas.
If you want to have real astaxanthin, you must get it right from the source, which is the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. This algae produces antioxidants when its water supply is depleted and goes into survival mode to protect itself from sunlight, UV radiation and low nutrients. Astaxanthin is the result of this process. In addition, there are some foods that contain large amounts of astaxanthin, mainly seafood that consume microalgae, such as:4
- Wild caught Alaskan salmon
- Salmon
- Krill (or krill oil)
- Crawfish
- Crayfish
Astaxanthin is also available in a variety of dosages. If you choose the supplement route, I strongly recommend buying those made from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, not those made from petrochemicals. This ensures that you are getting the legitimate benefits that antioxidants are known for, as well as protecting your health.
Studies on the benefits of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin may be one of the most valuable antioxidants you can take advantage of. Research on this substance is constantly evolving and the results are very promising, such as:5
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Improved antioxidant profile – One outstanding feature of astaxanthin is that it is 550 times stronger than vitamin E and 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C. In addition, it is 10 times more effective than zeaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene.6 Research has shown that this antioxidant can benefit your health in important ways. In one example, astaxanthin exhibited digestive protective properties in rats with peptic ulcers.7 |
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Hearing Protection – Astaxanthin may benefit your hearing by raising levels of neurotrophin-3 (NT3), a protein that plays a role in communication between your ear and brain. One study was able to support this hypothesis when researchers found that astaxanthin helped reverse hearing loss in mice.8 |
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Managing diabetes – The researchers suggest that astaxanthin may benefit diabetics by reducing oxidative stress in their pancreatic cells caused by high blood sugar, as well as improving serum glucose and insulin levels.9 |
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Reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease – Taking astaxanthin regularly may reduce the risk of inflammation in your cardiovascular system. In one study, participants taking 12 milligrams of astaxanthin daily were able to reduce the presence of C-reactive protein in their bodies, which is a marker of inflammation. In another study, myocardial-affected Sprague Dawley rats reduced infarct size after astaxanthin administration.ten |
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Anti-cancer properties – Astaxanthin has been shown to have potential in fighting cancer. Experts believe that antioxidants work by reducing mutations and cancer formation by inhibiting cell-damaging oxidation. Furthermore, it restores cell-to-cell communication to help reduce tumor proliferation. In one example, astaxanthin exhibited growth inhibitory effects in human colon cancer cells.11 |
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Strengthens the immune system – Your immune system is constantly under attack from free radicals, and astaxanthin can help turn the tide. Reports suggest that astaxanthin shows a higher immunomodulatory effect than beta-carotene, as well as enhanced antibody production and decreased humoral immune response.twelfth,13 |
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Better eye health – Some research suggests that astaxanthin may help protect your eyes from various conditions, such as:
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| Neuroprotective effects – Several studies suggest that astaxanthin can be a powerful tool in maintaining brain health, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In one example, 10 elderly participants taking 12 milligrams of astaxanthin daily for 12 weeks experienced improvements in cognitive and psychomotor function.14 |
The side effects of Astaxanthin are practically non-existent
One of the most exciting things about astaxanthin is that it is completely safe to consume, even at doses as high as 500 milligrams per day. The only side effect noted is slight redness of the skin, which can only occur if you increase the dose. In any case, I would still recommend seeing your doctor to help alleviate any concerns you may have before taking a supplement.
Supplements are beneficial, but natural sources may be better
Based on published data, it is clear that astaxanthin has strong potential to help optimize your health conveniently when taken as a dietary supplement. However, it may be more beneficial to consume astaxanthin by reaching naturally through the foods in which it is commonly found.
For example, wild-caught Alaskan salmon is one of the most nutritious foods you can add to your diet. In addition to astaxanthin, it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that may provide many benefits for your overall health, such as reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and arrhythmias. Almost anyone can benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, as it is an essential nutrient that must be obtained through your diet. Going the natural method is basically hitting two birds with one stone.
Frequently asked questions about Astaxanthin
Q: Should I take astaxanthin?
ONE: There is a lot of research supporting the potential health benefits of astaxanthin for your health. In other words, there’s a good chance that taking astaxanthin will help optimize your health.
Q: What is astaxanthin used for?
ONE: Astaxanthin is commonly used to help improve the antioxidant profile in your system as well as help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, among other things.15
Q: What does astaxanthin do for the body?
ONE: Research has shown that astaxanthin can help manage diabetes, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and boost your immune system and antioxidant profile.16
Q: Is astaxanthin safe to take?
ONE: Yes, but this only applies to natural astaxanthin that comes from microalgae. Synthetic astaxanthin must be avoided.
Q: How do I properly take astaxanthin?
ONE: Astaxanthin should be taken with foods rich in healthy fats to help improve absorption. This antioxidant can also be obtained naturally through seafood, such as wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
