If you want vision, skin and physical performance that can't be beaten: Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin

10 times more potent than vitamin C; 14 times more potent than vitamin E; and 54 times more potent than any other beta-carotene.

Astaxanthin (ASX) is a powerful natural antioxidant that fights oxidative stress and has great benefits for the skin, eyesight, cardiovascular system and general restoration of the body as a result of its rejuvenating and anti-aging action.

Today we will see how Astaxanthin makes this happen.

Every day more evidence appears about Astaxanthin (ASX) that corroborates its multiple health benefits, as well as nutraceutical or bioceutical applications, (refers to a product presented as a pharmaceutical alternative that is often manufactured with natural ingredients, although it lacks a precise regulatory definition).

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid, meaning it has one or more oxygen atoms in its structure and is therefore more resistant to oxidation.

Astaxanthin (ASX) is often associated with other carotenoids such as zeaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene, as they share many of the physiological and metabolic functions attributed to carotenoids in general.

However, ASX is more bioactive (bioactive compounds: nutrients and non-nutrients present in the food matrix (plant and animal sources) that can produce physiological effects beyond their classic nutritional properties) than zeaxanthin, lutein and β-carotene.

This is mainly due to the presence of a ketone group and a hydroxyl group at each end of the molecule. But what is most striking is that, unlike other carotenoids, ASX is not converted into vitamin A and this would increase the antibody response.

Due to its molecular structure, ASX has unique characteristics that strengthen its capabilities to promote human health.

In particular, the polar end groups scavenge free radicals, while the double bonds in its middle segment scavenge high-energy electrons, giving ASX a higher antioxidant activity than other carotenoids. ( 1 )

Benefits

Acts against age-related vision loss

Macular degeneration occurs when a part of the retina is damaged, while glaucoma is an increase in fluid pressure within the eyeball that eventually results in the death of retinal cells from oxidative damage and loss of blood flow to that area.

Experiments with ASX have been performed in induced glaucoma which have indicated an improvement towards normal levels of vision ( 3 ). Also, supplementation with Astaxanthin, vitamins C and E, copper and zinc, plus lutein and zeaxanthin could improve the central area of ​​the retina in people with macular degeneration. ( 2 )

Macular degeneration and cataracts are considered the main causes of blindness. The statistics are worrying:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 years of age.
• AMD affects 60 million people worldwide and 10 million are already blind.
• Severe and irreversible vision loss affects 30% of people over 55 years of age.
• Cataracts, on the other hand, are caused by lipid peroxidation of the epithelial layer of the lens. Although there may be other causes, most are related to aging and this is a condition that results in 3 million surgeries per year.

How Astaxanthin Benefits Your Vision

The retina is a very light and oxygen-rich environment and needs a large army of free radical scavengers to keep it free from oxidative damage. In addition, the retina has the highest concentration of fatty acids of any tissue in the human body and Astaxanthin meets the requirements: it provides a permanent defense and sufficient fatty acids to maintain the health of the retina.

Although both vitamin C and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin have been shown to be associated with a reduction in the risk of macular degeneration, none can beat Astaxanthin in terms of potency as a free radical scavenger and/or permeability across the blood-brain barrier.” ( 4 )

Mark Tso, a specialist at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University, has shown that ASX can easily pass through the tissues of the eye and unfold its effects safely and with much greater potency than other carotenoids without adverse reactions. ( 5 )

According to Tso, ASX can improve or prevent light-induced damage, damage to photoreceptor cells, ganglion cells, and damage to neurons in the inner layers of the retina.

Tso concludes that ASX supplementation may be effective in preventing or treating the following eye diseases:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Cystoid macular edema
• Glaucoma
• Inflammatory eye diseases (retinitis, keratitis, scleritis, etc.)
• Central retinal arterial and venous occlusion

Cholesterol

Cholesterol itself is not bad. It is produced naturally in the liver and transported through the blood to form cell membranes, vitamin D and some hormones.

The problem arises when there is too much cholesterol in the blood and, since it is not water-soluble, the excess ends up being deposited on the walls of the blood vessels, specifically, in the arteries. This is not good for narrowed arteries because it paves the way for a heart attack or a stroke.

There are several studies that have shown that supplementing with ASX would help reduce LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), especially one conducted in 2017 where, taking a combination of ASX with lycopene and other carotenoids for 45 days reduced triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels in male mice. ( Study )

Anti-Cancer Effects

This antioxidant is thought to decrease mutagenesis and carcinogenesis by inhibiting oxidative damage to damaged cells.

It would even restore intercellular communication, which allows for a decrease in tumor proliferation, as presented in a study where such benefits were seen.

Protection against age-related conditions due to its antioxidant action

ASX, like other antioxidants, “donates” its electrons to neutralize free radicals. However, while this electron donation is depleted in most other antioxidants, ASX has a great survival capacity and allows it to remain active for longer, at least longer than the rest of the antioxidants.

In addition, ASX, unlike other antioxidants, can deal with a greater number of free radicals. In principle, most antioxidants such as vitamin C and E can counteract one free radical at a time, whereas ASX can counteract up to 19 free radicals at a time.

How does he do it?

By forming a kind of cloud around the molecule (or electron dislocation resonance). That is, if free radicals try to steal electrons from the ASX molecule, the ASX electron cloud simply envelops them, absorbs them and neutralizes them at the same time.

Cardiovascular health

Another unique feature of ASX is its ability to protect both the water-soluble and fat-soluble parts of the cell. Carotenoids are normally divided into water- and fat-soluble, but ASX belongs to an intermediate group that thrives in both environments.

This means that the ASX molecule can affect and expand the bio-lipid membrane of all cells. It is not floating around in the bloodstream, in fact, it integrates into the cell membrane and that offers enhanced protection to the cardiovascular system.

Brain health and function

ASX has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier which is part of its neuro-protective ability. ( Study )

A 2018 study concluded that ASX may benefit brain processes involved in neurodegeneration such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) (a lethal motor neuron disorder characterized by a progressive loss of upper and lower motor neurons at the spinal or bulbar level); and cerebral ischemia.

Antioxidant and not pro-oxidant, ideal in hormonal situations such as menopause

Many antioxidants act as pro-oxidants, meaning they actually cause oxidation rather than fighting it when sufficient concentrations are present. This is why it is not advisable to consume too many antioxidant supplements in general. Here comes another key characteristic of ASX, which is that it cannot function as a pro-oxidant.

Menopause, for its part, can induce a pro-oxidant state in the body. ASX has been found to help eliminate free radicals, contributing to strengthening the immune system, which is necessary for continued healthy hair growth in these individuals, for example. ( Study )

Anti-inflammatory

Since ASX does not function as a pro-oxidant, even when present in large quantities, it makes it safer and more effective when acting in the body. Astaxanthin acts on different inflammatory pathways, making it a very powerful anti-inflammatory substance that also helps maintain balance in the body. ( Study )

As a sports supplement to improve athletic performance

Supplementing with ASX has not been found to reduce the likelihood of injury, but may help improve endurance and performance stamina.

There is a study conducted in 1998 in Sweden by Dr. Curt Malmsten that validates Astaxanthin's natural ability to increase strength and endurance. ( Study )

The most impressive result was in male students between the ages of 17 and 19 who took 4 mg of ASX per day for 6 months and both their strength and endurance increased by an incredible 62% . What's more, cardiovascular endurance increased 3 times faster than the control group. The students who took a placebo increased their strength by 22% which is normal for this age group over a 6 month period as they are generally young people involved in sports activities. Basically, Astaxanthin managed to make these boys stronger and more enduring almost three times faster than the group taking the placebo.

Skin health

Astaxanthin (ASX) is produced by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis when its water supply dries up, forcing it to protect itself from ultraviolet radiation.

The effects of ASX are reflected in the suppression of hyperpigmentation, melanin synthesis and inhibition of photo-aging, as well as the reduction of wrinkle formation have been reported in several clinical studies.

In a study reviewing the effects of ASX on cellular and molecular mechanisms such as regulation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, modulation of immune response, prevention of skin damage, and regulation of DNA damage, ASX has been found to have great potential as a nutraceutical for:

• Protect against UV rays

• Repair DNA damage: By protecting against UV rays, it achieves double protection since sun damage also affects DNA, improving its ability to regenerate the DNA of cells exposed to UV radiation, which would be equivalent to slowing the growth of cancer cells in the skin.

• It would strengthen the immune system because ASX increases the body's ability to store immunoglobulin that helps the immune system fight viruses and even melanoma.

• Due to its antioxidant power, ASX has been shown to neutralize free radicals, reduce skin inflammation in cases of eczema and improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin due to aging.

Joint pain

Some studies show that Astaxanthin may reduce inflammation and painful symptoms related to arthritis.

Aging is not the only risk factor for the progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis .

Early studies show that taking supplements containing Astaxanthin, Lutein, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Safflower Oil 3 times a day, every day for 8 weeks reduces pain and improves feelings of contentment in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. ( Study )

Dosage:

Because Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid, the absorption and retention of supplemental Astaxanthin is much greater if taken immediately after meals rather than outside of meals.

Astaxanthin takes time to accumulate in the regions of the body where its benefits have been observed, so it should be taken for at least 4 weeks before adjusting the concentration to be consumed as a supplement.

If you decide to supplement with Astaxanthin you can start with 4 mg per day and gradually increase up to 8 mg .

Commercial production of this pigment has been commonly done by chemical synthesis, but the microalga Hematococcus pluvialis seems to be the most promising source for industrial biological production of Astaxanthin. Therefore, try to find a good quality supplement, your body will thank you.