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Astaxanthin is a rare plant nutrient from organic algae and has a rich red color. The antioxidant activity of our astaxanthin is more than 50 times more potent than common antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. Read about the properties of astaxanthin and when to avoid it.
Astaxanthin – what is it?
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in nature mainly in marine organisms such as microalgae, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish and crustaceans. Green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis it is considered the richest source of astaxanthin. Other microalgae such as Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum spp. and Botryococcus braunii, also contain astaxanthin. It can also be found in bird feathers such as quails, flamingos, and storks, as well as in propolis, a resinous substance collected by bees.
Carotenoids are well known for their therapeutic benefits in aging and various diseases due to their antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin, that does not convert to vitamin A.
Antarctic Krill Oil – YANGO dietary supplement you can buy at Medonet Market.
Astaxanthin – antioxidant effect
Astaxanthin is of interest for its potential pharmacological effects such as potent antioxidant activity, DNA repair, skin protection, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant found in cell membranes. It neutralizes free radicals. Astaxanthin is found both on the outside of the cell membrane and inside, providing protection. A comparative study of astaxanthin and other carotenoids showed higher antioxidant activity than β-carotene, lycopene, lutein or vitamin E.
Astaxanthin was found to be 550 times more effective as an antioxidant than green tea and 550 times more effective than vitamin E. Thus, clearly astaxanthin is a key component of the body’s antioxidant defense system, making its consumption particularly important in protecting the skin from pollution and sun damage. Astaxanthin has also been found to be 6000 times more effective in boosting the immune system than vitamin C.
Astaxanthin also has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and possibly helps prevent certain diseases of the brain in doing so.
See: Vitamin C Improves Patients’ Well-Being
Astaxanthin – properties
Research has been done into whether astaxanthin may affect endurance and fatigue levels after exercise. Studies in mice have shown that it can increase the body’s use of fatty acids, which helps with endurance and prevents damage to muscles and skeleton. So far, however, there is no evidence to support this in humans.
Astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to have potentially beneficial effects on the brain. Preclinical studies suggest that astaxanthin’s strong antioxidant properties may slow brain aging by increasing levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the central nervous system. Clinical trials evaluating the effects of astaxanthin on cognition in the elderly have shown better task performance and improved working memory.
Along with boosting your immune system, astaxanthin may also help reduce inflammation. In particular, astaxanthime acts on reactive oxygen species to reduce proteins that can cause inflammatory diseases such as celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.
Taking supplements or consuming astaxanthin-rich foods can also help protect your skin from damage from ultraviolet (UV) light. Astaxanthin builds up in the layers of the epidermis and dermis, helping to block UV rays and reduce existing damage.
Astaxanthin, thanks to its valuable properties, is a component of skin care cosmetics. The Oio Lab brand has created a protective serum with astaxanthin, the natural composition of which strengthens the skin’s protective mechanisms and has a positive effect on its firmness and elasticity. You can buy Algaemania serum at an attractive price on Medonet Market.
See: Inhibition of epidermal growth factor signaling activates blood stem cells
Astaxanthin – precautions
Astaxanthin may affect bleeding. Caution is advised in the use of astaxanthin in people with a bleeding disorder or taking medications that may affect bleeding.
Astaxanthin can lower blood sugar. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or hypoglycemia, and in people taking medications, herbs or supplements that affect blood sugar levels.
Astaxanthin can cause low blood pressure. Astaxanthin should be used with caution in people taking certain medications, herbs, and supplements that are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver. Taking astaxanthin with these medications may cause the blood levels of these medications to drop.
Astaxanthin should also be used with caution in people with hormonal imbalances or who are taking hormone-influencing agents, especially 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, as astaxanthin can inhibit 5-alpha reductase, thereby inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Side effects associated with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as decreased libido, gynecomastia, decreased semen during ejaculation, impotence, increased skin pigmentation, weight gain and depressed mood may theoretically occur.
Astaxanthin should also be used with caution in people:
- with autoimmune disorders or those taking immunosuppressive drugs, as astaxanthin has been shown to enhance immune function and theoretically may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy. Although astaxanthin has been found to stimulate the immune system, clinical studies have found that astaxanthin reduces eosinophil levels,
- with hypocalcaemia, osteoporosis or parathyroid disorders, as astaxanthin may lower serum calcium levels,
- taking beta-carotene, as astaxanthin may affect the conversion of beta-carotene,
- women who are pregnant or could become pregnant as astaxanthin may inhibit 5-alpha reductase
- with known allergy or hypersensitivity to astaxanthin or related carotenoids, including canthaxanthin, or in people who are hypersensitive to a source of astaxanthin, such as Haematococcus pluvialis.