WHY ASTAXANTHIN? 

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity; it is one of the strongest antioxidants in nature due to its ability to locate and combat free radicals in the human body (1). Antioxidants promote good health by protecting cells against free radicals, which may contribute to heart disease, cancer, and other diseases. An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant protection often results in oxidative stress, which is thought to significantly contribute to inflammatory, ischemic, neurological diseases and more (2).

1. Galasso C, Orefice I, Pellone P, et al. On the Neuroprotective Role of Astaxanthin: New Perspectives?. Mar Drugs. 2018;16(8):247. Published 2018 Jul 24. doi:10.3390/md16080247
2. Lobo V, Patil A, Phatak A, Chandra N. Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health. Pharmacogn Rev. 2010;4(8):118‐126. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ASTAXANTHIN?

Skin Health:

This powerful antioxidant is often touted for its skin-protective benefits, and in a study using mice, it was found that astaxanthin can fight against UV rays that effectively accumulate  in the dermis, the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis (exterior skin) (1). Astaxanthin has also been shown to improve dermal health by breaking down the oxidative stress cascade and inhibiting inflammatory mediators at the same time; such molecular changes in aging skin can manifest as excessive dryness, irritation, increased predisposition to the formation or deepening of wrinkles, dyspigmentation and fragility (2).

1. Komatsu T, Sasaki S, Manabe Y, Hirata T, Sugawara T (2017) Preventive effect of dietary astaxanthin on UVA-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice. PLoS ONE 12(2): e0171178. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171178
2. Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2018;10(4):522. Published 2018 Apr 22. doi:10.3390/nu10040522

Brain Function:

Several studies confirm that astaxanthin delays or improves the cognitive impairment associated with normal aging; it has also been shown to alleviate the changes in bodily function that coincide with various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias, as well as Parkinson’s Disease (1). 

1. Grimmig B, Kim SH, Nash K, Bickford PC, Douglas Shytle R. Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration. Geroscience. 2017;39(1):19‐32. doi:10.1007/s11357-017-9958-x

Immune Support:

Astaxanthin plays an integral role in modulating the immune response; one way in which astaxanthin influences immune function is by enhancing natural killer cells and T lymphocyte cytotoxic activity, which serve as a surveillance system against tumors and virus-infected cells (1).

1. Davinelli S, Nielsen ME, Scapagnini G. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2018;10(4):522. Published 2018 Apr 22. doi:10.3390/nu10040522

Fitness:

Clinical trials have revealed that astaxanthin promotes recovery from exercise by preventing joint and muscle soreness and decreasing lactic acid levels. Astaxanthin has also been shown to improve blood flow rate, decrease the heart rate of athletes engaged in endurance training and decrease both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (1)(2).

1. Malmsten L. & al. (2018). Dietary Supplementation with Astaxanthin-Rich Algal Meal Improves Strength Endurance – A Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study on Male Students –. 13.
2. Bagchi, D., Nair, S., & Sen, C. K. (2013). Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance: Muscle Building, Endurance, and Strength. Elsevier Science. 

OUR SOURCE

Our astaxanthin is 100% natural and extracted from algae grown in water from the Himalaya Mountains. We source one of the most concentrated sources of astaxanthin with potency levels reaching between 6 to 8%. 

FAQS 

When should I take astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is best taken after a meal that contains fats, or with foods high in fat. Astaxanthin is a lipophilic compound, meaning its bioavailability can be enhanced in the presence of dietary fat (1). 

1. Mercke Odeberg J, Lignell A, Pettersson A, Höglund P. Oral bioavailability of the antioxidant astaxanthin in humans is enhanced by incorporation of lipid based formulations. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2003;19(4):299‐304. doi:10.1016/s0928-0987(03)00135-0

Is natural or synthetic astaxanthin better? 

Evidence suggests that natural astaxanthin has a higher oxygen radical absorbance capacity value than synthetically produced astaxanthin, meaning natural astaxanthin has increased activity against free radicals and reactive oxygen species that can cause cellular damage (1). A peer-reviewed publication reviewed head-to-head studies (both animal and in-vitro) examining Astaxanthin from three different sources. Natural astaxanthin from algae consistently proved to be significantly more effective and biologically active than astaxanthin sourced synthetically or from the genetically modified yeast, Phaffia (2). 

1. Grimmig B, Kim SH, Nash K, Bickford PC, Douglas Shytle R. Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration. Geroscience. 2017;39(1):19‐32. doi:10.1007/s11357-017-9958-x
2. Capelli, B., Talbott, S., Ding, L. (2019).  "Astaxanthin sources:  Suitability for human health and nutrition."  Functional Foods in Health and Disease 2019;9(6):430-445.