Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae and causes the pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood.

• Uses
• Benefits
• Other Names
• Resources

Uses

• Eye problems such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Early research suggests that a combination of astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and copper taken daily for 12 months improves some problems in the center of the eye, but does not improve problems in the outer areas of the eye in people with age-related macular degeneration.
• High cholesterol: Early research suggests that taking astaxanthin (AstaREAL Astaxanthin) daily for 12 weeks reduces triglyceride levels and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. Other research shows that taking a combination of astaxanthin, berberine, policosanol, Red Yeast Rice, and folic acid for 4 weeks lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels by 20% to 26% and increases HDL cholesterol by about 5%.
• Male infertility: Early research suggests that men taking astaxanthin (AstaCorex, AstaREAL AB) daily for 3 months have increased fertility as measured by pregnancy rates.
• Menopausal symptoms: Early research suggests that taking a product containing astaxanthin, vitamin D3, lycopene, and citrus bioflavonoids (MF Afragil) daily for 8 weeks reduces menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, joint pain, moodiness and bladder control.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Early research suggest that taking a combination product (BioAstin) containing astaxanthin, lutein, vitamin A, vitamin E, Haematococcus extract, and safflower oil 3 times daily for 8 weeks reduces pain and improves feelings of satisfaction in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Wrinkled skin: Early evidences suggests that taking astaxanthin (Astavita AstaREAL) twice daily for 6 weeks improves skin elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles in middle-aged women. It also seems to improve the moisture content in the skin.
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Improving recovery after stroke
• Protecting against cancer
• Reducing skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) light
• Astaxanthin is applied directly to the skin for protection against sunburn.

Benefits

• Astaxanthin is an antioxidant. This effect might protect cells from damage. Astaxanthin might also improve the way the immune system functions.

Other Names

Astaxanthine, Astaxantina, Dihydroxy-3,3’ dioxo-4,4’ bêta-carotène, Microalgae, Microalgue, Micro-Algue, Ovoester, 3,3′-dihydroxy-4,4′-diketo-beta-carotene, 3S,3’S-astaxanthin, 3R,3’R-astaxanthin, 3R,3’S-astaxanthin.

Resources

Source: WebMD, “Astaxanthin”, www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/