Astaxanthin is a vibrant red carotenoid pigment that is known for its exceptional antioxidant properties. It has garnered significant attention in the realm of natural health and dietary supplements due to its potential benefits and its presence in various natural sources.
This article delves into the discovery, sources, benefits, and safety of astaxanthin, drawing from peer-reviewed medical literature and historical insights.
Discovery and History:
Astaxanthin was first discovered in 1938 by Dr. Basil Weedon, an English chemist, who isolated it from lobster shells. The name “astaxanthin” is derived from two Greek words, “asta” meaning lobster, and “xanthos” meaning yellow. The compound’s striking red coloration, evident in lobsters and other marine creatures, is a result of its presence in their diet of algae and plankton.
Natural Sources:
Astaxanthin is synthesized by various algae, microorganisms, and marine animals. It’s interesting to note that the highest amounts of astaxanthin are often found in organisms that are part of the aquatic food chain.
Some of the Most Potent Sources of Astaxanthin include:
B
otanicals: Astaxanthin is primarily derived from microalgae, particularly Haematococcus pluvialis. This freshwater green microalga is known to accumulate astaxanthin in high concentrations when exposed to stress conditions like high light intensity or nutrient deprivation.
Seafood: Marine creatures like salmon, shrimp, crab, and lobster that consume astaxanthin-rich algae or smaller organisms further up the food chain are often rich sources of astaxanthin.
Krill: Krill, small crustaceans found in oceans, are also known to contain significant amounts of astaxanthin. Krill oil supplements have gained popularity as a source of astaxanthin, along with omega-3 fatty acids.
Fruits: Certain fruits, like red and pink grapefruit, watermelon, and guava, contain smaller amounts of astaxanthin. However, it’s important to note that the levels of astaxanthin in fruits are relatively lower compared to marine sources.
Vegetables: While astaxanthin is not typically found in high amounts in vegetables, red and orange vegetables like red peppers and carrots contain some trace amounts of this pigment.
Benefits and Potential Uses:
Astaxanthin’s potent antioxidant properties make it a promising candidate for various health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand its effects, several potential advantages have been explored in peer-reviewed medical literature:
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Antioxidant Support: Astaxanthin is known to have a higher antioxidant capacity compared to otORAC Values in Foodher carotenoids, such as beta-carotene or lutein. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and free radical damage, which are implicated in various chronic diseases and aging processes[i]. - Skin Health: Due to its ability to neutralize free radicals, astaxanthin is believed to contribute to skin health by protecting it from UV-induced damage. Some studies suggest that astaxanthin supplementation might help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote an even skin tone[ii].
- Eye Health: Astaxanthin’s presence in the retina has led to investigations into its potential role in supporting eye health. It is thought to filter harmful blue light and protect the eyes from oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other eye conditions[iii].
- Exercise Performance and Recovery: Some studies have explored the impact of astaxanthin on exercise performance and recovery. It is suggested that astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties could help reduce muscle damage and inflammation after strenuous physical activity, leading to improved recovery[iv].
- Cardiovascular Health: Astaxanthin’s potential to support cardiovascular health is also under investigation. Some studies suggest that it might contribute to reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and improving lipid profiles, all of which are important factors in maintaining heart health[v].
- Immune System Support: Emerging research indicates that astaxanthin might have immune-modulating effects. It could potentially enhance the immune response by stimulating the production of certain immune cells and cytokines[vi].
- Exercise Performance and Recovery: Some studies have explored the impact of astaxanthin on exercise performance and recovery. It is suggested that astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties could help reduce muscle damage and inflammation after strenuous physical activity, leading to improved recovery[iv]. One study on Astaxanthin that caught the eye of sports enthusiast was the one conducted in Sweden on college athletes. Though this study was unpublished it still provoked a lot of talk in athletic circles. This clinical study on humans, conducted in 1997, demonstrated the positive clinical effects of natural astaxanthin. The group contained 40 young healthy college-aged men who diet was supplemented with astaxanthin for a period of six months. The results showed a significant increase in muscle endurance, up to 2.5 times, amongst the men supplemented with astaxanthin compared with the men not supplemented. They were able to increase the number of knee bends by other 45% [v]. Studies carried out in Japan showed similar results. Track athletes who were on a Astaxanthin supplementation daily for 1 month, were found that the lactic acid buildup following a 1,200-metre run was reduced by nearly 29%[vi]. Another study, in which the test subjects were run until exhaustion showed a reduction in exercise-induced damage in the skeletal muscle and heart, including an associated neutrophil infiltration[vii].
- Cardiovascular Health: Astaxanthin’s potential to support cardiovascular health is also under investigation. Some studies suggest that it might contribute to reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and improving lipid profiles, all of which are important factors in maintaining heart health[viii]
- Immune System Support: Emerging research indicates that astaxanthin might have immune-modulating effects. It could potentially enhance the immune response by stimulating the production of certain immune cells and cytokines[ix].
- Radiation: Studies have shown that astaxanthin could reduce radiation-induced apoptosis and especially inhibit activation of apoptosis pathway. In conclusion, astaxanthin could protect RILI of mammals, which is mediated by inhibiting activation of apoptosis pathway[x].
Safety and Considerations:
Astaxanthin is generally regarded as safe when consumed from natural dietary sources or through supplements. However, as with any supplement, it’s important to exercise caution and adhere to recommended dosages. Since astaxanthin is fat-soluble, it’s advised to take it with a meal containing some healthy fats to enhance its absorption.
While there are minimal reports of adverse effects associated with astaxanthin consumption, individuals with known allergies to seafood should exercise caution, as marine sources are among the richest providers of this pigment.
Conclusion:
Astaxanthin, with its brilliant red hue and potent antioxidant properties, holds great promise as a natural health supplement. Derived from various marine sources and even some fruits and vegetables, this carotenoid has garnered attention for its potential benefits in skin health, eye health, exercise performance, cardiovascular health, and immune system support. Peer-reviewed medical literature continues to explore its mechanisms of action and efficacy, shedding light on its potential roles in promoting overall well-being. As with any dietary supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating astaxanthin into your regimen to ensure that it aligns with your individual health needs and goals.
[i] The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36363994/
[ii] Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin: Recent scientific evidence, possible mechanisms, and potential indications https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31141292/
[iii] Clinical Applications of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases: Emerging Insights https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281326/
[iv] Astaxanthin in Exercise Metabolism, Performance and Recovery: A Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5778137/
[v] Astaxanthin improves muscle endurance following supplementation in humans – Malmsten, C., 1998, Dietary supplementation with astaxanthin rich algal meal improves muscle endurance – double blind study on male students. Unpubl. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Dietary-Supplementation-with-Astaxanthin-Rich-Algal-Malmstena-Lignellb/5690d37a9d00f95fe25abc9c08b8663a58851abd
[vi] Sports Performance Benefits from Taking Natural Astaxanthin Characterized by Visual Acuity and Muscle Fatigue Improvements in Humans – Sawaki K, Yoshigi H, Aoki K, Koikawa N, Azumane A, Kaneko K, Yamaguchi M. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines 2002, 18:(9)73-88.
[vii] Astaxanthin Limits Exercised-Induced – Skeletal and Cardiac Muscle Damage in Mice. , Aoi, W., Naito, Y., Sakuma, K., Kuchide, M., Tokuda, H., Maoka, T., Toyokuni, S., Oka, S., Yasuhara, M. and Yoshikawa, T., 2003. Antioxidants & Redox Signalling 5(1):139-144.
[viii] Astaxanthin, oxidative stress, inflammation and cardiovascular disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19656058/
[ix] Astaxanthin protective barrier and its ability to improve the health in patients with COVID-19 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8421583/
[x] Xue XL, Han XD, Li Y, Chu XF, Miao WM, Zhang JL, Fan SJ. Astaxanthin attenuates total body irradiation-induced hematopoietic system injury in mice via inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2017 Jan 23;8(1):7. doi: 10.1186/s13287-016-0464-3. PMID: 28115023; PMCID: PMC5260077. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260077/
