Astaxanthin is one of the antioxidant supplements most sought after today, and for good reason. It is not only a powerful antioxidant, but also a substance with properties anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory , as well as a multitude of other health benefits.
Part of a group of micronutrients Called carotenoids, astaxanthin has a distinctive reddish color. Early research has shown that astaxanthin may help speed the treatment of complex conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. But this powerful antioxidant isn't all there is to it. Consuming foods rich in astaxanthin has myriad notable health benefits.
In fact, the effects of astaxanthin on the health have been well documented in over 1000 peer-reviewed medical publications and journals.
The History of Carotenoids
Astaxanthin is one of the many carotenoids well-known. Carotenoids are pigmented phytochemicals found abundantly in plants, bacteria, algae, and a plethora of other living organisms. They are one of the most diverse groups of natural pigments, responsible for the vibrant orange, red, and yellow colors found primarily in vegetables, fruits, and many plant parts.
THE carotenoids belong to the class of fat-soluble terpenes, compounds also known as tetraterpenoids. They are among the oldest and most studied phytochemicals in the history of biology. In fact, their uses and benefits have been studied in detail as far back as the 1800s. Perhaps the most recognizable member of the group is carotene, often associated with carrots and, therefore, vitamin A. It's not so surprising that carotene was the first known carotenoid. Heinrich Wilhelm Ferdinand Wackenroder actually discovered it by accident in the late 1820s while studying another phytochemical called an anthelmintic.
However, it is at a The famous Austrian chemist , Adolf Lieben, is credited with discovering carotenoids in human tissue while conducting research in 1863 at the University of Palermo. Today, there are over 1,100 documented carotenoid compounds. They can all be classified into two broad categories:
- Xanthophylls - These are oxygen-containing carotenoids that typically have a yellow pigment. Astaxanthin, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin are good examples. Foods rich in xanthophylls include pumpkin, egg yolk, avocado, summer squash, spinach, and kale. They are often linked to eye health.
- Carotenes - These are non-oxygenated carotenoids, usually related to the orange pigment. They include alpha (α) carotene, beta (β) carotene, and lycopene. Carotene-rich foods include papaya, tomatoes, tangerines, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and, of course, carrots.
Regardless of their category, all carotenoids have antioxidant properties which vary depending on the compound in question. Historically, they are almost synonymous with vitamin A. This is not surprising in itself, as some carotenoids are converted into vitamin A when ingested by the body. These are beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. Others, such as lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein, do not convert to vitamin A.
What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is an increasingly popular carotenoid that belongs to the xanthophyll subclass. It occurs naturally in certain algae and ranges in color from red to pink. Astaxanthin can also be found in certain types of seafood. In fact, it's responsible for the reddish color of lobster, salmon, fish eggs, trout, crabs, and other seafood. This substance is also responsible for the pinkish color of flamingos.
In common and technical usage, astaxanthin has many other names, including 3R,3'S-astaxanthin, 3R,3'R-astaxanthin, 3S,3'S-astaxanthin, 3,3′-dihydroxy-4,4′-diketo-beta-carotene, Dihydroxy-3,3′ dioxo-4,4′ beta-carotene, Ovoester, Micro-Alga, Microalgae, Microalgae, Astaxantina or Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is often called "the king of carotenoids" due to its reputation as one of the most powerful antioxidants present in nature. This substance is particularly important because it never transforms into a Pro-oxidant . This means it can never cause destructive oxidation in the body, making it perfect for health-related benefits and performance.
That said, astaxanthin, as an antioxidant, helps reduce oxidation, a natural phenomenon that is responsible for the vast majority of inflammation in our bodies. If left unchecked, prolonged inflammation can cause insurmountable damage to our health and well-being. Specifically, inflammation is responsible for premature aging, brain-related conditions like dementia, eye problems, heart disease, arthritis, and many cancers. As an effective antioxidant, astaxanthin can help fight these diseases and a long list of other health problems.
Read also: Why use Spirulina capsules?
How does astaxanthin work?
Your body cannot produce astaxanthin on its own, meaning you must obtain it through diet or supplements. Those who prefer foods rich in astaxanthin should consume plenty of salmon, shrimp, lobster, rainbow trout, and other seafood.
Seafood, however, may not be a plausible way to get a significant amount of astaxanthin . The richest seafood source—sockeye salmon, for example—contains only 4.5 mg of this compound per ounce. This is not enough to achieve the desired health benefits. That's why most people opt for dietary supplements. Those made from Pluvialis algae contain the highest amount of bioavailable astaxanthin. 3% of its biomass is pure astaxanthin. In fact, it is the only supplement approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe and viable source of dietary astaxanthin.
Phaffia rhodozyma, a Popular red yeast , and certain shellfish are the two other main commercially viable sources of astaxanthin. There is also synthetic astaxanthin, traditionally used by manufacturers to produce food colorings and fish feed.
So how does astaxanthin actually work?
It's pretty simple and straightforward: it's an antioxidant.
- Astaxanthin is 550 times more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin E.
- Astaxanthin is nearly 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C, one of the most important vitamins for strengthening the immune system.
- It is also 550 times richer as a source of antioxidants than green tea or other catechins.
In this context, it's clear that astaxanthin is undoubtedly one of the best ways to get antioxidants into your body. As you may already know, antioxidants are essential for your body. They play a significant role in human growth, health, and well-being. These ingenious compounds possess some of the most powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
THE antioxidant properties of astaxanthin help explain its benefits and health claims, especially when used to help manage and treat a variety of diseases such as cancer. Biologically speaking, antioxidants are molecules agile which repair damage caused at the cellular level by unstable and harmful molecules called free radicals. These molecules are constantly released during metabolism.
Don't get me wrong, the free radicals also have their purpose. For example, our disease-fighting immune system uses certain free radicals to kill viruses, bacteria, and other germs that try to infect our bodies. Unfortunately, untamed free radicals can also destroy good cells. There is supposed to be a delicate balance between free radicals and antioxidants. In fact, it is the role of antioxidants like astaxanthin to keep free radicals in check.
Anything that disrupts this balance can lead to oxidative stress, a condition that can be detrimental to our bodies. Antioxidants act on free radicals by donating electrons to them. This process stabilizes and neutralizes the free radicals. Thus, by definition, antioxidants reverse the oxidation process—and therefore prevent oxidative stress from occurring. Persistent oxidative stress can lead to an increased risk of health problems, including neurodegenerative disorders, heart disease, and several cancers. Prolonged interference from free radicals can contribute to accelerating the aging process.
In our daily lives, we are exposed to several risk factors that increase the formation of free radicals. Certain lifestyle habits and environmental factors promote the Oxidative stress . These include excessive alcohol consumption, a high-carbohydrate diet, certain toxins, smoking, excessive consumption of certain metals (zinc, copper, magnesium, or iron), excess or lack of oxygen in the blood, air pollution, and infections, to name a few.
What are the health benefits of astaxanthin?
As mentioned earlier, the number of studies conducted on the effectiveness and health benefits of astaxanthin numbers in the thousands. Let's take a look at some of the most important health benefits:
1. Astaxanthin helps fight diabetes
According to CDC statistics, more than one-third of American adults are prediabetic, meaning they can develop this chronic condition when they have the right risk factors. Therefore, it's no surprise that the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes has tripled in the last two decades. Today, more than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, and a large proportion of them die each year. In fact, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the country. Overweight and obese people are at greatest risk for diabetes.
THE diabetes is caused by problems with the pancreas, which produces insulin. Specifically, it occurs when the beta cells in the pancreas are damaged, inflamed, or otherwise malfunction. When these cells are destroyed, the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. Insulin is a helpful hormone that plays a key role in regulating how the sugar and fats you consume are used or stored in your body. It turns out that oxidative stress caused by high blood sugar is the main reason for the death or dysfunction of pancreatic β cells. Several studies show that diabetic patients have high levels of oxidative stress, which is often associated with high blood sugar and glucose toxicity.
The antioxidant properties of astaxanthin may help protect pancreatic beta cells by reducing oxidative stress and blood sugar toxicity. In fact, in a landmark study published in 2002, scientists discovered that astaxanthin reduced glucose toxicity in diabetic mice and thus protected their pancreatic beta cells. Astaxanthin may also help patients manage their diabetes. In a 2018 study, researchers found that astaxanthin can help reduce high blood pressure and improve sugar metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes.
As an antioxidant, astaxanthin has countless benefits toward restoring lymphatic cell dysfunction as well as improving insulin sensitivity, according to another study published in 2006.
2. Astaxanthin helps fight heart disease
A growing body of research and studies suggests that astaxanthin may play a role in maintaining the health of your heart . This is especially important given that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. For example, a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds in the United States alone, with heart disease causing more than 630,000 American deaths each year.
That's why it's a great relief to know that astaxanthin can help prevent or reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. How so?
It helps lower bad cholesterol. High LDL (bad cholesterol) and low HDL (good cholesterol) levels in the body are a bad combination and a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In a 2011 blinded study, researchers noted that astaxanthin can help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in obese and overweight participants after 12 weeks of use. They also found a significant reduction in oxidative stress levels.
It regulates blood lipids. Using astaxanthin can also improve levels of adiponectin and HDL, the good cholesterol. A comprehensive study published in 2010 supports this. After 12 weeks of using astaxanthin, subjects with high blood lipid levels experienced a significant increase in their HDL levels. It improves blood flow and circulation. A 2006 study on hypertensive rats (those with high blood pressure) found that astaxanthin can help improve the thickness and elasticity of artery walls. The eureka idea here is that this compound can help regulate blood pressure and strengthen arterial walls to prevent heart failure due to hypertension.
He Reduces oxidative stress in the blood . Another study conducted in 2000 examined the blood profiles of 24 participants after 14 days of using astaxanthin. The results seem to indicate that the supplement can reduce blood oxidation and delay blood clotting.
3. Astaxanthin improves your blood pressure
Hypertension Hypertension is a condition characterized by abnormally high blood pressure. Nearly half of American adults have hypertension, but the vast majority are unaware of it. This is a shame, because there are many high-quality heart rate monitors that can help you monitor your blood pressure.
Check out this comparative review of the best heart monitors we previously published and learn how to choose the right one for you. If you want to stay on top of every aspect of fitness and health, you can never go wrong with a state-of-the-art wrist-worn monitor like Omron's HeartGuide. The best of CES 2019, HeartGuide can take your blood pressure on the go, count your steps, track your fitness, and monitor your sleep—all at the same time!
If you are the type to let yourself go, there are several monitors cardiac voice-activated devices on the market, including Livongo which was recently unveiled at SIGNUM 2019. That said, the problem of hypertension often comes down to resistance to blood flow in the vessels, namely the arteries, capillaries and veins.
The more your blood vessels The narrower your arteries (read: clogged arteries due to high LDL cholesterol or triglycerides), the higher your blood pressure. Untreated hypertension can become an increased risk factor for obesity, heart disease, and even stroke. Astaxanthin has shown great potential in preventing and reducing high blood pressure, as well as improving its associated effects. And several studies seem to agree.
A high cholesterol in the blood can clog arteries, leading to increased blood pressure. As mentioned above, astaxanthin, as an antioxidant, helps lower bad cholesterol and thus prevent hypertension. Astaxanthin also fights hypertension by reducing oxidative stress in the blood and relaxing blood vessel walls. In a 2005 study published in the Journal of Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin, scientists found that using astaxanthin helps regulate nitric oxide (a sign of oxidative stress) and increases blood vessel responsiveness.
In practice, hypertension can be reduced by losing excess weight , increasing physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and adopting a healthy diet. It's all about changing your lifestyle. Combined with these activities, astaxanthin may be more effective in reducing high blood pressure.
4. Astaxanthin helps manage your high cholesterol levels
Hypercholesterolemia is a serious condition characterized by too much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the blood. Nearly 34% of American adults are considered to have high LDL cholesterol. Cholesterol isn't bad in itself. It's produced naturally by the liver and transported through the bloodstream to be used in the manufacture of cell membranes, vitamin D, and certain hormones.
Problems begin when there's too much of it in the blood. Since it's not water-soluble, excess cholesterol usually ends up deposited on blood vessel walls, especially arteries. This is never good news, as narrow arteries are a perfect recipe for a stroke or heart attack. Traditionally, doctors recommend that people with high cholesterol quit smoking, eat healthy, exercise, and lose weight. Supplementing your diet with astaxanthin has also shown results when it comes to reducing high LDL levels.
A revealing study seems to suggest that taking 6 to 18 mg of astaxanthin daily for 84 days reduces blood lipid levels often associated with high LDL levels in people with high cholesterol. That's not all—the study also indicates that astaxanthin helps increase levels of good cholesterol. Another 2017 study showed that taking a combination of lycopene, astaxanthin, and other carotenoids for 45 days reduced triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels in male rats.
5. Astaxanthin helps repair heart damage
THE heart damage are more common than you think, and they are caused by a myriad of factors. One of the main causes is a heart attack, high blood pressure, or heart failure.
What happens after a heart attack can have a huge impact on quality of life, life expectancy, and risk of recurrence. This is where astaxanthin can come to the rescue.
Specifically, astaxanthin has been found to prevent heart damage not only during an attack, but also afterward. In a 2004 study of heart attack models in dogs, rabbits, and rats, scientists found reduced heart cell damage in animals pretreated with astaxanthin. Although extensive research has not been conducted on human subjects, scientists believe these results can be replicated in humans.
Astaxanthin may also contribute to restore the subtle balance between nitric oxide and peroxynitrite . An imbalance between nitric oxide and peroxynitrites is often considered the main cause of abnormalities in the endothelium, which is the lining of arteries and other blood vessels.
Major complications of the endothelium have been linked to serious health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, a poor immune system, insulin resistance, cancer, and atherosclerosis. Changes in the endothelium can also increase damage to the heart in the event of a heart attack. By reducing oxidative stress in the blood, astaxanthin helps protect the endothelium and thus "reverse" or prevent significant heart damage. In fact, in a 2017 study published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, scientists found that astaxanthin can help repair cardiovascular damage.
6. Astaxanthin can naturally reduce your oxidative stress and improve your immune response
The immune system is a bit like your body's police force. It's your first and perhaps last line of defense against viruses, bacteria, and other intruders. If your immune system can't react in time, diseases can easily enter your body and cause insurmountable damage to your health. This is why an immune response is of paramount importance. Unfortunately, many things can interfere with your normal immune response, including diseases like HIV and prolonged inflammation.
Oxidative stress caused by excess free radicals in the body can adversely affect the immune response. As a robust antioxidant, astaxanthin can naturally reduce oxidative stress and keep your immune system functioning optimally. In a 2010 human study, a team of researchers from The Hague Labs, Inc., Inha University in Korea, and Washington State University studied 42 healthy women who took astaxanthin for 8 weeks. They found that those using astaxanthin showed signs of decreased DNA damage and improved immune response.
In another study published in 2015, researchers examined the effects of astaxanthin on lymphatic function through a test-tube study and a mouse study. They noted that the presence of astaxanthin encouraged the lymph glands to produce more lymphocytes, which then boosted the immune response.
7. Astaxanthin helps manage your ulcers
Ulcers Ulcers are sores, holes, or wounds that develop inside the body. They are not only painful but also take a long time to heal. In most cases, ulcers can recur multiple times if the underlying cause is not treated.
While gastric ulcers are the most common in the United States, there are many known types of ulcers, including genital ulcers, mouth ulcers, venous ulcers, and arterial ulcers. Peptic ulcers are characterized by a burning sensation in the stomach. This may be accompanied by vomiting, heartburn, bloating, chest pain, nausea, incessant belching, and even sudden weight loss. The most common cause of this type of ulcer is infection with the H. pylori bacteria. Your doctor will prescribe a combination of antibiotics to eliminate the bacterial colony and allow the ulcer to heal.
Unfortunately, oxidative stress in the intestine often creates a favorable environment for H. pylori to thrive. This means your stomach ulcers will return several times until you address the oxidative stress. As mentioned earlier, astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that reduces oxidative stress. When you take astaxanthin orally, it helps keep H. pylori at bay for good. This helps protect the lining of your intestines and prevent ulcers from forming. In a 2012 study, researchers pretreated mice with astaxanthin before inducing gastric ulcers. The mice showed a significant decrease in gastric ulcers when astaxanthin was used to combat the eventual formation of ulcers. Astaxanthin also reduced the number of H. pylori, a bacteria that causes gastric ulcers.
8. Astaxanthin boosts skin care
Antioxidant properties Astaxanthin are also excellent for your skin. When applied topically, this phytochemical promotes youthful, healthy skin. As you may already know, exposure to the sun's UV rays can be very harmful to your skin. In general, UVA and UVB damage can be reduced through collagen regeneration and skin-thickening regimens. This helps combat UV-induced skin damage and the process of photoaging (the skin signs we often associate with the aging process).
More importantly, a comprehensive study conducted in 2012 confirmed that the combination of oral and topical use of astaxanthin can play a significant role in reducing age spots, smoothing wrinkles, and restoring skin hydration. Better yet, these anti-aging and skin-friendly results were observed in both female and male subjects. Of course, more conclusive and in-depth studies are needed to establish the relationship between improved skin health and astaxanthin consumption. The results of another 2013 study are even more interesting. This particular study indicated that astaxanthin can not only boost the appearance and health of the skin, but also inhibit the development of skin cancer.
9. Astaxanthin protects you against bacterial inflammation
Bacterial inflammation is responsible for a myriad of common conditions and some chronic diseases. These include:
- Pneumonia, a form of respiratory complication caused by a bacterial infection in the lungs
- trachoma, which is a bacterial infection and inflammation of the eye
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a viral/bacterial infection of the digestive tract, including the mouth, esophagus, and intestines.
- Rheumatic heart disease, an infection of the heart wall and valves.
And the list goes on. They all occur when oxidative stress inhibits or reduces the immune response in a particular area of your body. The consequences of bacterial inflammation can be dire. Some recurring infections can also develop resistance to antibiotics. Not to mention, some antibiotics used to treat these infections can have far-reaching side effects. That's why more and more people are turning to astaxanthin as a natural and safer alternative.
Astaxanthin's anti-inflammatory properties are due to its antioxidant properties. In a study published in the Journal of Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, researchers found that astaxanthin is effective against oxidative stress caused by nitric oxide. It's these inflammation-reducing properties found in astaxanthin that help protect your lungs, eyes, stomach lining, and heart from bacterial inflammation.
10. Astaxanthin helps prevent and treat fatty liver disease
There non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NFLD) is one of the two most common types of liver disease. Both cause significant damage to the liver, which, in turn, is a major risk factor for adverse conditions such as cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease.
There fatty liver disease Fatty liver disease is largely due to oxidative stress caused by prolonged liver inflammation. It is often associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and lipid accumulation at the cellular level. Astaxanthin is known to help prevent or treat fatty liver disease in two main ways. First, it acts as an antioxidant that fights oxidative stress in the liver. By getting rid of excess radicals caused by metabolic disorders, astaxanthin helps restore normal liver function and prevent liver damage.
It may also act independently of its antioxidant properties to protect liver health. In a 2016 study, Jui-Tung Chen and his team at Jichi Medical University in Japan found that using astaxanthin can help protect liver function and prevent fatty liver disease, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. In another study published recently in 2018, scientists discovered that astaxanthin is effective against alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by regulating gut bacteria. There is no shortage of studies targeting astaxanthin's effectiveness in treating liver disease.
11. Astaxanthin helps control the growth of cancer cells
Astaxanthin being a A notable source of antioxidants , it was only a matter of time before researchers became interested in its anticancer potential. Indeed, a ton of studies and research have been conducted on how this substance can help treat existing types of cancers. In an early study, scientists discovered that astaxanthin has both short- and long-term benefits in the treatment of breast cancer. Specifically, they found that the antioxidant helps control the growth of breast cancer cells.
Unfortunately, the exorbitant cost associated with the purification of astaxanthin has limited its use in the cancer treatment . An even older study, published in 1995, investigated the use of astaxanthin to treat cancer in mice. The results were quite interesting. Using astaxanthin for 32 weeks showed significant inhibition of tumor formation and growth in mice and rats with chemically induced cancers.
12. Astaxanthin boosts physical performance
The fact that astaxanthin gives salmon its bright reddish color speaks volumes about the effectiveness of this antioxidant when it comes to Boost physical performance . Heavy workouts and demanding exercises like swimming, running, and weightlifting often lead to a buildup of the stress hormone cortisol and an increased release of metabolic free radicals. This is a surefire recipe for oxidative stress, which can cause fatigue, tiredness, and sore muscles during and after exercise.
The good news is that there has been a flurry of studies on how astaxanthin might help increase endurance, build physical stamina, and reduce fatigue levels during and after intense exercise. The preliminary findings and results are commendable. First, several studies in laboratory rats and mice have shown that astaxanthin can encourage the body to use its own fat stores. This not only helps increase endurance but also reduces the risk of skeletal and muscular injuries. This last finding is supported by another mouse study published in 2004. While more research is needed to substantiate these health claims, a few human studies have been quite positive. Take this 2005 study, for example. Scientists found that astaxanthin supplementation doesn't reduce the likelihood of injury, but it can help improve endurance and stamina.
Of course, there are several ways to reduce exercise-induced fatigue that can be used in conjunction with astaxanthin. These include the use of protein coffee, regular hydration, ample sleep, and the consumption of iron-rich foods.
13. Astaxanthin prevents and reduces brain damage from strokes
THE strokes (Stroke) is no small matter. It has reached catastrophic levels, particularly in the elderly community. It is estimated that an American adult suffers a stroke every 40 seconds. Just as a heart attack causes damage to the heart, a stroke can have damaging effects on brain tissue, the CNS (central nervous system), cranial membranes, and cells.
Only 20% of stroke cases cannot be prevented. However, strokes can damage many of the blood vessels that supply blood to several regions of the brain. Deprived of oxygen and vital nutrients, brain cells typically die. Astaxanthin may play a key role in preventing and reducing brain damage due to strokes. It works by stimulating blood flow, reducing blood pressure , relaxing blood vessels and improving oxidative stress.
In an interesting study published in 2010, researchers found that administering high doses of astaxanthin to rats or mice could help reduce brain damage associated with strokes. The research also showed a significant reduction in brain damage due to stroke. The study also showed that astaxanthin supplementation reduces neurotoxicity caused by nitric oxide.
14. Astaxanthin helps speed recovery after traumatic brain injury
Brain injuries can have a devastating effect on the victim's neurological functions and affect their quality of life. Brain injuries can result from serious falls, sports accidents, road traffic accidents, physical assaults, and major trauma.
Whatever the cause, recovering from a head injury can be difficult, especially if it's significant. According to a 2017 study, astaxanthin appears to help speed recovery from particularly traumatic forms of brain injury (TBI). Other studies have shown that while it can speed recovery, astaxanthin may have little or no impact on cognitive function .
On a more positive note, the use of astaxanthin to treat brain injuries has been shown to help reduce swelling from injuries and promote a minor key brain function. As such, it may be prudent to include astaxanthin in your diet to promote faster recovery after a brain injury. Keep in mind that it can take a lifetime to recover from a brain injury, and any boost is often welcome. The recovering patient may need to take the antioxidant daily or regularly to reap the maximum benefits and speed the return to normal cognitive function.
15. Astaxanthin reduces the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disease that has become very common among older Americans. Its symptoms include severe memory lapses, dementia, confusion, erratic behavior, difficulty thinking, and other symptoms that can affect your daily life.
Did you know that 4 out of 5 cases of dementia are due to Alzheimer's disease?
Currently, there is no known cure for this chronic, lifelong condition. However, there are several psychotherapies, medications, and other treatment options that can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, improve quality of life, and alleviate symptoms. As an antioxidant, astaxanthin has joined the list of potential treatment options for Alzheimer's disease. There are a multitude of ongoing studies on the effects of astaxanthin on Alzheimer's disease, but the preliminary results are nothing short of impressive.
For example, in a 2010 study, scientists were excited to discover that astaxanthin's antioxidant properties may help reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly the early-onset form. While the disease cannot be fully cured, it is essential to protect those at high risk of developing the disease. When combined with lifestyle changes, studies have shown that astaxanthin may be effective in preventing and slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This is revolutionary , because this substance can help reduce neurodegeneration and recover certain neurological functions.
16. Astaxanthin slows the development of Parkinson's disease
Increased oxidative stress in the brain has been found to be responsible for many neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and many more.
Like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological condition that is also characterized by severe memory loss (dementia). It is a life-changing disease, with more than 50,000 new cases reported each year in the United States. It is characterized by a loss of coordination, movement, and neurological function. It is considered the 14th leading cause of death in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Like its cousin, Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no treatment for Parkinson's disease.
However, protective effects have been observed in the disease when treated with astaxanthin, which could potentially prevent or slow the development of symptoms. Experts believe that astaxanthin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties play a role in protecting mitochondria and nerve cells. In saying this, they seem to suggest that this antioxidant is a potential treatment for the disease. disease Parkinson's .
17. Astaxanthin may help with male infertility
It's no big secret that infertility is a major headache for many American men. Genetic issues, testicular trauma, obesity, and hormonal disorders are some of the leading causes of infertility in men. However, there are a ton of other hidden causes. For example, in a 2011 study, Parviz Gharagozloo and colleagues at the Priority Research Centre in Reproductive Science at the University of Newcastle in New South Wales, Australia, discovered a strong link between high levels of oxidative stress in sperm and male infertility.
This is why fertility experts and scientists have been actively studying how to use antioxidants to combat oxidative stress in sperm and, consequently, cure male infertility. It turns out that astaxanthin is literally what the doctor ordered! An intriguing study published in 2005 shows the positive results of astaxanthin in treating infertility in men. Over a three-month period, researchers evaluated 30 people who had been diagnosed with male infertility. During the study period, scientists noted an increase and positive improvements in several sperm parameters.
Early positive results in men treated with astaxanthin included a reduced sperm death , increased sperm count, and overall improved vitality and fertility. The small size of the study group warranted further and more in-depth research to definitively establish that the antioxidant can help with male infertility. Accordingly, another 2013 study showed that astaxanthin can help improve "human sperm capacitation." There are also several ongoing treatment trials for infertility in men using astaxanthin.
18. Astaxanthin helps alleviate symptoms of menopause
Menopause Menopause is a particularly stressful time for any woman. Symptoms such as anxiety, stress, hot flashes, and depression can negatively impact their health and well-being. They can also affect a woman's quality of life. According to preliminary research conducted by scientists, a combined supplement containing astaxanthin has been found to help reduce these menopausal symptoms. This particularly concerns climacteric symptoms such as hot flashes, which are often associated with elevated levels of cortisol (a stress hormone) and oxidative stress.
In a particular study published in 2017 and another conducted in 2018, researchers found this to be true. Not only does astaxanthin contribute to skin care, heart repair, and exercise-induced fatigue, but it can also prevent signs associated with menopause.
19. Astaxanthin may reduce pain symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is a skeletal condition that affects nearly 20% of American adults. Along with carpal tunnel syndrome, it's one of the leading causes of joint pain. Check out our podcast about a new at-home testing option for rheumatoid arthritis if you think you might have it. Based on preliminary studies, astaxanthin appears to have a future in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, there are multiple alternative treatments, including the use of CBD oil. Or companies like Principia or Horizon Pharma that are developing drugs to combat this disease.
When it comes to astaxanthin, the results are positive but inconclusive. With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it's no surprise that researchers are exploring whether astaxanthin can help reduce pain symptoms and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
