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Astaxanthin is essentially a dark red component derived from particular microalgae of the freshwater called “Haematococcus Pluvia”. It is naturally found in red and orange fruits and vegetables. In addition, it is responsible for the beautiful orange/rose/rot color of lobsters, shrimps, salmon, crabs, quails, and flamingos.
According to researchers, Astaxanthin is much more than any other antioxidant substitute that we use innately, although it is comparable to the beta-carotene obtained from veggies. Astaxanthin is indeed one of the most potent natural antioxidants that protect us against unrestricted free radical damage. However, it is mainly possible to use this natural pigment to prevent aging and other associated degenerative diseases. (1)
Astaxanthin is used to treat Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, high cholesterol, diseases of the liver, muscular degeneration associated with age (the loss of vision), and cancer prevention. It is also used in conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
It is also used to improve workout performance, reduce muscle damage and muscle pain following exercise. Astaxanthin is also taken orally for sunburn, carpal tunnel syndrome and sleep enhancement, dyspepsia, male infertility, menopause symptoms, and rheumatoid arthritis.
To protect against sun exposure, reduce wrinkles, Astaxanthin is applied directly to the skin. In addition, astaxanthin is used in agriculture as a food additive for the production of eggs.
It is most easily detected in salmon fish and is responsible for its pink color. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant with various health benefits. It has been associated with healthier skin, stamina, heart, and joint pain and can even have a future in cancer treatment.
Also Read – 10 DIY Anti-Aging Face Masks for Wrinkles You Should Try at Home
How does Astaxanthin work?
Astaxanthin is a type of antioxidant which could prevent damage to cells. In addition, astaxanthin could also improve the functioning of the immune system. Besides having several other benefits, Astaxanthin also has several effects on our skin and can thus help prevent the effects of aging.
Aging is one of our greatest enemies we could never overcome. We can only control the factors responsible for aging and slow down the process to combat aging. However, some natural anti-aging agents, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Catechins, etc., help our bodies combat premature aging symptoms with good results. The latest addition to this list is Astaxanthin.
How does Astaxanthin prevent aging?
Ultraviolet sun rays, and radiation, smoke, chemical compounds, etc., are the causes of aging, along with a number of environmental stressors. Studies have found that Astaxanthin can prevent such conditions and reverse them in various ways. (2)
In fact, this is how carotenoids in astaxanthin work as an anti-aging agent: (3)
- It protects genetic proteins, fats, and DNA.
- Decreases ultraviolet (primarily UVB) inflammation of the sun, reducing our stress levels and keeping aging in the background.
- Avoids the peroxidation of the lipids, which keeps the skin moist, gentle, and smooth.
- Minimes adverse ROS effects such as collagen breakdown and matrix metalloproteinase formation (MMP) reduces aging signs, increased skin elasticity, and skin restoration.
- Loss of vision associated with age (age-related macular degeneration; AMD) – AMD takes place when part of the retina gets damaged. Early investigations have found that mouth-to-mouth damage in the retinal center of AMD patients is improved by taking a product that contains Astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, and copper. As a result, the damage in the external areas of the retina does not increase.
Other uses of Astaxanthin:
- Indigestibility (dyspepsia) – Early research shows that taking 40 mg of Astaxanthin every day reduces reflux symptoms in people with indigestion.
- Research has shown the absence of general weariness for healthy people when products with Astaxanthin and sesame are consumed.
- Early investigations show that daily taking a product that contains Astaxanthin, vitamin D3 and citrus reduces menopause symptoms like hot flashes, joint pain, mood, and bladder problems.
- The topical use of Astaxanthin can promote healthy skin. A study in 2012 demonstrated that the combination of topical and oral astaxanthin doses could minimize wrinkling and keep skin moisture intact.
How to use Astaxanthin to prevent aging?
In order to fight to age, there are two ways to include Astaxanthin in your beauty scheme:
- Usage: Look for cosmetics and beauty products such as sunscreen, humidifier, primer, serum, etc., with Astaxanthin. You will obtain satisfactory results by using all / any of these items regularly.
- Oral consumption: Probably eating foods that include natural astaxanthin sources. It is also available in additional forms. If you want your skin to be youthful from within, it is the best choice ever to do it from within.
Astaxanthin dosage:
While no specific daily doses of Astaxanthin are recommended, you can limit yourself between 2 to 6 mg. You can take a 4 mg capsule every day or consume Astaxanthin-rich food (such as salmon). Furthermore, try taking an astaxanthin supplement to include sufficient healthy fat in your diet to enable absorption.
Side effects of using Astaxanthin:
When taken by mouth as an add-on, Astaxanthin is usually safe. It is used safely with other carotenoids, vitamins, and minerals for up to 12 months at 4 mg a day. However, high levels of Astaxanthin can cause pain in the stomach. In one previous study, Astaxanthin was found to increase androgens in combination with saw palmetto that can help the Libido. However, further research is required to understand the effects of Astaxanthin better.
Summary
Astaxanthin can prevent signs of aging and reverse them in various ways.Astaxanthin has shown potential impacts on different diseases, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, neurodegenerative and skin disorders, cancer, and hypertension. Always consult a medical practioner befor taking any suppement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What amount of Astaxanthin should be taken in a day?
Recommended doses range from 2mg to 6mg per day depending on current health and target health. If you do not consume much wild seafood regularly but are healthy, it is recommended that you take low levels of 2-4mg Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble supplement that is best consumed with food, particularly with lots of fats. Most Astaxanthin is supplied in oil-based absorption capsules but still recommended with food.
What’s the difference between natural and synthetic Astaxanthin?
Natural Astaxanthin from Haematoccous Pluvialis algae is much superior to the synthetic petrochemical form of Astaxanthin. Natural Astaxanthin can offer a far greater benefit for health than synthetic versions.
What are its side effects?
When you take very high doses, you may experience a slight orange color in the skin. In any of the safety research on Astaxanthin, no damaging side effects were found. No other drug warnings are known about taking Astaxanthin. One should try to eat salmon once or twice a week to take advantage of its antioxidant properties.
References –
- “Astaxanthin as a Putative Geroprotector: Molecular Basis and Focus on Brain Aging” – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- “7 Potential Benefits of Astaxanthin” – healthline.com
- “Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review” – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
