Astaxanthin is a dark red component derived from a particular freshwater microalgae 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.
As per studies, Astaxanthin surpasses other antioxidant alternatives, including beta-carotene from vegetables. Recognized as one of the most potent natural antioxidants, it guards against uncontrolled free radical damage. Utilizing this natural pigment proves effective in preventing aging and related degenerative diseases. (1)
Astaxanthin finds application in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, high cholesterol, liver diseases, age-related macular degeneration (vision loss), and cancer prevention. Additionally, it is utilized in addressing conditions that elevate the risks 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.
Astaxanthin is applied directly to the skin to protect against sun exposure and reduce wrinkles. 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 the process of combatting 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, radiation, smoke, chemical compounds, etc., are the causes of aging, along with several environmental stressors. Studies have found that Astaxanthin can prevent and reverse such conditions in various ways. (2)
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.
- It avoids the peroxidation of the lipids, which keeps the skin moist, gentle, and smooth.
- Minimal adverse ROS effects such as collagen breakdown and matrix metalloproteinase formation (MMP) reduce aging signs, increase skin elasticity, and restore skin.
- Loss of vision associated with age (age-related macular degeneration; AMD) – AMD occurs 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 daily 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 taking a product daily 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?
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 regularly using all / any of these items.
- 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 and 6 mg. You can take a 4 mg capsule daily 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 daily. However, high levels of Astaxanthin can cause pain in the stomach. In one previous study, Astaxanthin increased androgens in combination with saw palmetto, which 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 2 to 6mg daily, depending on current and target health. If you do not consume much wild seafood regularly but are healthy, taking low levels of 2-4mg Astaxanthin is recommended. Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble supplement best consumed with food, particularly with lots of fats. Most Astaxanthin is supplied in oil-based absorption capsules but is 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 far more significant health benefits than synthetic versions.
What are its side effects?
You may experience a slight orange color in the skin when you take very high doses. No damaging side effects were found in the safety research on Astaxanthin. 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
