What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a natural substance, a powerful antioxidant xanthophyll carotenoid belonging to the group of pigments. It can be found in seafood (seaweed, shrimp, lobster, crayfish, krill), some types of fish (trout, salmon), and yeast. That is why it is sometimes called the antioxidant from the seabed. It is an important part of the survival mechanism of the body.
Astaxanthin for supplements is produced from microalgae Haematococcus Pluvialis. It is a lipophilic compound, highly soluble in various oils.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is known for its beneficial properties. It demonstrates a much higher efficiency compared to other antioxidants. The reason for that is a unique chemical structure that is able to bind cell membranes (internal with external) by chemical and physical bonds. That is why it is often called a ‘super antioxidant.
When comparing astaxanthin with other antioxidants, it can be said that it is:
- 75 times stronger than alpha-lipoic acid;
- 500 times stronger than green tea;
- 550 times stronger than vitamin E;
- 800 times stronger than CoQ10;
- 6000 times stronger than vitamin C.
Astaxanthin contributes to neutralising of free radicals and reactive oxygen species by giving them an electron from the molecule. However, it has a lot of such electrons, which is why it will be able to stay active for a long time, strengthening cells and providing them with efficient protection against oxidative damage.
Uses of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin should be taken in combination with edible oils and fats (for example, fish oil) since, this way, it is better absorbed by the body. The recommended daily dose is up to 500 mg.
Astaxanthin side effects and overdose
Astaxanthin produced from microalgae does not cause any side effects when taken within the daily dose. Its excessive consumption caused the change in skin colour in animals. There is no data on what will happen to the human body in case of a supplement overdose.