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Astaxanthin is the most powerful antioxidant available in nature. It is 550 times stronger than vitamin E and 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C.
Since we cannot produce this astaxanthin on our own, it requires consumption through food or supplements. However, we cannot obtain sufficient amounts of astaxanthin from regular foods, we must take it as a supplement.
Letās take a closer look at the various benefits of astaxanthin.
01Ā Improvement of mitochondrial function
Oxidative stress causes mitochondrial dysfunction, making it more susceptible to related diseases. Mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production, are vulnerable to oxidative stress. Astaxanthin has the preventive effect of numerous aging-related diseases, helping to protect cells more strongly.
Kim, S. H., & Kim, H. (2018). Inhibitory effect of astaxanthin on oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction-a mini-review.Ā Nutrients, 10(9), 1137.
Wolf, A. M., Asoh, S., Hiranuma, H., Ohsawa, I., Iio, K., Satou, A., Ishikura, M., & Ohta, S. (2010). Astaxanthin protects mitochondrial redox state and functional integrity against oxidative stress.Ā The Journal of nutritional biochemistry, 21(5), 381ā389.
02Ā Cholesterol management and high blood pressure prevention
In a 2011 study, it was confirmed that LDL cholesterol was significantly lowered and HDL levels, a good cholesterol, were increased in the obese group who consistently consumed 6-18 mg of astaxanthin every day for more than 12 weeks. Astaxanthin also fights high blood pressure by relaxing the walls of blood vessels. This improves blood flow, increases the thickness and elasticity of the arterial wall, and can prevent heart failure and stroke due to high blood pressure.
Yoshida, H., Yanai, H., Ito, K., Tomono, Y., Koikeda, T., Tsukahara, H., & Tada, N. (2010). Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia.Ā Atherosclerosis, 209(2), 520ā523.
03Ā Strengthen immune system
Excessive oxidative stress breaks down the immune system. At this time, astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, suppresses oxidative stress and keeps the immune system in optimal condition. A 2010 study found that people who took astaxanthin consistently for two months experienced reduced DNA damage and a stronger immune system. Another study from 2015 found that astaxanthin helps the immune response by producing more lymphocytes.
Park, J. S., Chyun, J. H., Kim, Y. K., Line, L. L., & Chew, B. P. (2010). Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans.Ā Nutrition & metabolism,Ā 7, 1-10.
Lin, K. H., Lin, K. C., Lu, W. J., Thomas, P. A., Jayakumar, T., & Sheu, J. R. (2015). Astaxanthin, a carotenoid, stimulates immune responses by enhancing IFN-Ī³ and IL-2 secretion in primary cultured lymphocytes in vitro and ex vivo.Ā International journal of molecular sciences, 17(1), 44.
04Ā Prevention and improvement of skin damage
Astaxanthin's antioxidant properties are also good for the skin. It significantly inhibits the aging process of skin exposed to ultraviolet rays and plays a positive role in restoring damaged skin. According to a 2013 study, astaxanthin can solve elasticity problems, restore skin health, and improve wrinkles and aging spots. In addition, astaxanthin is known to prevent the occurrence of skin cancer.
Rao, A. R., Sindhuja, H. N., Dharmesh, S. M., Sankar, K. U., Sarada, R., & Ravishankar, G. A. (2013). Effective inhibition of skin cancer, tyrosinase, and antioxidative properties by astaxanthin and astaxanthin esters from the green alga Haematococcus pluvialis.Ā Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 61(16), 3842-3851.
05Ā Prevention and treatment of fatty liver
Fatty liver often occurs due to liver inflammation and oxidative stress. Astaxanthin acts as an antioxidant to prevent oxidative stress in the liver and at the same time removes excess free radicals caused by metabolic disorders, restoring normal liver function and preventing liver damage. A 2016 study revealed that astaxanthin can help protect the liver and prevent fatty liver, liver cancer, and more.
Chen, J. T., & Kotani, K. (2016). Astaxanthin as a potential protector of liver function: A review.Ā Journal of clinical medicine research, 8(10), 701.
06Ā Anticancer effect
One study confirmed that the antioxidant effect of astaxanthin helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the breast. Another study showed that taking astaxanthin for 32 weeks significantly inhibited tumor formation and growth.
McCall, B., McPartland, C. K., Moore, R., Frank-Kamenetskii, A., & Booth, B. W. (2018). Effects of astaxanthin on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells in vitro.Ā Antioxidants, 7(10), 135.
07Ā Strengthen eye health and improve fatigue
Astaxanthin improves blood flow to the retina, ensuring enough blood reaches the muscles within the eye. In one study, a group that took 6mg of astaxanthin every day for 4 weeks showed that blood flow in retinal capillaries improved by about 10% compared to a group that did not take it.
Kajita M., Tsukahara H., Kato M. The effects of a dietary supplement containing astaxanthin on the accommodation function of the eye in middle-aged and older people.Ā Med. Consult. N. Remed.Ā 2009;46(3):89ā93.
In addition, astaxanthin has various benefits such as preventing diabetes and complications in diabetic patients, improving ulcer symptoms, preventing stroke, preventing Alzheimer's (dementia), preventing Parkinson's disease, improving male infertility and sexual function, and alleviating female menopausal symptoms.
Your Health Supporter: Astaxanthin
