Astaxanthin - Powerful Antioxidant

Astaxanthin is a natural pinkish red pigment [caratenoid] giving microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, lobster, krill, crab, other shell fish their pink and reddish colors.

Aastaxanthin provides significantly more antioxidant power than commonly used antioxidants such as beta caratenoid, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. The astaxanthin molecule is similar to that of the familiar carotenoid beta-carotene but the small differences in structure confer large differences in the chemical and biological properties of the two molecules.

Even though Aastaxanthin is 14 times stronger than Vitamin E [alpha-tocopherol], it exhibits 500 times the antioxidant capacity of vitamin E to scavenge for free radicals. The reason? - the structure of Aastaxanthin. Astaxanthin’s structure closely resembles lutein and zeaxanthin, allowing it to pass through your cell membranes to protect both the lipid and aqueous outer layers of cells. At the same time, it controls potential damage to cells by free radicals. Aastaxanthin is also 65 times stronger than vitamin C in scavenging oxygen free radicals.

For most people, food diets lack sufficient amounts of astaxanthin, making a natural supplement to only way to benefit from this powerful antioxidant.

Other Benefits of Astaxanthin

An interesting side benefit of Astaxanthin is Sun Protection. Clinical evaluations have demonstrated that it provides sunscreen protection by significantly increasing the amount of ultraviolet light energy needed to produce skin reddening, the first stage of sunburn.

Pro-oxidants

When considering carotenoids as antioxidants, one must also consider the pro-oxidant characteristics. High concentrations of some carotenoids can act as pro-oxidants - actually causing oxidation in your body. Beta-carotene, lycopene and zeaxanthin can be pro-oxidant under certain conditions. However, in studies to date astaxanthin has never exhibited pro-oxidant activity, meaning that high doses of astaxanthin are not of concern.

Purchasing Astaxanthin

When purchasing Astaxanthin, look for those made from green algae, one of the richest and most bioavailable natural sources of astaxanthin. Also check that it is extracted from the algae using the CO2 extraction method that doesn’t use toxic solvents.

Antioxidant Supplements