Astaxanthin has rapidly established itself as a contender for the next must-have health supplement, with multiple recent clinical trials indicating its effectiveness in slowing down the signs of aging and supporting health maintenance. Labelled as a 'super-antioxidant', Astaxanthin has been shown to provide support for many conditions associated with aging.
The Super-Anti-Oxidant
Research indicates that astaxanthin's antioxidant properties are far superior to other carotenoids such as beta-catotene, lycopene and lutein, as well as vitamin E. In fact the claims get even more impressive when compared to some of the other more established health supplements. Astaxanthin is reported to be:
800 x more powerful than COQ10
550 x more powerful than Green Tea Catechins
75 x more powerful than Alpha-Lipoic Acid
6000 x more powerful than Vitamin C
As it is a 'pure anti-oxidant' with an ability to cross the blood barrier astaxanthin can act quickly and effectively to provide support for a number of core bodily functions.
Dementia
Research in Japan (referenced in the British Journal of Nutrition) established that astaxanthin may lower the build up of compounds known as 'phospholipid hydroperoxides' (PLOOH), which have been shown to build up abnormally in the red blood cells of patients with dementia.
Through the period of the study of 30 healthy volunteers aged 50-69 years old PLOOH levels dropped by 40% and 50% with 6 and 12mg daily doses of astaxanthin respectively. In comparison no difference was noted when a placebo was used. These results led to the report concluding that astaxanthin "may contribute to the prevention of dementia".
Eyesight
Another study, highlighted in the Japanese Journal Medical Consultation & New Remedies, gave a daily dose of 6mg to 22 middle-aged and older people showing symptoms of presbyopia - a condition which causes the lens of the eye to lose the ability to focus (known as 'accommodation'). This makes short range vision hard.
The results showed a notable improvement in eye accommodation ability after astaxanthin supplementation over a 4 week term (Med Consult N Rem, 2009; 46: 89-93).
A separate study in Italy lasting a year that taking 4mg of astaxanthin daily alongside other carotenoids and antioxidants (180 mg of vitamin C, 30 mg of vitamin E, 22.5 mg of zinc, 1 mg of copper, 10 mg of lutein and 1 mg of zeaxanthin) resulted in better eyesight for patients with age-related macular degeneration (Ophthalmology, 2008; 115: 324-33.e2).
Skin Ageing and Wrinkles
Multiple research reports have shown that astaxanthin provides a natural barrier against the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, the number one reason for premature skin ageing. Another study reached the conclusion that astaxanthin may help fight against skin sagging and wrinkling (J Dermatol Sci, 2010; 58: 136-42).
More interestingly, clinical trials indicate that using astaxanthin can improve the overall condition and health of your skin. In a double-blind study, 16 women suffering from dried skin, aged around 40 years, were given either a placebo or a mix of 2mg of astaxanthin and 40 mg of tocotrienol (vitamin E). After just 2 weeks, the group who used the astaxanthin showed a number of improvements in their skin's condition, most notably less wrinkles, improved moisture and elasticity, a smoother surface, and less under-eye darkness and flabbiness. After 4 weeks the results improved further still, with various skin measurements providing a statistically significant change compared with the control group (Food Style 21, 2002; 6: 112-7).
Most recently a study with a bigger sample of women (49) tested the effects of astaxanthin alone in a 4mg daily dose. After just six weeks significant improvements were showing in the astaxanthin group in comparison to the control group using a placebo (Carotenoid Sci, 2006; 10: 91-5).
Getting Your Daily Fix
A standard and recommended daily dose for astaxanthin is 2-4 mg/day. As it is fat-soluble it is absorbed by the body most efficiently when taken with a fat-containing meal (Biosci Biotechnol Biochem, 2009; 73: 1928-32). In general terms it will go down best a dietary source of healthy fats, such as olive or flaxseed oil.
To date no side effects have been recorded after using astaxanthin meaning it has a high safety profile. A human safety study concluded that 6 mg/day of astaxanthin extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis is safe for healthy adults (J Med Food, 2003; 6: 51-6).
Conclusion
Although astaxanthin is a relative newcomer to the health and nutrition market the early indications suggest this algae based super-antioxidant could become a superstar of the supplement world. Initial studies indicate that it is particularly supportive in those functions whose deterioration causes most distress as we get older - namely our mind, our eyesight and our personal appearance. As ever more research will be required to verify the full potential of Astaxanthin. However there is little doubt that the early indications are that Astaxanthin could become one of the most sought after health support supplements on the planet.
Oscar Strain (Oz) is a complementary health professional and writer specialising in nutrition and herbal remedies. Oz is part of the expert nutritionist team at Troo Health Care, a leading provider of UK manufactured specialist health support supplements. Oz provides tailored health & nutrition advice, helping people understand their own needs so that they can make their own informed health choices.
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