Astaxanthin, the Multifunctional Antioxidant

Astaxanthin is a unique and multitalented antioxidant. It is also one of the reasons for wild salmon’s status as a leading superstar in the realm of antiaging foods. However, it is also important to take astaxanthin as a nutritional supplement to ensure optimum benefits.

Astaxanthin has the ability to protect the cell membrane from free radicals also known as reactive oxygen species, or ROS, including the most damaging of all, the singlet oxygen. Carotenoids in general, and astaxanthin in particular, effectively absorb energy from free radicals and the singlet oxygen.

Astaxanthin provides powerful protection to the lipid bi-layer that surrounds our cells as well as the mitochondria and the nucleus within the cells. This dual function of protection is unique to astaxanthin and one of the reasons it plays such an important role in the protection of cells. Because astaxanthin can penetrate different portions of the cell, it protects all
organs and systems throughout the body. This broad-based protection is the foundation for the multifunctional benefits that have become associated with astaxanthin and its anti-aging properties. The health areas that have been studied include

• Cardiovascular: Recent studies have indicated the tendency of astaxanthin to reduce blood pressure. The antihypertensive mechanism may in part be explained by the tendency of astaxanthin to increase blood flow. It is hypothesized by the researchers that this results from blood vessel relaxation and dilation. Also, in one of the studies, a 50% drop in the incidence of stroke was noted in the astaxanthin-treated group.
• Type 2 diabetes: A preliminary study indicates that astaxanthin supplementation may improve control of type 2 diabetes and inhibit progressive kidney damage. This study also supports the findings of an earlier study that indicates that astaxanthin may preserve pancreatic function as well as insulin sensitivity.

Other benefits include

• Improved skin elasticity and reduced appearance of fine lines
• Eye fatigue (asthenopia) reduction
• Improved muscle endurance and recovery following vigorous exercise
• Reduced gastric inflammation and dyspepsia

It is important to note that all of these studies were performed using the AstaREAL brand of natural astaxanthin, which is produced from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, a natural carotenoid pigment and biological antioxidant believed to be the world’s richest source of astaxanthin, in fully enclosed and protected bios stems either in Sweden or on the island of Maui in Hawaii. As with so many nutritional supplements, it is critical to know that you are getting the highest quality most vigorously tested for both safety and efficacy formula possible. AstaREAL is a trademark of Fuji Chemical Industry.