It looks like the most popular antioxidant in 2015 may once again be the little-known Astaxanthin. This member of the carotenoid family, found in krill and ocean salmon, has shown very good health and skin benefits in studies. So let's talk about Astaxanthin and its benefits.

Astaxanthin is actually correctly pronounced Asta-ZAN-tin and is considered a nutritious dietary supplement that has beneficial effects on the entire body. It is not necessary for us, but it can be very beneficial and derived from food sources.

There are two sources of natural Astaxanthin in nature - microalgae and marine life that eat these algae (wild salmon, krill, shellfish, etc.). The carotenoids in Astaxanthin give it a natural pinkish-red pigment, which is why salmon carcasses have a beautiful pinkish color.

Astaxanthin benefits for the body

Like other members of the carotenoid family, Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant. Moreover, according to the latest data, it is considered the most powerful antioxidant today; it is 550 times stronger than vitamin E and 11 times stronger than beta-carotene!

This is very cool, especially since in other indicators of antioxidant activity, Astaxanthin greatly surpasses such well-known antioxidants as vitamin C and pycnogenol. But this is not the point - in recent years, the theory of protecting the body from cancer and increasing life expectancy with the help of antioxidants has been defeated.

Antioxidants have not shown this protection, and furthermore, some when taken in high dosages they begin to work as Pro-oxidants, that is, on the contrary, they themselves become a source of free radicals and accelerate oxidative stress. This applies to taking high doses of vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene and flavonoids. Another reason to separate Astaxanthin from other antioxidants is the fact that it does not become a pro-oxidant due to its special structure.

But let’s leave antioxidants aside for now. Astaxanthin has so many other beneficial properties that its antioxidant activity has become secondary, although it is the strongest natural antioxidant known today.

Almost all of Astaxanthin's health benefits stem from its primary mechanism of action: reducing inflammation. “Inflammation is the root cause of all major diseases, and Astaxanthin is one of nature's most powerful anti-inflammatory agents,” says William Sears, MD, who specializes in lifestyle medicine and wrote a book on Hawaiian Astaxanthin.

A California study found that compared to a placebo, Hawaiian Astaxanthin reduced chronic inflammation by 20% over 8 weeks. Astaxanthin also showed a reduction in the blood inflammatory marker C-reactive protein

Beneficial properties of astaxanthin

Interestingly, in America, pure astaxanthin is bought not at all because of its antioxidant activity, but because Astaxanthin gives clinical proven benefits for eye, brain, skin and joint health, and also helps athletes and active people.

Particular fans of Astaxanthin include swimmers and long-distance runners. They value astaxanthin for its beneficial effects on joints, tendons and the heart, and because astaxanthin works as a ″sunscreen from the inside out″. protecting skin from sun damage, because athletes spend a lot of time outdoors and they do not always have the opportunity to use sun protection.

Here are some top reasons why taking Astaxanthin is beneficial for your health and wellness:

Anti-Aging. Astaxanthin is a strong antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize harmful free radicals that form inside us and cause internal processes similar to rust. Outwardly, this manifests itself in the rapid appearance of fatigue (despite a good night's sleep), decreased memory and other consequences of exposure to radicals. Beauty . People taking Astaxanthin have experienced numerous skin benefits from Astaxanthin, including reducing skin inflammation and UV damage from the sun (but Astaxanthin does not replace sunscreen!), reducing fine lines and wrinkles, reducing skin roughness, and improving skin moisture and elasticity.

Similar properties of Astaxanthin on the skin have been reported with topical use of Astaxanthin in the form of creams and serums.

Energy. Astaxanthin has been shown to optimize the energy of production cells, allowing them to perform more efficiently during long-term athletic training, even such as extreme preparation for a competition. Recovery after physical activity. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Astaxanthin help reduce damage to the body during intense endurance exercise. Athletes also report decreased soreness after exercise using Astaxanthin. Heart. Taking Astaxanthin helps protect the heart by reducing inflammation and restoring the integrity of blood vessels. Joints. Some studies have shown that Astaxanthin helps relieve pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis conditions such as tennis elbow and tendinitis. Moreover, according to the latest data, arthritis and arthrosis of the joints are associated with chronic inflammation in the body. Eyes. Daily intake of Astaxanthin at a dosage of 4-12 mg has been shown to improve the eyes' ability to distinguish small details, as well as relieve stress during long work and conditions such as dryness, fatigue and blurred vision.

Most clinical studies on astaxanthin have focused on areas such as inflammatory response reduction, cardiovascular health, sports recovery, and skin health. The potential for future research is still enormous.

It is also believed that Astaxanthin may lower blood pressure and cholesterol, protect the lens of the eye from cataracts, and protect the stomach from ulcers, but there have been no clinical studies with therapy for these claims.

Prospects for the development of Astaxanthin

The prospects for further development of Astaxanthin are impressive. At the same time, as research confirms the benefits of taxanthin for supporting the cardiovascular system, the information level of the population is still extremely small, so they want to make this area the most important. The use of Astaxanthin is also interesting in supplements to relieve inflammation, which over time can lead to many chronic diseases.

The development of sports nutrition using Astaxanthin, as well as complex products for the health of the cardiovascular system and joints, has great potential. Dr. Rudi Moerk believes that there is a huge market for ″joint health, which is now being led by chondroitin and glucosamine, which have questionable benefits″.

In Japan, a number of food manufacturers have already released beauty products containing astaxanthin to improve skin quality, sun protection and post-workout recovery.

How to take Astaxanthin daily

An excellent source of Astaxanthin is wild ocean salmon. A typical serving of Atlantic salmon provides approximately 1 mg of astaxanthin, while a similar serving of Pacific salmon may provide 4-5 mg. Krill oil is another good source natural Astaxanthin from food.

For the industrial production of Astaxanthin, microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis is used. When these algae are consistently exposed to high doses of ultraviolet light, they produce very large amounts of Astaxanthin to protect themselves from injury.

If you don't eat wild salmon several times a week, Dr. Sears recommends taking Astaxanthin as a daily supplement. The doctor recommends paying attention to Astaxanthin from Hawaiian algae Haematococcus pluvialis, grown in clean water, under the patented name BioAstin. .

There is scientific evidence that a daily dosage of between 4-16 mg is safe and effective, says William Sears.

Astaxanthin, which option to buy

What is the best Astaxanthin to buy? There's not much choice here. You can buy krill oil (a source of omega-3 acids) that contains natural Astaxanthin, but the amount in such supplements is very small. Other options are natural astaxanthin from algae or synthetic.

Natural Astaxanthin for supplements is produced from microalgae, grown on special farms and using ultraviolet irradiation to obtain an extract rich in natural astaxanthin.

This Astaxanthin is used in pure form or in complexes for the skin, eyes and joints. Supplements use proprietary forms of Astaxanthin, which are produced by only a few companies, the most important being Astaxanthin BioAstin®, AstaPure®, Zanthin, etc.

There is also synthetic Astaxanthin, it can be found simply in the composition, or in the patented form AstaSana®. There are differences between natural and synthetic astaxanthin; it is believed that synthetic has very weak antioxidant activity.

I personally believe that it is worth buying Astaxanthin in the form of krill oil or in a natural, patented form, such as Astaxanthin BioAstin®, which is considered the most famous in America along with Zanthin®.

Krill oil

Here the leading manufacturer producing krill oil with natural astaxanthin is considered a premium brand from Dr. Dr. Mercola. His supplements were tested in an independent laboratory and received “Approved” status. Therefore, you can trust them, and I myself bought Dr. Mercola women's supplement with krill oil, astaxanthin and evening primrose oil.

Krill oil Dr. Mercola, Premium Supplements, Krill Oil, 60 Capsules
Krill oil + evening primrose Dr. Mercola, Premium Supplements, Antarctic Krill Oil for Women, 90 Capsules
Krill oil baby supplement Dr. Mercola, Premium Supplements, Kids' Krill Oil, 60 Capsules

BioAstin Astaxanthin

There will be a separate post about the specifics of obtaining astaxanthin from algae, but for now I recommend BioAstin Astaxanthin as the most famous on iHerb, especially since it is from the most raw materials producing company of astaxanthin, which gives the best price-quality ratio.

Astaxanthin at a dosage of 4 mg Nutrex Hawaii, BioAstin, Hawaiian Astaxanthin, 4 mg, 60 Gel Caps
Nutrex Hawaii, BioAstin, Hawaiian Astaxanthin, 12 mg, 25 Gel Caps
Astaxanthin at a dosage of 12 mg Nutrex Hawaii, BioAstin, Hawaiian Astaxanthin, 12 mg, 50 Gel Caps
Astaxanthin 6 mg with olive oil + vegetarian capsules Nutrex Hawaii, MD Formulas Hawaii, BioAstin Supreme, 6 mg, 60 V-Gels

Zanthin Astaxanthin

Another major player in the Astaxanthin market is the Florida company Valensa International, which is not an algae producer, but purchases biomass from other commodity companies and extracts it itself Astaxanthin under the brand name Zanthin, as well as several ready-made complexes for joints and the heart using it.

“Our latest successful development,” says company President Dr. Rudi Moerk, is the product FlexPro MD (a combination of krill oil, astaxanthin and hyaluronic acid).” This complex and others are already freely available for purchase:

Complex for joints with astaxanthin Life Extension, Krill Healthy Joint Formula, 30 Softgels
Complex for joints with astaxin, eggshell membrane and hyaluronic acid Dr. Mercola, Premium Supplements, Joint Support Gummies, Cherry Flavored, 90 Gummies
Another joint complex from Mercola Dr. Mercola, Premium Supplements, Joint Formula, with HA plus BiovaFlex, 30 Capsules
Complex for eye health FutureBiotics, Nutrivision, 120 Veggie Caps
Zanthin Astaxanthin Now Foods, Astaxanthin, 4 mg, 60 Veggie Softgels

There is also Russian Astaxanthin in pharmacies, it is also produced from the Hawaiian raw material Bioastin, but as I understand it, it comes in a dosage of only 4 mg and when you buy a package of more than 30 capsules, it turns out to be much more expensive in cost. In general, there is only one way out, as always, order vitamins in America and not think about their freshness and a bunch of other questions that arise when purchasing from us.

Have you tried astaxanthin? What can you say about this new antioxidant, which has long been famous, but is only now becoming more popular?

Madonna takes astaxanthin.

Not long ago, while reading a fashion magazine, I came across an article about Madonna (singer, actress, producer and owner of a chain of fitness centers in California). From a professional point of view, I have always admired this woman, and any fact from her life attracted attention. This happened this time too, when I read an article about how the pop diva uses astaxanthin in her diet:

"Taking astaxanthin improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles, while overall muscle activity increases... This is the secret of Madonna, who spends many hours training every day."

Of course, I found out what astaxanthin is and, perhaps, this was the first day of my acquaintance with Wellness products and the Wellness industry as a whole.

The benefits of astaxanthin.

Already, modern scientists have proven that the most powerful antioxidant is natural astaxanthin. The protective and preventive properties of which are approximately 10 times higher than those of provitamin A and 100 times higher than those of vitamin E.

Astaxanthin prevents the development of cardiovascular diseases, weakened vision, helps restore tissue in joints and cartilage, and protects sperm from oxidation, which usually leads to infertility.

Also, astaxanthin protects the cell and mitochondrial membranes from lipid peroxidation, protects the cell from oxidative damage. Strengthens the immune system by compressing interferon-gamma products and increasing the number of cells that produce antibodies. Astaxanthin prevents the occurrence of cancer cells in the tongue and mouth, rectum, bladder, neck and mammary glands.

Inhibits lipid peroxidants and plaque formation, thus may reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. May soothe oxidative stress and neurodegenerative conditions such as AHD, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, ALS birth.

Astaxanthin is able to protect eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays, A and B damage, by destroying atomic oxygen and ozone molecules. Reduces the number of new abnormal cells in the liver.

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid. A carotenoid is an organic pigment that is present in the chromoplasts of plants, algae, fungi and bacteria. There are two types of carotenoids: xanthophylls and carotenes. They are antioxidants.

Astaxanthin is a red, fat-soluble pigment. It is found in algae, yeast, salmon, trout, shrimp and some birds. Unlike some carotenoids, astaxanthin is not converted into vitamin A in the human body. An overdose of vitamin A can be dangerous to your health, but this does not happen with astaxanthin.

Research has shown that astaxanthin is an antioxidant of unique strength, 100 times more effective than vitamin E. It protects our body from free radicals, which are unstable particles with unpaired electrons.

Free radicals “steal” electrons from other atoms. As a result of the reaction between a free radical and a stable molecule, the latter turns into a free radical. This can start a chain reaction, leading to the formation of a large number of free radicals.

Many scientists believe that one of the main causes of aging is damage to cells in the body, which is a consequence of a chain reaction of free radical formation.

Why is astaxanthin 100 times stronger than vitamin E?

Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that makes it a powerful antioxidant. Unlike other beta-carotenes and vitamin E, astaxanthin contains two additional sets of oxygen molecules that give it the ability to not only neutralize free radicals, but also stop the destructive chain reactions that lead to cell damage.

Due to its special chemical structure, astaxanthin is one of the unique carotenoids - xanthophylls, which are antioxidants of unique strength. Astaxanthin is such a powerful antioxidant that studies have shown it is 10 times more effective than beta-carotene and 100 times more effective than vitamin E! In addition, astaxanthin not only neutralizes free radicals, but also interacts with other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, increasing their effectiveness.

How does astaxanthin “work”?

Thanks to its unique structure, astaxanthin protects the cell membranes of all organs. Unlike beta-carotene, vitamin C and other antioxidants, which are found either inside or outside the lipid bilayer membrane, astaxanthin molecules have the unique ability to be found both inside and outside the lipid bilayer membrane. This provides additional comprehensive cell protection.

What are the benefits of regularly taking astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin has been proven to play a key role in protecting the body's cells from premature aging and damage. Thus, a number of positive effects on the human body have now been established:

improved skin condition, increased strength and endurance;

normalization of stomach function, improvement of vision;

How does astaxanthin improve skin condition?

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and the first organ through which the body comes into contact with the environment. The skin acts as a barrier that protects us from external influences:

UV rays, dry air, cold, heat, pollution. Therefore, it is very important to take enough vitamins, minerals and antioxidants in addition to daily skin care.

Astaxanthin plays an important role when it comes to keeping your skin looking healthy and fresh. Poor nutrition that does not provide the body with enough antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, as well as pollution, smoking and UV rays lead to skin that looks dull and uneven.

Astaxanthin protects the skin and promotes its recovery, including after exposure to the sun. Because it neutralizes free radicals that destroy skin cells and protects against UVA and UBV rays.

Ultraviolet radiation and air pollution deprive the skin of nutrients that are necessary to maintain the lipid barrier. As a result, the skin becomes dry and takes on an unhealthy appearance. Astaxanthin increases the level of moisture in dry skin, makes it elastic and provides natural oils that normalize the hydrolipid balance.

Does Astaxanthin Help Reduce Wrinkles?

Wrinkles are lines and folds on the surface of the skin that appear as a result of damage at the cellular level. They are a natural consequence of the aging of the body, which, in turn, is a natural process for all of us. Every minute your skin gets older. Typically, it takes about four weeks to produce new cells and replace old ones.

The most powerful factors of aging are free radicals, which destroy cell structures, disrupting the body's vital processes. UV rays, air pollution, smoking, stress, poor diet are the main suppliers of free radicals.

Astaxanthin neutralizes free radicals resulting from exposure to ultraviolet rays, thereby improving collagen synthesis. Thus, astaxanthin promotes skin regeneration, reducing wrinkles and increasing skin elasticity, which is confirmed by research.

How does astaxanthin increase muscle strength and endurance?

Our body produces free radicals not only under the influence of unfavorable conditions (UV radiation, smoking, strict diet), but also as a result of the normal performance of its functions: breathing, energy production, movement, digestion of food.

For physical activity we need air. The more oxygen we inhale and pump through the body's tissues, the more free radicals are produced.

They destroy muscle cells (their membrane and DNA). The only way to stop the destructive activity of free radicals is to consume powerful antioxidants such as astaxanthin. It traps free radicals and protects muscle tissue from degradation. Thus, astaxanthin exhibits two positive properties: it prevents the destruction of muscle tissue and increases muscle strength. In addition, astaxanthin promotes faster muscle recovery after physical activity.

Can diabetic patients take astaxanthin?

If you have a chronic condition or are prescribed any medications, you should consult your physician before taking dietary supplements.

Diabetes is characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Any foods containing sugar or starch are converted into glucose during the process of absorption by the body. The body needs it to produce energy. Normally, blood glucose levels are controlled by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When glucose levels rise (for example, after eating), insulin lowers them. However, this does not happen in people with diabetes. This leads to abnormally high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

Scientists have suggested that reactive oxygen species resulting from hyperglycemia contribute to the development of diabetes and can cause serious complications. In addition, pancreatic cells are especially vulnerable to reactive oxygen species. Astaxanthin protects them from oxygen damage. According to research, astaxanthin slows down the progression of the disease by reducing the toxic effects of glucose.

Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble element, which means that for complete absorption it requires bile acids, which are involved in the process of fat digestion. They are produced by the body only if food is present in the intestines. Therefore, you should take astaxanthin after meals so that the body begins to produce bile acids.

How long can you take astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin can be taken continuously throughout your life. There have been no reported dangerous side effects associated with taking astaxanthin.

Doctors warn that to restore antioxidant protection, a person needs to eat at least five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. However, antioxidants are easily destroyed by exposure to tobacco smoke, sunbathing or tanning beds, insufficient exposure to fresh air, and in people over 50 years of age or with chronic diseases. These categories require taking medications containing antioxidants. The easiest way to get natural antioxidants is from the Swedish Beauty Complex of Oriflame.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF ASTAXANTHIN

1. Astaxanthin reduces the oxidation of fatty acids, including polyunsaturated ones (omega-3), thereby making our food more healthy and valuable.

2. Astaxanthin lowers blood cholesterol levels, which is very important for the prevention of obesity.

3. Astaxanthin plays an important role in the prevention of prostatitis and prostate cancer, as it neutralizes enzymes that harm the prostate.

4. Astaxanthin reduces ischemic brain damage. For information: ischemia is local anemia, insufficient blood supply, i.e., a decrease in blood flow to the organ, most often due to vascular disorders.

5. Astaxanthin reduces the risk of developing diabetes because it is able to control normal blood sugar levels.

6. Astaxanthin protects the kidneys from damage and helps prevent nephropathy. Astaxanthin, as an antioxidant, protects kidney cells from oxidative damage that occurs against the background of many diseases, including diabetes. That is, it has been proven that astaxanthin prevents the development of complications.

7. Astaxanthin reduces eye fatigue, i.e. strengthens the muscle of the eyeball, thereby participating in the prevention of age-related farsightedness. The use of astaxanthin improves focusing on nearby objects. It is this problem that people face at the age of 45-50, or even earlier. That is, astaxanthin delays the age of wearing reading glasses.

8. Product code 25414, current price is in

(Astaxanthin) is a unique substance of organic origin, the most powerful antioxidant, the effectiveness of which is 100 times greater than that of vitamin E. A often used substance as a dye in the food industry, its chemical formula is a carotenoid.

Due to the presence of attached oxygen atoms, it has a bright red color and can be used as a pigment.

In addition to its antioxidant effect in case of vitamin A deficiency, it can be used for the prevention and treatment of vitamin A deficiency. At the same time, this drug does not cause pronounced toxicity to the body, characteristic of a vitamin group consumed in large doses to compensate for deficiency.

Following the logic, the adult human body in adulthood is also characterized by a lack of vitamin A, which especially affects the quality of the skin after 50-60 years. Thus, consumption allows you to solve not only health problems due to its powerful antioxidant effect, but also aesthetic problems without the use of other means of support. The substance can be considered an effective means of protecting the skin from UVA and UVB rays, due to the powerful protection of cells from oxidative stress.

Astaxanthin: main action

Used as a substance that has a systemic protective effect on the human cell. It is with this property of having a positive effect on the state of the body and leading to normal processes that the well-known qualities of salmon fish, krill meat and shrimp are associated. Existing research shows that with regular use it can prolong the life of the body’s cells and resist DNA destruction and the appearance of natural “breakages” in them as a result of age-related changes and aggressive environmental influences.

Caution for selection and intake: pay attention to the raw materials!

Meanwhile, before you buy, you should make sure of the origin of this product. Only the organic form has healing and restorative properties.

Inorganic compounds, which are used and banned in many countries for use in the food industry, can cause serious harm:

firstly, with regular intake of even a small amount of inorganic, it accumulates in tissues, which acquire a pinkish tint;
secondly, the inorganic substance is not excreted from the body and can lead to serious eye diseases and even loss of vision.

This drug should only be purchased from a reputable supplier. On the portal iHerb You will find a range of products with guaranteed control of the origin of raw materials. The use of dietary supplements containing , purchased at iHerb, completely safe. Each group of dietary supplements undergoes complex testing so that buyers can be completely confident about the quality of the purchased drug.

Please also note that iHerb does not have any dietary supplements that use it obtained from the genetically modified yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. The original substance is found in salmon, lobsters, sea urchin gonads, the richest in natural content of this antioxidant is krill, it accumulates up to 1200 mg/kg, in the yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous - 200-400 mg/kg, in genetically modified types of yeast - up to 8000 mg/kg.

Seaweed is also a high quality source Haematococcus pluvialis, which is often used by manufacturers as a natural and natural raw material. Moreover, according to research, the most bioavailable is that obtained from yeast raw materials. As you know, salmon raised on closed salmon farms are fed 20 days before release for sale so that the meat acquires a beautiful reddish tint. It has been proven that fish meat that has had “yeast” added to its feed has greater value for human health.

How to take Astaxanthin?

Now you need to figure out how to take it, taking into account the fact that according to clinical studies, the “ideal” dose has not yet been established. The recommended amount, which is effective for the prevention of most “core” diseases and provitamin deficiency, is 6-8 mg per day. The substance is fat-soluble; dietary supplements based on it are recommended to be taken with fatty foods to increase bioavailability. The course of treatment is 1 month or more until a clinical result is achieved.

Please note that dietary supplements with such amounts are usually not based on salmon and krill raw materials. The human body accepts 20-50 mg without any side effects, but toxicity has not yet been established. It is clear that large doses can reversibly turn tissue pink.

Reception for children is permissible in volumes that are equal to the content of this substance in one serving of salmon or krill. If you are in doubt about choosing a dietary supplement, conduct a general strengthening course for your child using natural seafood.

Pharmacology

All carotenoids are absorbed in the intestinal epithelium along with fatty acids, so OMEGA-3 or OMEGA-6 can be taken simultaneously to improve bioavailability, especially in cases of low fat content in food. The effectiveness of use in smokers is reduced by 40%, which is associated with peripheral metabolism.

Despite numerous recommendations related to constant use, this may be excessive. Low dosages of up to 10 mg act on the body within 24 hours, up to 100 mg – within 72 hours. At the same time, it can accumulate in the body; the saturation effect can be achieved even with daily intake of up to 1 mg for a month. Higher dosages make the process of tissue accumulation more pronounced. Accumulation in tissues occurs at a dosage of 100-200 mg/kg. Smaller doses do not cause an accumulation effect.

Prevention and treatment of diseases with Astaxanthin

With the help of dietary supplements, you can prevent many diseases. This remedy can be used in drug therapy, as well as as support after treatment.

Highly effective in treating eye diseases

Shows high effectiveness in the treatment of eye diseases, accumulating in tissues, and has an anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.

Astaxanthin effectively reduces sugar in diabetics

Astaxanthin can be used as an adjunct to lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes, which, accordingly, allows it to be included in the diet with a restorative effect.

Astaxanthin stimulates stem cell production

Due to the proliferative effect, even with small doses of oral administration, it causes an increase in the total number of natural stem cells, the synthesis of which decreases with age. promotes cellular longevity; in laboratory experiments, the life expectancy of test mammals and non-mammals increased by up to 30%.

Astaxanthin improves cardiac activity and restores blood vessels

It can be used as an antioxidant to treat VSD and blood pressure problems, as it has been proven to lower blood pressure. However, to achieve an effect, dosages of 25-200 mg/kg are required, these dosages are safe for animals, but there is no known toxicity in this volume for humans. This substance is used to reduce the effect of cholesterol oxidation, treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis.

Astaxanthin for the treatment of obesity

Sexuality and Fertility

Due to increased antioxidant activity, it affects fertility and sexuality. When taking dietary supplements that contain , the likelihood of pregnancy increases.

Astaxanthin: side effects and contraindications

When taking higher doses (about 50 mg), red stool may be observed, which is perceived as bleeding. This effect is not harmful to the body and is reversible when you stop taking it.

There were no obvious contraindications for use. The toxicity of high doses to humans has not been established at this time.

Effective preparations on iHerb containing bioavailable Astaxanthin

On iHerb a number of drugs with different contents are presented. Instructions for using these drugs will help you understand and choose a drug with the required dose for your problem.

For example, Hawaiian Astaxanthin from Nutrex Hawaii contains 12 mg of natural Hawaiian, obtained from algae, in combination with vitamin E, which improves the absorption of the drug. It is recommended for the treatment of eye diseases, for the restoration of tendons during physical activity, and for supporting the cardiovascular and immune systems. Reviews contain information about the high effectiveness of the drug.

Astaxanthin from Now Foods Available in two dosages of 4 and 6 mg, it is recommended to support eye health, as well as a gentle and effective antioxidant. These dietary supplements are GMP certified and are made from algae. The product is recommended by the manufacturer to support the functions of the brain and nervous system. Requires the consumption of fat-containing foods.

Hello friends!

Have you ever heard of astaxanthin?

In fact, few people know about this substance, but despite this, its popularity is gaining momentum.

Experts are confident that it is one of the most powerful substances known today as antioxidants - “fighters” against free radicals, which, in fact, are why our body ages.

From this article you will learn:

Astaxanthin - what is it?

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that has two additional oxygen atoms on each of its six-membered rings compared to beta-carotene. Since astaxanthin contains oxygen, it is classified as a xanthophyll.

And as I already wrote in this article, carotenoids are powerful antioxidants that protect our body from premature aging.

Our body is not able to produce this antioxidant on its own, but we can get it from food.

Where is astaxanthin found?

Sources of astaxanthin are quite rare seaweeds and those creatures that eat these algae - these are shrimp, salmon, lobsters, etc., the pinkish color of which is precisely caused by this natural antioxidant pigment.

Why is astaxanthin so important for our health and longevity?

Due to the fact that astaxanthin contains additional oxygen molecules, it prevents the death of body cells and provides them with protection from the effects of negative factors: smoking, unfavorable environmental conditions, ultraviolet radiation, alcohol, stress, etc.

You need to know that there is a synthetic analogue of astaxanthin, which is extracted chemically, and at the molecular level, natural and synthetic astaxanthin have differences.

This substance plays a vital biological role in all metabolic processes occurring in our body, in the regular and timely renewal of cells, it is able to actively eliminate the causes of premature aging of our body.

Most often, preparations based on this antioxidant are taken by professional athletes and those people who lead a healthy lifestyle and care about their health.

Astaxanthin has a very beneficial effect on the condition of our joints and tendons, increases muscle strength, increases energy levels and endurance, perfectly reduces muscle pain and relieves any inflammatory processes present in the body.

In terms of preventing your health, this is an ideal remedy.

Moreover, if you have high cholesterol levels in the blood and high blood pressure, problems with the heart and blood vessels, problems with blood quality, then all this can be gradually solved by starting to use astaxanthin as a supplement to your food, thereby protecting yourself from day-to-day day from destructive oxidative processes in the body.

The beneficial effects of astaxanthin for the skin are that it can:

rejuvenate and smooth the skin;
increase its elasticity;
protect from ultraviolet radiation and on the skin;
stimulate the production of your own collagen in tissues;
remove dryness, flaking and wrinkled skin.

The healing and preventive properties of this antioxidant are simply incredible!

Astaxanthin - beneficial properties

What are the benefits of astaxanthin:

If you take astaxanthin regularly, it will serve as an excellent prevention of vascular atherosclerosis, will have a beneficial effect on vascular walls and saturate brain tissue with active oxygen.
Astaxanthin significantly increases thinking and mental abilities, attention and concentration, serves as an excellent prevention of Alzheimer's disease, and also normalizes blood sugar levels (in this case, it can even cure mild forms of diabetes!).
It has a fairly effective effect on: it removes dryness, prevents the development and progression of diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, is able to restore vision and helps avoid cell degeneration (mutation), which causes malignant oncological formations.
According to the results of the studies, those people who systematically use astaxanthin in the form of a dietary supplement, after just a month of taking it, noted an improvement in their immunity: they had increased immunity (resistance) to colds, viral diseases and bacterial diseases.
An excellent remedy for preventive purposes in case of frequent stress and moral and physical loss of strength, especially in a prolonged, chronic form!
It has been noticed that those people who suffer from inflammatory processes in the joints, arthritis and arthrosis, as well as salt deposits, begin to experience less pain: there is more comfort in movement, pain decreases.

What is the advantage of this antioxidant over other similar substances?

If we compare it with other known antioxidants, we can note a number of its undoubted advantages.

First of all, the secret of its high efficiency lies in the special structure of the substance: on the six-membered rings it has a couple of additional oxygen molecules, and it is thanks to this that neutralization of more than a dozen is possible! free radicals, which is rarely found in other known substances with antioxidant effects.
Another undoubted advantage of it is the preservation of its activity even after the loss of an electron. Analogues are immediately deactivated, and astaxanthin is still active for some time after this.

Astaxanthin is able to penetrate into places where other antioxidants do not even have access - these are the retina of the eyes and the brain.

It has been proven that the strength of this substance is several times! exceeds the effect of vitamin E, beta-carotene and other similar compounds that are considered powerful antioxidants.

Interesting and important facts about astaxanthin!

Interesting Facts:

Astaxanthin gained fame back in 2011, just after a popular television show in which its host, Oprah Winfrey, told viewers about its wonderful properties.
Many famous people praise this magical remedy in their interviews: artists, supermodels, singers, world-famous athletes.
In Japan, astaxanthin is now one of the almost obligatory components of vitamin complexes that are sold in pharmacy chains. It is thanks to the Japanese that this antioxidant has gained incredible popularity all over the world: the authoritative opinion of the Japanese, known for their longevity and late aging, as well as the almost complete absence of cancer among the population of this country, is listened to by almost half the world!
Antarctic krill oil, which contains large amounts of this antioxidant, is in high demand around the world.
The highest concentrations of astaxanthin in nature are found in the rare seaweed Haematococcus pluvialis and in the plant yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, which lives on the bark of trees.
In 2007, scientists conducted an unusual experiment: laboratory mice were given a dose of astaxanthin in their daily diet, and after some time they were found to have a significant decrease in body fat. As a result of this experiment, the theory was officially confirmed that the carotenoid, which is the antioxidant astaxanthin, contributes to a significant increase in lipid (fat) metabolism in tissues.
Astaxanthin is absolutely essential for the survival of shrimp, lobster, krill and salmon, which eat algae. Containing this antioxidant. Young salmon are also known to die or fail to develop normally if they do not receive enough astaxanthin.
To obtain natural organic natural astaxanthin, the best production facilities in the world use large closed tanks to grow Haematococcus pluvialis algae in ideal conditions, which significantly increases the production of astaxanthin and, most importantly, prevents the entry of pollution from the environment. Astaxanthin is then isolated from the thick cell wall of the algae and concentrated.
There are many astaxanthin preparations on the supplement market that are obtained either through chemical synthesis or from genetically modified Phaffiarhodozyma yeast. These synthetic forms of astaxanthin are often added to salmon feed by fish farms to give the meat a red tint, but this form of astaxanthin is different from the natural form and is more than twenty times weaker than its natural form.
As an antioxidant, astaxanthin is 65 times stronger than vitamin C, 55 times stronger than beta-carotene and 15 times more powerful than vitamin E in its effects.
To date, more than 1,500 clinical and experimental studies have been conducted worldwide, which have shown that astaxanthin, as a powerful antioxidant, deserves to be regularly used in your diet.

How to take astaxanthin?

The first positive result can be seen already two to three weeks after starting to take astaxanthin.

The advantage of this substance is that it has a cumulative effect when taken.

Even after you finish taking it, it accumulated in the tissues will continue to work for your benefit and health for some time, and this is wonderful!

Astaxanthin release form

This drug is usually available in tablets, very convenient for oral administration, in the form of yeast and krill oil.

Moreover, the substance astaxanthin is often added to various dietary supplements for health and rejuvenation.

Therefore, read the composition of the dietary supplements you choose: if astaxanthin is present, then without hesitation, purchase such a drug, because, in addition to the fact that astaxanthin is useful in itself, it also enhances the effect of other components!

Manufacturers separately produce dietary supplement complexes that contain astaxanthin, separately for women and for children.

Why take astaxanthin as a supplement? Maybe it's better to just eat seafood?

On the one hand, yes, there is common sense in this.

But are you sure that every day you are GUARANTEED to eat 200 grams of shrimp or 150 grams of cooked salmon?

From this amount of seafood you can get 8 mg of this substance. In theory.

But in fact, that is, how much will be absorbed, how can you calculate?

Many people can't eat seafood because they don't like the taste.

In addition, not everyone can now afford to “indulge” in such delicacies every day.

And many simply simply don’t have time to monitor the daily consumption of salmon and shrimp (buy, bring, cook - and so on every day!) - after work you just want to “collapse” and sleep, and you don’t want any salmon anymore, is there such a thing?

It’s much easier and faster to take a 100% natural dietary supplement, which is guaranteed to supply so much of this antioxidant into the body so that we don’t worry and don’t waste our psyche thinking and worrying about “I’ve been getting sick a lot lately, and I’ve got wrinkles.” appeared... We need to do something about it...".

Of course it is necessary, don’t even doubt it!

In addition, the budget spent on purchasing the drug will in ANY case be LESS than you will spend on seafood.

I’m not calling for you to completely give up fish and seafood, no!

I love all this myself, and try to eat it regularly.

Simply, in order to be SURE that my body REALLY gets everything it needs, which is guaranteed to protect it from premature aging and disease, I choose to take additional astaxanthin in the form of a natural dietary supplement.

Write in the comments what you think about this.

Are there any contraindications to taking astaxanthin?

Medical studies have proven that this substance has neither contraindications for use nor side effects.

There is only the possibility of allergic reactions that can be caused by individual intolerance to the substance, but such cases are very rare.

Use this drug with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding and if you have asthma, especially if you want to take this drug long-term. In this case, it is better to inform your doctor about your decision and get advice from him on this issue.

How to choose the right quality astaxanthin?

A good dietary supplement with astaxanthin is one that contains natural krill oil.

To choose a quality drug, you need to carefully study its composition: astaxanthin itself should come first, and not ascorbic acid, catechins, etc.

It is important that the substance astaxanthin be extracted from algae, and not from mushrooms, for example. There must be a mandatory mention of this in the packaging.

The antioxidant astaxanthin must be placed in a fat base, this is important! Without fatty acids, it is extremely poorly absorbed and you should not expect any effectiveness from such a product.

Be sure to check the expiration date of the drug and the date of its production: it can be stored for no more than two years from the moment it was produced.

Attention, important!
If you have a drug with a longer shelf life than two years, this indicates that synthetic additives were used during the production process of the drug! In one capsule of the drug, the dose of astaxanthin should not be less than 4 mg.

Who is especially recommended to take additional astaxanthin?

Since the drug has no contraindications, this means that it can be useful to everyone, regardless of age and gender.

diabetes mellitus: in this case, astaxanthin prevents disruption of insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels;
old age: in this case, astaxanthin maintains the integrity of cell membranes, stimulates tissue renewal and actively prevents degenerative processes that begin to occur in old age;
various tumor diseases: here astaxanthin acts as a tissue restorer, but at the same time it does not enhance the division of pathological cells and protects against the harmful effects of the environment, thereby preventing the growth of tumors;
eye diseases: in this case, astaxanthin improves visual acuity and prevents age-related destructive changes.
a lot of unfavorable factors that affect the quality of life: smoking, very strong and frequent ultraviolet radiation, poor unhealthy diet, alcohol consumption, frequent stress, chronic fatigue, or if a person lives in an area with an unfavorable environment (this is especially true for residents of megacities).
reduced level: in this case, regular consumption of this antioxidant can significantly improve blood quality and improve its characteristics.
predisposition to autoimmune diseases: astaxanthin reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases and also increases the body's resistance to colds, viral and bacterial infections.
who has impaired liver function and poor digestive quality: astaxanthin can help speed up recovery if used in complex therapy.
predisposition to diseases of the reproductive system: this is especially true for men - they are strongly recommended to regularly take astaxanthin after 35 years of age in order to effectively prevent prostate cancer and prostatitis.
when playing sports, especially under heavy loads, taking astaxanthin increases endurance and strength, and also effectively protects tendons from damage and relieves muscle soreness after exercise.
anyone who has problems with excess weight: in this case, astaxanthin helps reduce body fat by improving fat metabolism in tissues and improving overall metabolism.

Where to buy dietary supplements with astaxanthin?

You can buy a lot of astaxanthin-based products on iherb, I chose this one.

Friends, do you think this drug deserves to be used on an ongoing basis? Write in the comments what you think about this.

If you found this article useful, then share it with your friends.

And a lot of interesting things await us ahead!

Energy, Strength and Health to everyone, my dears, bye!

Alena was with you, bye everyone!

Preserving youth and beauty for many years is the dream of many women. Trying to always be in shape and look younger than their age, they closely follow the latest in cosmetology and try to use the newest and most effective products for face and body care. Antioxidants – substances that neutralize the effects of free radicals – play an important role in preserving youth. Astaxanthin is recognized as one of the most powerful antioxidants of the 21st century, the effect of which is more powerful than that of vitamins A, C and E. In addition, it has exceptional anti-inflammatory properties.

Astaxanthin and its sources

Astaxanthin is called the king of the family of natural pigments (carotenoids). The highest concentration of this substance is recorded in a microalgae called Haematococcus pluvialis. Under normal conditions, the color of microalgae is green, but when the habitual living conditions of these living organisms change, their cells begin to actively secrete astaxanthin in large quantities, and the color of the algae begins to change and becomes red.

The second source is the sea creatures that feed on these algae, namely salmon, lobsters, lobsters, krill and shellfish. The main indicator of the high content of this substance in the body of fish and shellfish is the reddish color of their meat and shells after heat treatment.

Despite the fact that the term “astaxanthin” is little used in everyday speech, the pigment itself has been present in the diet of many people for decades. Salmon and trout, chum salmon and sockeye salmon, lobsters and squid, shrimp and crayfish are products, albeit in small quantities, that are present in the diet of modern people.

Due to its unique structure, astaxanthin molecules allow this substance to protect the human body from free radicals; excess leads to the development of many diseases resulting from the destruction of cells and DNA molecules.

What does it give to a person?

How is this natural antioxidant useful for humans? Astaxanthin has the following properties and qualities:

enhances the effect of vitamins, namely C and E;
normalizes the functioning of the nervous system;
weakens inflammatory processes;
improves the protection of the central nervous system, eyes and brain from oxidation processes, which can cause the development of a number of diseases;
preventive use of this substance helps restore memory;
increases skin elasticity, improves its color, relieves swelling, eliminates age spots and helps smooth out wrinkles. Therefore, it is actively used in the production of caring and medicinal cosmetics by many companies, including Oriflame;
improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system, restores vascular tone, reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.

In addition, astaxanthin actively interacts with muscle tissue and helps relieve pain after physical activity. It protects joints and tendons from damage, increases strength and endurance, and promotes rapid tissue restoration.

Application in sports

Astaxanthin is successfully used in professional sports. Regular use of drugs containing this substance is recommended for athletes in order to quickly build muscle mass, as well as to increase strength and endurance. Research conducted over the years has shown that this substance has unique properties. The athletes who participated in the testing showed better results in tests conducted 7 days after taking the drug.

Application in cosmetology

Astaxanthin is widely used by cosmetics manufacturers, for example, Oriflame. The antioxidant and regenerating properties of this substance in cosmetic products, proven through numerous studies and tests, allowed Oriflame cosmetologists to develop effective therapeutic, caring and rejuvenating cosmetics, as well as new generation mineral food supplements.

Regular use of Astaxanthin from Oriflame at a dosage of 4 mg will stop the destruction of skin cells and slow down the aging process of the skin. Women who used this drug for 14 days noted that the condition of their skin noticeably improved, fine wrinkles disappeared, the skin tightened and became elastic. The Oriflame company produces this antioxidant both as a separate “Beauty Complex” and as part of the Wellness cosmetics line, the price of which may vary depending on the type of product. It is noteworthy that there is a male and female version of this drug, meeting the needs of both sexes.

Astaxanthin from Oriflame has proven itself well in the fight against acne. People with problems with oily and combination skin, as well as acne and irritation on it, already on the fifth day of taking the drug noted an improvement in their condition.

In addition, the Oriflame company widely uses this antioxidant in the production of creams for the area around the eyes, facial skin and safe tanning products. You can buy the company's products, the price of which is fully justified by the quality of the product, from the company's official representatives and consultants. But the most convenient way is to register yourself as a company consultant, thereby getting the opportunity to buy high-quality products at a minimal price.

The most powerful antioxidant on Earth, astaxanthin: benefits and harm. Astaxanthin: what are the benefits for the body of women and men, how to take Astaxanthin, what cures