What is astaxanthin? What effect can be expected?

Veröffentlicht am: November 04, 2024

Naturopath

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a powerful natural carotenoid found in some marine plants and animals. The substance is also referred to as the "queen of carotenoids" and is known as one of the most effective antioxidants.

What effect does astaxanthin have?

Science has spent decades searching for natural solutions to help us challenge age and face it with strong joints, youthful skin, sharp memory and boundless energy.

Today, convincing evidence suggests that a single nutrient can help us achieve all this.

The nutrient is called astaxanthin and it is one of the most powerful antioxidants ever discovered. With each new study, the conviction that astaxanthin is of great importance for anti-ageing medicine grows.

Astaxanthin offers these benefits:

Strong defenses: Astaxanthin acts naturally as a free radical scavenger and supports your immune system.
Heart health: The powerful carotenoid supports the health of your arteries and thus prevents cardiovascular disease.
sharp mind: Astaxanthin protects cells and the nervous system from damage caused by oxidative stress.
Energy & performance: Astaxanthin prevents oxidation in muscle cells. Athletes in particular therefore benefit from increased performance and endurance.
radiant skin: Astaxanthin provides protection against UV rays and supplies our skin with valuable nutrients.
strong joints: Astaxanthin relieves pain from joint problems.
Better eyesight: Astaxanthin supports your eyesight.

The No. 1 radical scavenger - astaxanthin against oxidative stress

For years, researchers have been searching for an antidote to age-related health problems such as heart problems, joint problems, failing eyesight and fluctuations in blood sugar levels. In almost every case, the physical decline that comes with age is triggered by so-called "oxidative stress", which turns life beyond 50 into a painful, debilitating journey.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress in the body never stops as long as free radicals (aggressive oxygen compounds) are affecting healthy cells. Unfortunately, these radicals are trapped in your body, where they damage healthy cells and waste cellular energy. In fact, they even damage the DNA itself, accelerating the aging process and increasing the risk of serious health problems.

It is important to note that our immune system itself must be protected from oxidative stress in order to provide our body with optimal protection. In fact, our immune cells need to be protected from free radicals and oxidative stress at the very moment they are protecting us from attack. Antibodies, macrophages, guard cells, communication molecules - they all need antioxidant protection. Without this, the immune system becomes susceptible to free radical attacks, making it sluggish, distracted and ineffective.

Here are some examples of how oxidative stress can have a negative impact on your body and your health:

Pain in muscles and joints
wrinkled, dry skin, age spots
Blurred vision, especially at night
clogged and hardened arteries
Loss of memory and concentration
Reduced energy level

Astaxanthin has an immune-boosting effect in the human body and improves the ability of protective white blood cells to attach themselves to invaders and destroy them. Astaxanthin also protects human lymphocytes and neuropils from oxidative stress caused by the activity of certain white blood cells, without limiting their effect.

You need to protect yourself from harmful free radicals - and astaxanthin is the most effective way to fight them.

Astaxanthin as a natural sunscreen

Astaxanthin is known as the king of carotenoids. Krill and salmon, for example, also feed on astaxanthin-rich algae. This enables them to protect themselves from the burning sun.

The powerful antioxidant protects the body from free radicals, which would cause considerable damage to the body's cells. It also protects us from oxidative stress caused by UV rays. According to studies, astaxanthin protects the skin and even acts as a natural anti-ageing agent. Skin hydration and elasticity are improved and the formation of fine wrinkles is reduced. The pigment can also reduce the damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Astaxanthin acts as an internal sunscreen or increases the skin's own protection. In Hawaii, the substance has long been used to help prevent sunburn and protects Ironman triathlon runners from the scorching heat, for example.

Natural astaxanthin is 800 times more effective than coenzyme Q10

In a test that specifically measures the ability to neutralize a particularly unstable and destructive type of free radical called singlet oxygen, astaxanthin was shown to

40 times stronger than beta-carotene,
100 times stronger than vitamin E,
800 times stronger than coenzyme Q10 and
is 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C.

Singlet oxygen has been linked to deadly cholesterol oxidation in the arteries, DNA damage and damage to the skin, eyes and other body tissues. In fact, its destructive effects appear to be linked to a whole range of age-related health problems.

As it turns out, its molecular composition enables astaxanthin to cross the blood-brain barrier as well as the blood-retina barrier, which other antioxidants are unable to do. Many antioxidants cannot protect your brain or eyes because they cannot penetrate to the cells that need protection.

Astaxanthin can do that.

This means that astaxanthin, the nutrient from the algae, can eliminate free radicals and singlet oxygen in your brain, eyes, joints and central nervous system in a way that other antioxidants cannot.

Astaxanthin against inflammation

Inflammation is an important part of the body's immune response. However, chronic inflammation contributes to the development of diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

Studies show: Astaxanthin reduces important inflammation markers

And thus slows down the formation of inflammation and the production of pain-triggering enzymes. In a study with volunteers who took astaxanthin for two weeks, the C-reactive protein level(CRP level) fell rapidly during this time. CRP is an important inflammatory marker in the body - a high CRP level impairs heart health.

As an antioxidant, astaxanthin not only combats all inflammation in the body, it also strengthens the immune system. In a randomized, controlled study in 2010, scientists found that astaxanthin strengthens the immune response and reduces oxidative stress. This also included a specific marker that indicates DNA damage, which increases the risk of disease later in life.

How does astaxanthin protect the heart?

If you haven't associated antioxidants with cholesterol management before, you'll be quite surprised, as this is one of the biggest benefits of astaxanthin.

For example, one study found that LDL levels (LDL is the term for "bad cholesterol") were significantly lower in overweight people after just 12 weeks of taking astaxanthin . Another study has shown that astaxanthin raises HDL ("good cholesterol") and lowers triglycerides. Astaxanthin also supports arterial health. Studies suggest that it helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which prevents the formation of clots that clog the arteries. This "cleaning" of the arteries also ensures better blood circulation .

Heart disease is the leading cause of death and a major problem worldwide. Many different causes are responsible for the development of these diseases, but oxidative stress and inflammation are at the top of the list.

According to an evaluation of various studies by Australian researchers in 2009, an effect of astaxanthin preparations on inflammation markers, as well as markers relating to oxidative stress, was measured in at least eight clinical studies. A further evaluation was published in the journal "Marine Drugs". This shows that astaxanthin can protect against atherosclerosis. This refers to the deposition of fat and cholesterol in the arteries.

Of course, a healthy diet with sufficient astaxanthin is only one key to success. You also need to lower your stress levels, make sure you get enough exercise and greatly reduce the amount of industrially processed food you eat. This will keep your heart in top shape.

The effect of astaxanthin for a good memory

Astaxanthin is considered the most "brain-friendly" antioxidant. So why take your chances and hope that your cognitive abilities remain strong as you age?

Scientists have long known that oxidative stress in brain cells can lead to memory loss and cognitive problems. This is due to the fact that 30% of brain matter is particularly susceptible to oxidative damage.

The risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's increases with age. These diseases are characterized by a progressive loss of neurons in the brain and lead to symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, tremors, restlessness and anxiety.

Regardless, study results show that astaxanthin's unique ability to penetrate the blood-brain barrier allows it to protect brain cells better than any other known antioxidant. A study in the prestigious Brain Journal has highlighted the potential benefits astaxanthin brings to brain health and its ability to actively combat oxidative damage that can lead to mental decline.

A recent study published in the specialist journal "HeroScience" showed that the protective effect of astaxanthin on the brain is probably due to the fact that it lowers oxidative stress levels and reduces inflammation.

Many antioxidants are known to improve cognitive performance. This is not surprising. After all, reduced oxidative stress has a positive effect on almost all areas of the body and increases functionality. Astaxanthin is no exception. The results of a randomized, controlled study with 96 test subjects were published in 2012. The scientists reported a significant improvement in cognitive performance after taking astaxanthin for 12 weeks.

Astaxanthin promotes energy, stamina and mobility

A recent study by the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health has shown a clear link between carotenoids - such as astaxanthin - and increased muscle strength.

This again has to do with the fact that oxidative stress and inflammation cause muscular problems, fatigue and weakness, while astaxanthin protects against the oxidative damage that is partly responsible for this. Studies suggest that astaxanthin may also help to increase endurance and prevent the formation of lactic acid during exercise, which can cause muscle pain.

For this reason, astaxanthin has become popular with athletes, as it helps to make physical training easier and more enjoyable.

Whether you want to take your workout to the next level or need an extra energy boost, an extra dose of astaxanthin could help. Studies suggest that astaxanthin can boost performance and prevent injury in many ways.

Another study in the "International Journal of Sports Medicine" reported that astaxanthin led to increases in the performance of 21 competitive cyclists.

Astaxanthin can also promote the health of your joints, which can also have a positive effect on your mobility and athletic performance. In one study, researchers discovered that astaxanthin can relieve joint pain associated with tennis elbow and increase joint strength. In similar studies, scientists observed that astaxanthin "improves pain associated with joint damage, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis and capartunnel syndrome".

Astaxanthin - natural skin protection from the inside

Most people rely on moderately effective lotions to preserve the youthful appearance of their skin. But the fact is that the most effective protection for your skin comes from within.

You need to know that damage caused by free radicals is the biggest threat to your skin. You can see the effects from the outside, but astaxanthin helps to heal and protect the skin from the inside.

But it is not just protection: astaxanthin can also reverse years of damage relatively quickly. One of the ways it does this is by protecting the outermost layers of the skin from oxidative stress. This improves cell repair and collagen production, thereby increasing skin hydration, reducing wrinkles and providing firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Studies show that astaxanthin improves the general appearance of the skin and may be suitable for treating certain skin conditions.

A study carried out in 2009 showed that the oral intake of astaxanthin can reduce wrinkles and age spots, refine the complexion and improve the skin's moisture content when used externally at the same time.

Astaxanthin also protects against UV-induced skin damage and helps healthy people to have healthy skin. This is the result of a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study with healthy volunteers.

How does astaxanthin work in osteoarthritis?

The secret to lifelong wellbeing lies in keeping your cartilage healthy. So you need to do something about oxidative stress in cartilage collagen. If you don't, the constant onslaught of free radicals will cause the tissue to break down, which can lead to excruciating joint pain. Of course, you will always come across people who claim that pain and stiffness are an inevitable part of ageing. With astaxanthin, however, this does not have to be the case.

This is because astaxanthin protects against free radicals better than any other nutrient. A study by the University of Memphis has shown that astaxanthin has a soothing effect even after strenuous physical exercise.

Another study in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" reports a reduction in pain and greater mobility in people with joint pain after taking astaxanthin for just eight weeks.

Astaxanthin protects the eyes

Eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts often occur with increasing age. These disorders are accompanied by a variety of different symptoms, ranging from blurred vision to complete loss of sight.

UV light and oxidative stress can have a decisive impact on your eyesight. However, studies show that astaxanthin can help protect your eyes from damage.

In contrast to other antioxidants (e.g. vitamin C and beta-carotene), natural astaxanthin can cross the blood-retinal barrier and protects all cells in all areas of the eye.

Natural astaxanthin improves the accommodation of the lens, protects the optic nerve from damage, improves blood circulation in the retina and protects the eye from UV damage. As an effective anti-inflammatory substance, natural astaxanthin also reduces intraocular pressure.

Remember: astaxanthin can cross the blood-retinal barrier and therefore has a positive effect on eye health. In fact, it is the most powerful antioxidant among the carotenoids, which are already known to effectively protect the eyes. Astaxanthin is five times more effective than lutein, making it perhaps the best-known "eye remedy" of all.

Scientists discovered in a study of 48 adults suffering from eye strain that a dietary supplement containing several nutrients, including astaxanthin, could reduce the symptoms of eye fatigue.

In what form is astaxanthin available?

Make sure that the product contains natural astaxanthin obtained from microalgae. Avoid products with synthetic astaxanthin. According to a study published in the journal "Nutrafoods", natural astaxanthin is 20 times more effective than synthetic astaxanthin, especially when it comes to destroying free radicals. The scientists also report that the artificial selection "may be unsuitable as a nutraceutical supplement for humans."

Astaxanthin is also contained in some other supplements, such as krill oil and some omega-3 supplements.
These formulas offer the advantage that the astaxanthin is more available to the body, as bioavailability is increased in combination with fats.

Difference between natural and synthetic astaxanthin

The blood rain algae produces the highest concentration of astaxanthin of all organisms. This green algae can be found in fresh water all over the world. However, the conditions in freshwater tanks can change within a very short time. If a tank dries out, the nutrient content decreases and the UV radiation increases. In response, the algae begins to produce astaxanthin. It produces so much astaxanthin that the entire cell ends up glowing bright red. The powerful antioxidant properties of astaxanthin protect the algae's sensitive cellular apparatus, allowing it to survive even in harsh conditions. Even if the water in a tank evaporates completely, astaxanthin ensures that the algae can survive for several months or even years. In other words, evolution has ensured that we have an ideal source of astaxanthin in the form of blood rain algae.

Nature is not easy to imitate
However, it is extremely difficult to cultivate the blood rain algae in sufficient quantities to produce enough astaxanthin for nutraceutical supplements. It is a very complex technical process. In the past, studies have increasingly confirmed the health benefits of natural astaxanthin. As a result, such supplements are becoming increasingly popular. This has prompted some manufacturers to produce astaxanthin synthetically for their products. These synthetic alternatives are sometimes labeled as "nature-identical" or similar. However, there are important molecular differences between natural astaxanthin produced by algae and artificial preparations that are chemically synthesized from petrochemicals.

Important molecular differences: esterification
Even if synthetic astaxanthin is declared as "nature-identical", it differs considerably from natural astaxanthin. Natural astaxanthin is 95 percent esterified. This means that the natural fatty acids are attached to one or both ends of the molecule. Synthetic astaxanthin, on the other hand, is completely non-esterified.

How is astaxanthin dosed correctly?

Now you're probably asking yourself: "How much astaxanthin should I take?"

As a supplement, up to 40 mg daily over a period of 12 weeks is considered safe. This has been confirmed by studies. However, the recommended dose is four to eight milligrams one to three times a day with meals. Start with a lower dose and increase it slowly so that your body can get used to it.

Take the astaxanthin capsules together with a meal, as fat promotes the absorption of astaxanthin.

Does astaxanthin have side effects?

The amount of astaxanthin contained in food is safe to consume and generally does not cause any side effects.

The following side effects were observed in mild form when taking a supplement:

Increased pigmentation of the skin
Changes in hormone levels
Hair growth
Reduced calcium levels in the blood
Low blood pressure

Please note that these side effects usually only occur when high doses are taken.

If you notice any undesirable side effects, please reduce the dose or stop taking it.

In addition, there are currently few to no studies on the safe use of astaxanthin during pregnancy and breastfeeding. So if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should play it safe and avoid taking astaxanthin supplements. Please cover your requirements with appropriate foods.

The history of astaxanthin?

Despite the fact that astaxanthin is associated with a whole range of health benefits, it has only been the focus of scientific attention for around a decade.

Astaxanthin is the pigment that gives seafood such as lobster, prawns and crabs their characteristic reddish hue. The same applies to freshly caught salmon. Here too, astaxanthin provides the typical coloration. Wild salmon naturally absorb this carotenoid from their diet of shrimp and small fish. Farmed salmon lack this important carotenoid, as the feed for the fish consists mainly of fish meal and fish oil. Hence the grayish coloration of the animals.

In order to imitate the attractive reddish coloration of wild salmon, farms added synthetic astaxanthin to the feed. The only problem with this? They didn't declare it. Thanks to a court case in 2003, food retailers are now obliged to inform their customers if artificial coloring has been added to salmon.

Synthetic astaxanthin is unlikely to have the same health benefits. Therefore, you should always choose wild salmon and avoid farmed or artificially colored salmon. Not only does wild salmon contain more of this important carotenoid, it is also less contaminated and therefore more suitable for consumption.

Sources (in English):

Fry, A. C. (2001, August 16). Astaxanthin Clinical Trial for Delayed Onset Muscular Soreness. Human Performance Laboratories, The University of Memphis [Verfügbar unter: https://www.cyanotech.com/pdfs/bioastin/batl26.pdf]

Nir, Y., Spiller, G. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 21(5):Oct, 2002.

Park, J. S., Chyun, J. H., Kim, Y. K., Line, L. L. & Chew, B. P. (2010, March). Astaxanthin Decreased Oxidative Stress and Inflammation and Enhanced Immune Response in Humans. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7:18, doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-7-18

Choi, H. D., Youn, Y. K. & Shin, W. G. (2011, November). Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects. Plant Foods For Human Nutrition, 66(4): 363-9, doi: 10.1007/s11130-011-0258-9

Yoshida, H. Yanai, H., Ito, K., Tomono, Y., Koikeda, T., Tsukahara, H. et al. (2010, April). Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis, 209(2): 520-3, doi: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.10.012

Miyawaki, H., Takahasi, J., Tsukahara, H. & Takehara, I. (2008, September). Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Blood Rheology. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 43(2): 69-74, doi: 10.3164/jcbn.2008048

Nakagawa, K., Kiko, T., Miyazawa, T., Carpentero Burdeos, G., Kimura, F., Satoh, A. et al. (2011, June). Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. The British Journal of Nutrition, 105:11, 1563-71, doi: 10.1017/S0007114510005398

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Liu, X., Shibata, T., Hisaka, S. & Osawa, T. (2009, February). Astaxanthin inhibits reactive oxygen species-mediated cellular toxicity in dopaminergic SHSY5Y cells via mitochondria-targeted protective mechanism. Brain Research, 1254:18-27, doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.11.076

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