Astaxanthin Benefits Revealed: Why It's the Buzz in Health Circles

Astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid, is growing in popularity due to its potent antioxidant effect. It's been found to be nearly 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C and 800 times stronger than green tea. As research continues to unfold, astaxanthin is increasingly recognized as a key component of a healthy lifestyle. It’s commonly sourced from microalgae and certain seafood and stands out for its ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid found in certain algae and seafood. Its red pigment, which colors salmon, shrimp, and lobster, is renowned for its strong antioxidant effects — considerably stronger than other natural carotenoids like beta-carotene and lutein. The primary natural source of astaxanthin is the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, which produces it as a protective mechanism against harsh environmental conditions.

While there are both synthetic and natural forms of astaxanthin sources, there are significant molecular distinctions between the two. Experiments suggest that natural astaxanthin demonstrates 14–90 times greater antioxidant activity than synthetic ones.

While synthetic versions of astaxanthin are often marketed as 'nature identical' or 'nature equivalent,' they have not been approved to be safe for use in nutraceutical supplements and have not been tested for human health benefits. It’s primarily used as a coloring agent to pigment the flesh of salmon.

6 potential health benefits of astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant with a wide range of health benefits, from enhancing skin health and immune system support to improving cardiovascular and cognitive health.

1. May support cardiovascular health

Astaxanthin has been linked to several cardiovascular health improvements. Research indicates that it may help enhance blood flow and reduce oxidative stress by protecting cell membranes against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species that cause damage. These effects have also been found to potentially help prevent the development of arteriosclerosis, the hardening of arteries.

2. May reduce inflammation

Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases. Astaxanthin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, including osteoarthritis. Plus, it may suppress the activation of pro-inflammatory responses.

3. May improve skin health

Due to its potent antioxidant properties, one of the most celebrated benefits of astaxanthin is its ability to enhance skin health by addressing the underlying oxidative stress and inflammation that accelerate aging. A study on mice reported that astaxanthin may protect the skin from sun damage associated with ultraviolet A (UV-A) rays, reducing the acceleration of skin aging.

Human studies showed that 6 mg/day of astaxanthin for 6–8 weeks might reduce wrinkles, water loss, and age spots. Additional studies have shown that both oral and topical applications of astaxanthin may significantly restore the skin's moisture content and improve its elasticity.

4. May enhance the immune system

Astaxanthin has been shown to strengthen the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells, which are important for destroying harmful cells in the body. Studies have also reported an increase in B and T cells (types of white blood cells involved in immune responses), which play a crucial role in fighting infections and diseases.

5. May support cognitive health

There is growing evidence to suggest that astaxanthin may have neuroprotective effects, helping to maintain cognitive function as we age. Due to its molecular structure, astaxanthin can cross the blood-brain barrier and may help protect brain cells against oxidative stress and neuroinflammation (inflammation in the central nervous system), potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

6. May reduce age-related macular degeneration

Both animal models and human clinical trials have found that astaxanthin may ​​be beneficial in a number of diseases considering eye health, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss among adult individuals in developed countries. By addressing chronic inflammation and oxidative stress within the eye, astaxanthin has been shown to improve visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, central retina function, and vision-related functions in patients with AMD.

The interest in astaxanthin is continually growing, and all these benefits are being further investigated in clinical trials and studies. More high-quality research is needed to fully understand the role of astaxanthin and its impact on health and various other conditions.

Possible side effects

Although astaxanthin is generally considered safe, excessive intake can cause minor side effects, such as a slight reddening of the skin, digestive discomfort, or stomach pain. Some individuals might experience increased bowel movements and a red hue in their stool, a direct result of the red pigmentation of astaxanthin. Be sure to consult with a healthcare provider before taking astaxanthin to establish the appropriate dosage and protocol for you.

Since astaxanthin may affect your cholesterol levels, be mindful when taking it with other cholesterol medications as it may have additive effects.

More research is needed on whether astaxanthin is safe while pregnant or breastfeeding, thus to minimize any potential risks, avoid astaxanthin supplements or consuming large amounts of foods rich in astaxanthin without consulting with your healthcare provider first.

Best natural sources of astaxanthin

Foods rich in astaxanthin include:

How much astaxanthin per day should I take?

There’s no established recommended intake for astaxanthin, but the typical dosage ranges from 2 mg to 12 mg per day. It has been recognized as safe at doses of up to 12 mg daily by the FDA, and it is well tolerated in short-term daily doses of up to 50 mg. An upper toxicity limit is not known.

Should you consider taking astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is naturally sourced from microalgae but is also found in sea creatures that consume it in their natural habitat. As a potent antioxidant, both animal and human studies have found astaxanthin to offer a wide array of health benefits, including inflammation reduction, UV protection, cardiovascular and cognitive health benefits, and potential in age-related macular degeneration prevention. While there is no upper limit dosage established, doses up to 12 mg a day can be used to achieve beneficial effects.

Remember to consult a medical professional for personalized guidance before starting any supplementation regimen.