Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It never converts to become a pro-oxidant, which means it can never cause unwanted oxidation to the body in the way some weaker antioxidants can.
Your body cannot produce this antioxidant, so you must get it through diet or supplement. Antioxidants are important for overall health, and astaxanthin is the most effective antioxidant you can get today.
What Is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a red-pink pigment found in certain seafood and is similar in structure to beta carotene. As a potent antioxidant agent, astaxanthin can provide the body with many health benefits.
Astaxanthin's antioxidant capacity is approximately 1,000 times greater than vitamin E, a popular antioxidant, and a 550 times richer source of antioxidants than green tea. It also is almost 6,000 times greater than vitamin C, with regards to supporting the immune system through antioxidant properties.
Astaxanthin is also believed to possess stronger antioxidant capabilities than vitamin A, which makes it an ideal supplement for eye health. Although similar to the pro-vitamin A (beta-carotene), astaxanthin is considered safer due to chemical differences. Vitamin A has long been known to promote eye health and plays a vital role in protecting the eye.
The natural process of aging slows the body’s natural antioxidant defense system. Antioxidants, such as vitamin A and other carotenoids, can help reduce the risk of age-related eye health issues.
Astaxanthin and Eye Health
Carotenoids have been praised for a long time with regards to the benefits they have for eye health. While this is true, there are more powerful antioxidants out there to support eye health.
Astaxanthin possesses superior antioxidant qualities when it comes to promoting eye health and reducing the risk of developing age-related eye symptoms like blurred vision and haziness.
Due to its unique ability to cross the blood brain/eye barrier, astaxanthin is able to deposit onto the macula of the eye, allowing it to provide support and protection to the cells responsible for vision from the harsh effects of blue light. It can also help improve the eye’s ability to focus on close objects.
Better Focus
By helping to prevent typical oxidative cellular damage within and around the eye, astaxanthin can also promote healthy blood flow to the eyes, and retina, relaxing ciliary muscles, allowing the eye to properly focus. When taken regularly, astaxanthin also helps promote visual acuity (ability to see fine detail).
Reduced Eye Fatigue
Blue light, generated by smartphones, e-readers, laptops, and other high-tech devices, can cause your eyes to get tired. Astaxanthin can help support the eye’s natural defenses from blue light issues and help relieve occasional eye strain.
There are two characteristics of astaxanthin that set it apart from other powerful antioxidants.
♦ Carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lycopene, are beneficial, but they are unable to cross these barriers. The ability to get through both the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier is what makes astaxanthin superior.
♦ Astaxanthin never becomes a pro-oxidant. In certain conditions, some antioxidants can turn into oxidants. This is especially common in smokers as tobacco can deplete the vitamins that antioxidants need. Astaxanthin does not ever reach the pro-oxidant state.
Additional Benefits of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a beneficial ingredient when it comes to eye health. The protective properties of this compound also allow it to support other aspects of your health.
Heart Health
Heart health has become increasingly important in recent years and astaxanthin’s protective qualities can support your heart too. Astaxanthin reduces LDL cholesterol and occasional oxidative stress, to promote arterial healthy and proper blood flow. Stronger arterial walls can support heart and circulatory health by helping maintain healthy blood pressure.
Brain Health
Astaxanthin helps to reduce occasional oxidative stress which can develop in brain cells as part of normal aging. When paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, astaxanthin helps promote healthy blood flow to the brain, for optimal cognitive function and healthy aging.
Joint Health
Just like the eyes, joints are affected by the normal wear and tear of everyday life. Astaxanthin helps to protect against typical oxidative stress to the joints, to promote healthy mobility, flexibility, and movement.
Skin Health
The skin is exposed to the harshest environmental factors, but astaxanthin, whether consumed orally or applied topically as an ointment, can help reduce typical oxidative stress to the skin to promote healthy skin aging.
Blood Sugar Support
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential for both metabolic and heart health. The cleansing properties of astaxanthin allow it to support pancreatic cell activity to promote healthy blood sugar levels.
Dosage Information
Astaxanthin is considered safe when consumed in the amounts you would find naturally in food. By itself, doses of 4 to 40 milligrams a day for 12 weeks will be safe and beneficial.
The dose of astaxanthin you should take will depend on variables such as your age, your health, and current medications you may be taking. Although it is a naturally-sourced product, it will be affected by these factors, so your doctor can provide the most accurate dosing information, based on your health.
Potential Side Effects
There have been limited side effects reported with consuming astaxanthin. Side effects can include stomach pain, increased bowel movements, and red stool color, and higher doses have been associated with severe stomach pain. Speak with your doctor about the dose you are taking should this occur.
Astaxanthin is a naturally-sourced product, but it can still interact with other supplements and prescribed medications. Consult with your doctor before starting an astaxanthin supplement. It is also recommended to avoid astaxanthin when pregnant or breastfeeding.
The Bottom Line
Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants you can find in nature. Antioxidants are important to overall health as they help reduce occasional oxidative stress through the body. The eyes are often targets for this, which makes astaxanthin your vision’s new best friend. With the additional benefits astaxanthin offers, it will soon be your best friend too.
