Healthy Immune Function & Inflammation Support.

The body’s inflammatory response is a crucial part of healthy immune function, but prolonged inflammation is often considered the root of a wide range of health problems. Astaxanthin’s ability to travel throughout the body allows it to target several high-stress inflammatory areas: the joints, the heart, the brain, the eyes, the lungs and the skin.

Astaxanthin works to support a balanced inflammatory response by suppressing different inflammatory mediators, according to research. These compounds are what potentiate inflammation. They include compounds like necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2), interleukin 1B (IL-1b,) inducible nitric oxide (iNO), and nuclear factor kappa-B. These compounds are well known to researchers looking at the role of inflammation in chronic disease.

Astaxanthin has been shown to inhibit the formation or action of all of these inflammatory compounds as well as exert additional anti-inflammatory effects. There are many practical applications of this anti-inflammatory effect. For example, during rigorous exercise, there is often a suppression of the immune response along with significant inflammation.

Astaxanthin is very effective in maintaining healthy lung function during viral infections such as SARS. Astaxanthin has the potential, as a natural, safe and strong anti-inflammatory molecule, to maintain healthy lung function as well as the potential to decrease SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) associated pulmonary pathophysiology by (i) reducing NF-kB pathway activation, (ii) decreasing inflammatory cytokine production, (iii) attenuating immune cell infiltration, and (iv) shifting macrophage population phenotype (M1 to M2).
(To read the complete clinical study click here)

Astaxanthin supplementation has been shown to prevent both. Anyone can benefit from these effects, but it is especially important for people who regularly engage in heavy endurance training, intense activities like weight lifting or cross-fit, and other high-intensity or long-duration forms of exercise.
Astaxanthin is also useful in supporting individuals experiencing chronic inflammation. This silent form of inflammation is now known to fuel such conditions as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and every other degenerative disorder. The most common test for silent inflammation involves measuring blood levels for C-reactive protein (CRP). High levels of CRP are considered by many researchers and physicians to be a leading indicator of heart disease, cancer, diabetes and many other life-threatening illnesses. CRP is produced in the liver and in the coronary arteries; the protein is then released into the bloodstream when the body is fighting inflammation. “In double-blind, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), astaxanthin lowered oxidative stress in overweight and obese subjects and in smokers,” one researcher concluded. “It blocked oxidative DNA damage, lowered C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammation biomarkers, and boosted immunity.” These effects are not just limited to these subjects. Nearly everyone can take advantage of the benefits offered by astaxanthin supplementation.

Heart, Eye and Brain Support.

One major benefit of astaxanthin is that it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier as well as the blood-retinal barrier. That means it easily can reach the inner sanctum of the eye and the brain, something other carotenoids simply cannot do. Astaxanthin is the King of Carotenoids for eye and brain health. Research overwhelmingly supports the power of astaxanthin’s presence in the brain and eyes. Let’s look at a practical application. Whether it’s for work or fun, many of us are now tethered to a screen. Eye fatigue is a BIG issue for many of us. In a double-blind study, after four weeks of natural astaxanthin supplementation (5 mg), investigators reported a 46% reduction in the number of subjects with eyestrain or fatigue. Researchers also found higher accommodation amplitude (i.e., the adjustment in the lens that allows it to focus) in subjects who used visual display terminals. Another study found positive effects for eyestrain at 4 mg per day but found a better result at 12 mg per day.

A separate double-blind study divided 40 subjects into placebo and treatment groups. The treatment group received 6 mg of astaxanthin for four weeks. Three separate visual parameters had statistically significant benefits from astaxanthin supplementation an optimum daily dose for eye fatigue at 6 mg was established. Two other studies confirmed that 6 mg per day of astaxanthin supplementation for four weeks can reduce eye soreness, dryness, tiredness, and blurred vision. Research has unveiled some possibilities regarding astaxanthin’s mechanism of action. Japanese researchers measured retinal capillary blood flow in 18 volunteers who took oral astaxanthin again 6 mg a day for four weeks, compared with a placebo group. After four weeks of astaxanthin supplementation, retinal capillary blood flow was significantly higher in both eyes, but unchanged in the placebo group. Another study, this time in rats, determined that astaxanthin inhibited inflammation in the eye. Beyond eyestrain, astaxanthin has shown in animal and human studies to improve visual acuity and depth perception in men, display potent antioxidant effects in the prevention of cataracts in rats’ eyes and protect the lens proteins in pigs. Astaxanthin’s impact on the brain boasts an ever-mounting pile of research, including human subjects. A study on a human neuroblastoma cell line showed that astaxanthin can protect from cell death. The researchers hypothesized that astaxanthin could be used for treating diseases such as Parkinson’s. A study on human cells found astaxanthin reduced brain cell death. Finally, human brain cells endured neuronal cell damage through oxidation at Nagoya University in Japan. Significant protection was found in cells pre-treated with astaxanthin. As for other research of note, researchers in Taiwan concluded that astaxanthin could be used as a potent brain protector and as a therapy for early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Astaxanthin, thanks to its intense antioxidant activity and unique effects on cell membranes, can protect against damage to the brain from insufficient oxygen delivery or ischemia. Pretreatment with astaxanthin five hours and again one hour before ischemia provided protection against brain damage and was revealed as a potent agent against neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer disease.

Cardiovascular Health Like the brain, the heart is a complicated organ that demands a supplement with a multi-faceted approach. A quick look at the research behind astaxanthin and cardiovascular health reveals support on multiple levels, much like astaxanthin’s role with the brain, skin, and eyes. A study on adults with metabolic syndrome showed that astaxanthin supported healthy blood circulation by promoting arterial health. Human participants supplemented with 6 mg of astaxanthin per day for only 10 days showed a significant improvement in blood flow. Another study featuring rats fed astaxanthin may provide a clue. The animal subjects had decreased hardening of the arteries and the elastin bands in the aorta and decreased the size of the aerial ratio of coronary arteries.

Natural astaxanthin can help maintain normal blood lipids, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. A study showed that adults who took astaxanthin supplements had an improved lipid profile, namely decreased triglycerides and increased HDL cholesterol. Blood levels of the hormone adiponectin— which promotes insulin sensitivity along with healthy blood sugar and lipid levels—were also higher in those who took astaxanthin. Optimal results were found at 12 mg of astaxanthin per day. The connection between astaxanthin and cardiovascular support is especially important when you consider the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in America. In 2011, 787,000 Americans died of cardiovascular disease, making it the number one killer in the United States. The direct and indirect costs of heart disease total more than $320 billion.

Skin Health.

Vibrant, and healthy-looking skin has long been associated with good health. While most people try and improve the appearance of their skin from the outside alone, the real key to healthy skin is building it from the inside out. Astaxanthin can be an important part of that strategy.
First, let’s answer the question, why does skin wrinkle? The main reason skin wrinkles are the cumulative effects of oxidative damage. This damage may be the result of exposure to the elements sun, wind, and pollution all take their toll but exposure to internal free radicals is also a major cause, as is normal ageing. People spend countless hours (and dollars) battling the ravages of time or, more accurately, oxidative damage. This damage ultimately causes the collagen in our skin to become thinner and lose its ability to hold its shape. The net effect of these changes is the skin becomes thinner, less elastic and wrinkles form. To prevent this process from happening prematurely, we need to eat a diet rich in antioxidants and avoid exposure to environmental causes of free radical damage especially smoking cigarettes and excessive sun exposure. But, astaxanthin supplementation can also help.

A headlining study for astaxanthin’s skin benefits was published in 2006. Forty-nine healthy women with an average age of 47 were divided into two groups one given placebos and the other supplemented with 4mg/day of natural astaxanthin. At the end of six weeks, the reviews from the female subjects were stunning. In the self-assessment, over 50% of the subjects taking natural astaxanthin rated improvements in all areas. The dermatologist assessment found improvements in fine lines and wrinkles, elasticity and dryness. Before and after photos also confirmed the assessment. Astaxanthin also works in tandem. In 2014, researchers explored the promising effects of combining dietary astaxanthin and collagen hydrolysate supplementation on people with moderately sun-damaged skin. Forty-four subjects were given astaxanthin (2 mg/day) combined with collagen hydrolysate (3 g/day) or a placebo for 12 weeks. The elasticity and hydration properties of facial skin were evaluated using noninvasive instruments.

Also evaluated were the expression of new collagen fibres, inflammatory markers, and damage to skin cell DNA. The astaxanthin group showed significant improvements in elasticity and water content of the facial skin after 12 weeks compared to placebo. In the supplement group, expression of new collagen was increased while markers of inflammation and cellular damage decreased compared to the placebo group. These results indicate that astaxanthin supplementation goes a very long way in supporting youthful-looking and vibrant facial skin. Two other human clinical studies also proved the benefits of natural astaxanthin in promoting skin health. The first was a study involving 30 healthy female subjects for eight weeks. Significant improvements were observed by combining 6 mg per day oral

supplementation and 2 ml (78.9 μM solution) per day topical application of natural astaxanthin. The astaxanthin showed improvements in skin wrinkles (crow’s feet at week 8), age spot size (cheek at week 8), elasticity (crow’s feet at week 8), skin texture (cheek at week 4), and the moisture content and overall health of the outer layer of skin (cheek in 10 dry skin subjects at week 8). The second study, a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study, followed 36 healthy male subjects for six weeks. Crow’s feet wrinkles and elasticity and the water content of the skin were improved after 6 mg of astaxanthin daily supplementation. Also, sebum oil level at the cheek zone showed strong tendencies for improvement, indicating a possible benefit in acne. The researchers concluded, these results suggest that astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus Pluvialis may improve the condition of the skin in both women and men.

Sports Nutrition.

A good portion of astaxanthin’s research has sports nutrition applications, either directly or indirectly. The benefits in reducing exercise-induced inflammation as well as supporting a healthy immune system response were mentioned previously. Those are direct effects. Improving skin health is a good example of indirect support—after all, many people exercise outdoors and astaxanthin can prevent sun damage. On top of the positive reviews, astaxanthin receives from athletes, there is a sizable, diverse body of sports-related research on astaxanthin.

In a study sponsored by Gatorade®, competitive cyclists supplemented with a placebo or 4 mg of natural astaxanthin daily for four weeks. From the endurance athletes’—or any competitive athletes’ perspectives, the results were excellent. In a 20-kilometre cycling time trial, the performance of the subjects taking astaxanthin improved by 5%, while the subjects taking the placebo showed no improvement. Also, the cyclists taking astaxanthin demonstrated significant improvement in their power output a 15% improvement in just four weeks. These results are particularly impressive since this study was done on a group of highly trained, competitive athletes. “…cyclists taking astaxanthin demonstrated significant improvement in their power output.” While a mechanism of action was not identified, another study provided a clue. Three years later, researchers determined that giving Wistar rats 1 mg of astaxanthin per kg of body weight over 45 days, delayed their time to exhaustion by 29% in a swimming test. Supplementation increased the antioxidant capacities and limited exercise-induced pro-oxidant effects in these animals thereby limiting oxidative stress and delayed exhaustion.
In a study conducted in Japan, astaxanthin’s effect on lactic acid levels in the muscles was measured. Lactic acid is an unwanted byproduct of physical exertion; it deposits in the muscles and causes muscle fatigue, cramps, and burning during exercise. Reducing lactic acid levels increases endurance. The subjects were all 20-year-old men. The treatment group took 6 mg per day of astaxanthin for four weeks. Lactic acid levels for both groups were measured before running 1,200 meters and again two minutes after running. Subjects who took natural astaxanthin averaged 28.6% lower serum lactic acid after running 1,200 meters compared to the placebo group. The significance of these findings are enormous for anyone wanting to clock a better time or go a little farther with their exercise.

Joint and Tendon Health.

The benefits of astaxanthin have no age limit. This statement is especially true when we look at astaxanthin’s effect on joint health. A 2001 health survey involved 247 people between 20 and 87 years of age; 146 of them reported problems with muscle and joint soreness. After compiling the data, 88% of all participants who took astaxanthin reported improvement in muscle and joint soreness. In all cases, the more exercise an individual did, the more benefit. Athletes’ joints and tendons take a pounding. So does everyone else’s. Everyday tasks such as typing on computers, working in the yard, or simply picking up a scrap of paper, exact a considerable toll. Consider the widespread effects of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of adults report it is “very difficult” or that they “cannot do” at least one of nine important daily functional activities. Almost eight million adults who reported an activity limitation due to their arthritis claim to have severe limitation in their ability to stoop, bend, or kneel; six million people cannot walk a quarter-mile. The situation will only get worse. “By the year 2040, an estimated 78 million (26% of the projected total adult population) adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, compared with the 52.5 million adults in 2010-2012. Two-thirds of those with arthritis will be women,” CDC predicts. “Also by 2040, an estimated 35 million adults (44% of adults with arthritis or 11% of all U.S. adults) will report arthritis-attributable activity limitations.” Astaxanthin might be able to help. Researchers divided 20 people who experienced wrist pain after overuse in the workplace. Thirteen participants received 4 mg of natural astaxanthin three times a day; the rest received a placebo. Those given natural astaxanthin reported a 27% reduction in daytime pain after four weeks and a 41% reduction after eight weeks. The duration of their daytime pain decreased by 21% after four weeks and 36% after eight weeks. This research group also conducted another study involving everyday pain and astaxanthin’s role in affecting it. Fourteen subjects received astaxanthin and seven received a placebo. Pain and satisfaction with the ability to perform daily activities were measured at the beginning of the study, after four weeks, and finally after eight weeks of supplementation. Astaxanthin, according to its users, worked better with time: pain scores for the treatment group decreased by approximately 10% after four weeks, and by more than 35% after eight weeks. The subjects taking natural astaxanthin self-rated satisfaction scores improved by approximately 15% after four weeks and by over 40% after eight weeks. Regarding aches and pains, over 80% of people who specifically mentioned osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or back pain reported improvement after supplementing with astaxanthin.

Natural and synthetic matters.

There is natural astaxanthin and synthetic astaxanthin. The only similarity between them is the name. Natural astaxanthin always from a natural source like Haematoccocus Pluvialis microalgae is supported by years of safety data and nearly 100 clinical trials. Synthetic astaxanthin is made from petrochemicals what you put into your car’s gas tank. To say that it is different chemically than natural astaxanthin is a gross understatement. Synthetic astaxanthin is 20 to 50 times weaker in antioxidant strength than natural astaxanthin. The synthetic form differs in its chemical structure from the natural form. Natural astaxanthin is more than 95% esterified. This means natural fatty acids are attached to one or both ends of the molecule. By contrast, synthetic astaxanthin is all free form, or unesterified. There is something wrong with this synthetic form as it is simply not absorbed or utilized in the same manner as nature intended. Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) views synthetic versions of natural supplements to be different from the natural version itself and takes the position that safety data on natural compounds do not apply to synthetics. Synthetic astaxanthin also has no peer-reviewed human safety studies to its credit and no documented health benefits. Another warning: astaxanthin from genetically mutated yeast known as Phaffia has not established sufficient safety standards, so it is not allowed by the FDA for human consumption above 2 mg per day. Also, it is not recommended for long-term use or for children. And similar to synthetic astaxanthin, the Phaffia-sourced astaxanthin is chemically different and non-esterified. The only form of astaxanthin that has hundreds of medical research experiments showing health benefits as well as extensive safety trials and 15 years of safe use in humans is the natural astaxanthin from microalgae.

The documents shown below provide more information for healthcare professionals.