*As a dietary supplement, astaxanthin is most often used as an antioxidant to reduce cholesterol.
*Advocates also recommend astaxanthin to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, muscle injury, gastrointestinal complaints and male infertility. It should be noted, however, that there is insufficient evidence to support any of these claims, and there is no proven health benefit to this supplement.
* Astaxanthin and the Immune System : Astaxanthin may boost the immune system, according to a small study published in Nutrition & Metabolism in 2010. For the study, 14 healthy young women took 0, 2, or 8 mg of astaxanthin daily for eight weeks. Study results showed that astaxanthin helped enhance immune response and reduce levels of a biomarker linked to DNA damage. In addition, astaxanthin helped reduce levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation).
* Skin : astaxanthin has also piqued the interest of researchers due to its ability to reduce signs of aging by helping protect your skin from sun damage and preventing wrinkles, liver spots, or other skin conditions.
* astaxanthin has been found to cross the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier, meaning that it has the power to protect your brain and your eyes from free radical damage.
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[[Category:antioxidants]]