an antioxidant found Other Names: Astaxanthine, Astaxantina, Dihydroxy-3,3’ dioxo-4,4’ bêta-carotène, Microalgae, Microalgue, Micro-Algue, Ovoester, 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,4'-diketo-beta-carotene, 3S,3'S-astaxanthin, 3R,3'R-astaxanthin, 3R,3'S-astaxanthin.<br>Astaxanthin is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in marine certain algae, wild and causes the pink or red color in salmon, and trout, lobster, shrimp, marine algae, krill oiland other seafood.
==Special Precautions of Astaxanthin==
The most commonly reported astaxanthin side effects are harmless pigment changes, such as a slightly orange tint to the skin or to stool. Even at high doses, no toxic effects have been observed, either in animals or humans. Other, less common astaxanthin side effects have a greater impact, and side effects such as low blood pressure and shifts in hormone levels can have serious health implications.
Astaxanthin is most commonly used as an additive to animal feed, and it adds pigment to crabs, shrimp, lobsters and salmon, giving them their familiar reddish orange color. As an animal feed supplement, astaxanthin is generally recognized as safe, according to the United States Code of Federal Regulations, and most people are able to consume astaxanthin-fed seafood without any reaction at all. In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cleared astaxanthin as a food ingredient for human consumption.
==The benefits of Astaxanthin are==
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant. This effect might protect cells from damage. Astaxanthin might also improve the way the immune system functions.
*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.