Astaxanthin

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.
Astaxanthin is synthesized by microalgae called Haematococcus, and is also known as the "King of Carotenoids". It's grown in fresh water using sophisticated techniques that encourage the algae to grow its own powerful medicines protecting it from oxidation, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors. It is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae and causes the pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, marine algae, krill oil and other seafood.

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.

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.
• 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.
• eye-health : 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. It lowers your risk for AMD and improves your eyesight.