6 Lesser Known Health Benefits of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment typically present in marine animals and microorganisms. Although it is a carotenoid, finding it in carrots is not possible. Instead, you must look for food items such as lobster, salmon, shrimp, algae, and more. 

Astaxanthin is the king among all the non-vitamin A carotenoids as it helps prevent cellular damage. In this write-up, we will shed light on the benefits of Astaxanthin. Keep reading!

1. Astaxanthin Enhances Eye Health 

One of the well-known functions of carotenoids is promoting healthy eyes. They are crucial in preventing damage to the eye's retina, especially the macula, from ultraviolet light.

Researchers found that Astaxanthin protected visual display workers' eyes from strain, confirming Astaxanthin's status as an eye health superfood.[1] 

2. It Keeps Your Heart Healthy

Maintaining a strong heart and circulatory system is essential for a long, healthy life. Astaxanthin excels in heart health, one of its most recognized health advantages.

Astaxanthin's powerful reversal of oxidative stress is mainly responsible for this advantage. However, it does have other benefits, such as promoting normal lipid levels. It even improved cardiac pump efficiency, according to one research. 

3. Astaxanthin Supports Your Immune System 

Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Astaxanthin has the potential to be a powerful ally in the fight for immune system wellness.

Although moderate exercise benefits the immune system, athletes often push themselves too far, compromising their ability to maintain an appropriate immunological response. Nevertheless, in a single research, Astaxanthin was shown to support a healthy immunological response in runners.

4. Enhances Your Liver Health

The liver is among the most active organs in the body. It is essential to the body's inflammatory response and countless other metabolic and biochemical processes. As per a study, astaxanthin remarkably deters the chance of developing NAFLD, ischemia, and liver fibrosis.[2] 

5. Astaxanthin Promotes Skin Health 

Astaxanthin blocks the sun's rays, which are known to age and damage skin. The oxidative damage generated by UV exposure was mitigated by 4 mg of Astaxanthin daily, according to a comprehensive investigation that included 23 healthy persons. Even in regions of skin not exposed to UV rays, Astaxanthin helped promote softer, smoother skin. 

In a separate trial, 65 healthy women were given 6 or 12 mg of Astaxanthin, and the results showed that it prevented the signs of dryness and wrinkles.[3] Not only that, but other research indicated that enhancing collagen synthesis and skin cell structure and integrity using a combination of 2 mg astaxanthin and 3 grams of collagen formulation was effective. Even a beneficial inflammatory response was enhanced by the combo.

6. May Improve Workout Routine

Astaxanthin may make your exercise more effective by reducing the likelihood of muscular tiredness and boosting your stamina. It can also keep your joints safe, so you can work out for longer without worrying about injuring them, and you can go right back to it instead of having to take it easy for a while. 

As per a review, regular Astaxanthin supplementation may help boost exercise metabolism, performance, & recovery indices due to its potent antioxidant activity, depending on in vitro and in vivo studies done in mouse exercise models.

Astaxanthin enhances the overall mobility, walking speed, muscular strength, and endurance in an aged population. Research on mice has shown that Astaxanthin enhances fatty acid utilization, improving endurance and protecting against skeletal and athletic injury.

References 

1. Sekikawa T, Kizawa Y, Li Y, Miura N. Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2023 Jan;72(1):74-81. doi: 10.3164/jcbn.22-65. Epub 2022 Oct 18. PMID: 36777084; PMCID: PMC9899915. 
2. Li J, Guo C, Wu J. Astaxanthin in liver health and disease: a potential therapeutic agent. Drug design, development and therapy. 2020 Jun 9:2275-85.
3. Tominaga, Kumi, et al. "Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration." Journal of clinical biochemistry and nutrition 61.1 (2017): 33-39.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information contained within this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.