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Astaxanthin - A Super Compound for More Than Just Beautiful Skin

Read time: 3-4 min
Astaxanthin - A Super Compound for More Than Just Beautiful Skin

Astaxin Benefits

Astaxanthin is beneficial for combating free radicals, anti-aging, fertility, and oxidative stress. It is a powerful super-antioxidant commonly used to promote beautiful skin. However, studies show that astaxanthin offers much more than just skin health benefits:

  • Protects your mitochondria, which produce energy. [1]
  • Provides protection against UV rays, shielding your skin from sunburn. [2]
  • Improves fertility, according to a small study. [3]
  • Possesses anti-aging properties. [4]
  • Protects both the outer and inner layers of the cell membrane. [4]
  • Is highly safe as a dietary supplement, reducing oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation (CRP). Enhances the immune system, improves eye function, and reduces reflux issues in individuals with H. Pylori. [4]
  • Prevents the oxidation of LDL (cholesterol), thereby reducing the risk of atherosclerosis. [5]
  • Protects red blood cells from oxidation. [6]
  • Improves triglyceride levels and increases HDL (good cholesterol) while also boosting adiponectin (a hormone that enhances insulin sensitivity and regulates blood glucose). [7]
  • Prevents the formation of free radicals and oxidative stress caused by intense exercise (as shown in a study on elite soccer players). [8]
  • Counteracts the damage caused by high levels of glucose and certain fatty acids on neutrophils (which make up about 60% of white blood cells and are vital for the non-specific immune response). [9]
  • May prevent oxidative damage to lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that is key to the adaptive immune response). [10]

Astaxanthin Effects

Astaxanthin is undoubtedly good for the skin. Japanese researchers have found the following benefits for skin health: significant improvements in reduced wrinkle formation, age spots, elasticity, skin texture, moisture levels, and the condition of the outermost skin layer. Researchers also note that astaxanthin can improve all layers of the skin. [11] Celebrity dermatologist Nicholas Perricone (featured on Oprah and Access Hollywood and author of the book *Ageless Face, Ageless Mind*) describes astaxanthin as "a star among anti-aging foods... proven to enhance skin quality, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles." However, the studies above demonstrate that astaxanthin is beneficial for far more than just skin health.

We have chosen Dr. Mercola's astaxanthin, which is, to our knowledge, the only astaxanthin in the world that uses the O2B process to create a high-quality product with very long stability. Additionally, Dr. Mercola’s Astaxanthin contains 4 mg of astaxanthin, which is an ideal dose. Dr. Mercola's Astaxanthin also does not use solvents to extract the astaxanthin.

Astaxanthin Should Be Combined With

Astaxanthin can be combined with various supplements to enhance its effects. Here are some supplements that pair well with astaxanthin and why:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, work synergistically with astaxanthin. They help reduce inflammation. Astaxanthin can also protect omega-3 fatty acids from oxidation, improving their stability and effectiveness.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is an antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function and energy production. Combined with astaxanthin, it can enhance overall antioxidant status.

Probiotics: Probiotics support gut health and can improve the absorption of astaxanthin. A healthy gut flora promotes better nutrient and antioxidant uptake, amplifying the positive effects of astaxanthin.

By combining astaxanthin with these supplements, you can maximize its health benefits and support various aspects of your body’s functions.

Author

Scientific references and sources

Show reference

[1] J Nutr Biochem. 2010 May;21(5):381-9. Astaxanthin protects mitochondrial redox state and functional integrity against oxidative stress. Wolf AM, Asoh S, Hiranuma H, Ohsawa I, Iio K, Satou A, Ishikura M, Ohta S.Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Development and Aging Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19423317

[2] Exp Dermatol. 2012 Jul;21 Suppl 1:11-7. Astaxanthin attenuates the UVB-induced secretion of prostaglandin E2 and interleukin-8 in human keratinocytes by interrupting MSK1 phosphorylation in a ROS depletion-independent manner. Terazawa S, Nakajima H, Shingo M, Niwano T, Imokawa G. School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Technology, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan. [email protected] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22626465

[3] Asian J Androl. 2005 Sep;7(3):257-62. Combined conventional/antioxidant "Astaxanthin" treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial. Comhaire FH, El Garem Y, Mahmoud A, Eertmans F, Schoonjans F. Ghent University Hospital, Department of Medical and Urological Andrology, 9k12 IE, De Pintelaan, 185, B 9000, Gent, Belgium. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16110353

[4] Altern Med Rev. 2011 Dec;16(4):355-64. Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Kidd P. University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22214255

[5] J Atheroscler Thromb. 2000;7(4):216-22. Inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation by astaxanthin. Iwamoto T, Hosoda K, Hirano R, Kurata H, Matsumoto A, Miki W, Kamiyama M, Itakura H, Yamamoto S, Kondo K. National Institute of Health and Nutrition, Tokyo, Japan.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11521685

[6] Br J Nutr. 2011 Jun;105(11):1563-71. Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. Nakagawa K, Kiko T, Miyazawa T, Carpentero Burdeos G, Kimura F, Satoh A, Miyazawa T. Food and Biodynamic Chemistry Laboratory, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai 981-8555, Japan.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21276280

[7] Atherosclerosis. 2010 Apr;209(2):520-3. Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. Yoshida H, Yanai H, Ito K, Tomono Y, Koikeda T, Tsukahara H, Tada N. Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital, Chiba, Japan.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19892350

[8] J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2012 Aug;52(4):382-92. Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers in elite young soccer players. Djordjevic B, Baralic I, Kotur-Stevuljevic J, Stefanovic A, Ivanisevic J, Radivojevic N, Andjelkovic M, Dikic N. Institute for Bromatology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23192897

[9] Int Immunopharmacol. 2011 Dec;11(12):2220-6. Impact of the carotenoid astaxanthin on phagocytic capacity and ROS/RNS production of human neutrophils treated with free fatty acids and high glucose. Guerra BA, Otton R. Postgraduate Program-Health Sciences-CBS, Cruzeiro do Sul University, Sao Paulo, SP, 03342000, Brazil. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22008307

[10] Toxicol In Vitro. 2011 Oct;25(7):1448-56. Oxidative stress in human lymphocytes treated with fatty acid mixture: role of carotenoid astaxanthin. Campoio TR, Oliveira FA, Otton R. Postgraduate Program - Health Sciences - CBS, Cruzeiro do Sul University, 03342000 Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil.

[11] Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(1):43-7. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Tominaga K, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita E. Fuji Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Kamiichi, Toyama, Japan.

Artikelkälla: wellnessresources.com/health/articles/astaxanthin_a_premium_cell_defense_nutrient/

Kidd, P. (2011). "Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential." *Alternative Medicine Review*, 16(4), 355-364.

Liu, Z., et al. (2013). "The role of oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease: caused by not only a few gene mutations, but also from environmental and lifestyle factors." *Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases & Diagnosis*, 1(4).

Brown, A. C., Valiere, A. (2004). "Probiotics and medical nutrition therapy." *Nutrition in Clinical Care*, 7(2), 56-68.