General information
Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family (xanthophylls).
It has a reddish-orange colour and is found naturally in algae, micro-algae, fungi and bacteria.
It is responsible for the colouring of certain fish (salmon, cod, mackerel) and crustaceans (krill, shrimps, lobsters), especially after cooking.
This pigment is marketed as a food supplement.
It is mainly extracted from krill, microalgae and shrimps.
The carotenoid pigment astaxanthin is a powerful commercial antioxidant.
It is also used as an additive in trout and farmed salmon feed.
Its production can therefore be natural or synthetic.
Either way, it is of interest for human health because of its many beneficial properties, many of which are still unknown to many people.
The benefits of astaxanthin
The colour of the pigment astaxanthin is not its only interest.
Marketed as a dietary supplement, it has several human health benefits, mainly due to its antioxidant properties.
A powerful natural antioxidant
The molecules of astaxanthin and beta-carotene are very similar.
However, their biological and chemical properties are different.
Scientific research into these molecules shows that each has powerful antioxidant activity.
Astaxanthin is recognised as being 80 times more effective than vitamin E!
It scavenges free radicals and limits oxidative stress.
In this mission, it would be up to 2 times more effective than beta-carotene.
As an antioxidant molecule, astaxanthin helps prevent fatty acid peroxidation.
This pigment helps to prevent the harmful effects of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and free radicals present in excess in the body.
All of these elements are aggravating factors or are responsible for the development of certain diseases, such as cardiovascular pathologies caused by free radicals.
The anti-inflammatory properties of the pigment
Like many carotenoids, astaxanthin has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Studies show that this pigment helps to reduce the symptoms of inflammation in the body.
It can be used to combat inflammatory pain of all origins (digestive, joint, etc.).
And astaxanthin shows real interest in relieving tendonitis and arthritis pain!
The anti-inflammatory properties of this natural pigment also help to protect the skin from UVB radiation (sunlight).
Supplementation based on this molecule offers the skin increased protection against weather changes and sun exposure.
Finally, such anti-inflammatory properties are always very helpful in preventing and counteracting the harmful effects of oxidative stress.
Benefits for cardiovascular health
The antioxidant properties of astaxanthin improve blood flow after about 10 days of supplementation.
It also protects the red blood cell membrane from lipoperoxidation.
Thanks to this pigment, there is a rapid reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in hypertension.
Carotenoids neutralise the superoxide ions that scavenge nitric acid, thus helping to lower blood pressure.
On the other hand, in the case of obesity or overweight, supplementation can reduce the level of "bad" (LDL) cholesterol in the body by more than 10%.
At the same time, the level of 'good' cholesterol (HDL) in the blood increases significantly, while the level of triglycerides decreases.
Scientific studies have already demonstrated the importance of antioxidants in hepatic steatosis.
Astaxanthin is one of the most effective antioxidants in reducing fat in liver cells.
It blocks lipotoxicity, inflammation, apoptosis and intracellular lipogenesis.
Astaxanthin and neuroprotection
The carotenoid pigment astaxanthin has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier due to its antioxidant properties.
This makes it of real interest for neuroprotection.
We can therefore say that this pigment helps to keep the brain healthy by limiting the effects of oxidative stress on its various functions.
Astaxanthin has a special chemical structure that allows it to insert itself into the cell membrane.
As such, it helps to improve the body's insulin sensitivity.
The carotenoid pigment reduces blood sugar levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects help to protect the kidneys of people with diabetes.
In the same field, astaxanthin supplementation can increase adiponectin levels in people who consume it.
This is directly involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism.
It also reduces liver triglyceride levels, which has the effect of increasing insulin sensitivity in muscles and the liver.
Eye protection
Carotenoids are molecules known for their ability to protect the retina from the damaging effects of oxidative stress.
Astaxanthin has long been studied in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Its supplementation reduces retinal lesions and helps protect photoreceptors from the sun's UVB rays.
The pigment helps to reduce inflammation and increase antioxidant enzymes.
It also prevents the formation of cataracts.
Skin barrier defence
As we have seen, supplementation with astaxanthin helps to protect the skin and eyes from the sun's harmful rays.
However, it is important to note that it also protects against skin dehydration and the appearance of wrinkles.
It also protects the epidermis and helps prevent hyperpigmentation (age spots).
Thanks to the studies carried out on this pigment, we know that it makes it possible to maintain better skin elasticity over time.
Finally, this carotenoid pigment protects the skin from all forms of external aggression (ultraviolet rays, pollution, etc.).
Your interest in sports performance
Many athletes use astaxanthin to improve their performance.
This pigment stimulates the use of stored fat (adipose tissue) as an energy source for the muscles instead of glucose.
As such, astaxanthin improves exercise performance and endurance, which is why it is commonly used in endurance sports.
Antioxidants such as astaxanthin improve exercise capacity.
In fact, they increase the oxidation of lipids and carbohydrates during and after exercise.
However, some studies have not found the same results, suggesting that more research is needed.
Other benefits of astaxanthin
This red pigment is of great interest for lipogenesis and lipoperoxidation.
Its effects on adipose tissue are considerable, as astaxanthin helps to improve its burning.
It is said to be effective in controlling adipogenesis by limiting the proliferation of adipocytes.
Astaxanthin supplementation helps to prevent or reduce obesity.
In a completely different chapter, science has also demonstrated the effectiveness of the pigment on fertility.
The consumption of antioxidants and carotenoids is most often associated with improved fertility.
Adequate daily doses of astaxanthin reduce the effects of oxidative stress on the quality of seminal fluid and increase spermatogenesis.
Thanks to this, we have observed an increase in monthly and total pregnancy rates!
Astaxanthin supplementation contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system, mainly due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
These help to treat gastric inflammation.
The carotenoid also prevents ulcers and helps to treat Helicobacter pylori infections.
Use and consumption of astaxanthin: what you need to know
Dosage
The European Commission authorised a form of astaxanthin at the end of 2017.
Since then, the recommended dose has been 6 to 8 mg/day, taken with meals.
Treatment should not exceed 2 to 3 months.
However, dosages vary depending on the needs of the consumer and the desired benefits.
For example, to improve exercise endurance, 16 mg/day is sufficient!
For its antioxidant properties and most other indications, the dose is 6 mg/day.
Side effects and contraindications
Astaxanthin is not recommended for pregnant women or children under the age of 12.
Due to its origin, it is not suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
The only known contraindication is an allergy to astaxanthin.
Otherwise, its consumption in the recommended doses does not cause any side effects, unless you exceed the daily dose of 20 mg.
In this case, stool colouration may be observed.
How to choose your astaxanthin?
Choosing the right sources of antioxidants is essential, especially in the case of astaxanthin.
This means controlling the source, which must be natural.
This is the form in which it is most effective and has no adverse effects.
The production process is also important.
It is best to choose a molecule obtained by supercritical CO2 extraction, which allows the active principles of the pigment to be extracted without the use of solvents.
This makes astaxanthin 100% natural!