Astaxanthin

Description

Powerful natural antioxidant extracted from algae. Astaxanthin is among the most powerful antioxidants and free (oxygen) radical scavengers that nature has to offer

Astaxanthin is a much more potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger than other fat-soluble antioxidants such as tocopherols (vitamin E) and related carotenoids (beta-carotene, lutein). Astaxanthin is more than an antioxidant: among other things, it has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, combats dyspepsia, promotes endurance and muscle recovery, and supports tired eyes to name a few.

Origin of astaxanthin
More than 600 different red and yellow carotenoids occur in nature. Astaxanthin is a relatively unknown carotenoid made by plankton, algae and some plants, fungi and bacteria to resist the harmful effects of sunlight and oxygen; the highest concentration of astaxanthin is found in the green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. From these sources, astaxanthin enters the food chain. Astaxanthin is the main pink-red dye in aquatic animals such as salmon, trout, shrimp, crab, lobster and crayfish. Also, some birds such as the flamingo owe their color to astaxanthin. For these animals, astaxanthin is not only an important pigment, it is also a vitamin-like substance essential for their growth and survival. Astaxanthin protects against damage from UV radiation (photo-oxidation), prevents oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids, regulates the immune system and is important for reproductive behavior and fertility.