Ingredient information: Astaxanthin
What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment. It is a powerful antioxidant capable of neutralizing free radicals.
Where can I find astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is found in krill, lobster, trout, and certain microalgae such as Haematococcus pluvialis.
At Phytocea we trust our partner Microphyt, which has developed an innovative technology for the cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis and the purification of astaxanthin.
What are the biological properties of astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is considered the most powerful "natural" antioxidant. Its antioxidant capacity is far superior to vitamin C, Coenzyme Q10, and other common antioxidants (vitamin E, beta-carotene, grape seed OPCs, etc.).
Like lutein, it has the ability to cross the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers.
In addition to antioxidant effects, clinical studies have shown several notable effects:
- Increased endurance and strength
- Improvement of cognitive functions
- Prevention of cognitive decline with age
- Cardiovascular system support
- Skin aging prevention
The recommended dose of astaxanthin is 4 to 8 mg/day.
What are the health claims of astaxanthin?
There are currently no health claims validated by Europe.
The consumption of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis has been authorized as a "novel food" by Europe.
It is credited with numerous virtues proven to varying degrees in clinical studies:
- improvement of physical fitness
- eye protection and function
- improvement of muscle fatigue
- drop in blood pressure
- cardiovascular protection
- improvement of lipid profile (for more information on lipid profile, see our dedicated article)
And what about Phytocea?
You can find the vitamin astaxanthin in ORetine.
ORetine is a highly comprehensive food supplement, intended among other things to maintain visual function and prevent AMD and cataracts.
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What are the contraindications and side effects of astaxanthin?
The consumption of astaxanthin does not appear to have any side effects, however, slight skin discoloration may occur in case of excessive consumption.
What the research says:
- Hussein G1, Sankawa U, Goto H, Matsumoto K, Watanabe H.Astaxanthin a carotenoid with potential in human health and nutrition.J Nat Prod. 2006 Mar;69(3):443-9.
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McNulty H, Jacob RF, Mason RP. Biological activity of carotenoids related to distinct membrane physicochemical interactions. Am J Cardiol. 2008 May 22;101(10A):20D-29D. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.02.004.
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McNulty H, Jacob RF, Mason RP. Biological activity of carotenoids related to distinct membrane physicochemical interactions. Am J Cardiol. 2008 May 22;101(10A):20D-29D. doi: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.02.004.
- Tominaga K1, Hongo N, Karato M, Yamashita E.Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects.Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(1):43-7. Epub 2012 Mar 17.
- Kumi Tominaga, Nobuko Hongo, Mayuko Fujishita, Yu Takahashi, and Yuki Adachi.Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration.J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2017 Jul; 61(1): 33–39.
- Nakagawa K1, Kiko T, Miyazawa T, Carpentero Burdeos G, Kimura F, Satoh A, Miyazawa T. Antioxidant effect of astaxanthin on phospholipid peroxidation in human erythrocytes. Br J Nutr. 2011 Jun;105(11):1563-71. doi: 10.1017/S0007114510005398. Epub 2011 Jan 31.
- Kowshik J, Baba AB, Giri H, Deepak Reddy G, Dixit M, Nagini S. Astaxanthin inhibits JAK/STAT-3 signaling to abrogate cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis in a hamster model of oral cancer. PLoS one. 2014;9(10):e109114.
- Yoshida H, Yanai H, Ito K, Tomono Y, Koikeda T, Tsukahara H, et al. Administration of natural astaxanthin increases serum HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin in subjects with mild hyperlipidemia. Atherosclerosis. 2010 Apr;209(2):520-3. PubMed PMID: 19892350
- Fassett RG1, Coombes JS.Astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease.Mar Drugs. 2011 Mar 21;9(3):447-65. doi:10.3390/md9030447.
- Comhaire FH1, El Garem Y, Mahmoud A, Eertmans F, Schoonjans F.Combined conventional/antioxidant 'Astaxanthin' treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial. Asian J Androl. 2005 Sep;7(3):257-62.
- Park JS1, Chyun JH, Kim YK, Line LL, Chew BP.Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans.Nutr Metab (Lond). 2010 Mar 5;7:18. doi:10.1186/1743-7075-7-
- Earnest CP, Lupo M, White KM, Church TS. Effect of astaxanthin on cycling time trial performance. International journal of sports medicine. 2011 Nov;32(11):882-8.
- Otsuka T, Shimazawa M, Nakanishi T, Ohno Y, Inoue Y, Tsuruma K, Ishibashi T, Hara H. Protective effects of a dietary carotenoid, astaxanthin, against light-induced retinal damage. J Pharmacol Sci. 2013;123(3):209-18. doi:10.1254/jphs.13066fp.
- Kidd P. Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Dec;16(4):355-64.
- Lin CW, Yang CM, Yang CH. Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Blue Light Light-Emitting Diode-Induced Retinal Cell Damage via Free Radical Scavenging and Activation of PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 Pathway in 661W Cell Model. Mar Drugs. 2020 Jul 25;18(8):387. doi:10.3390/md18080387.