Supplements & functional ingredients
inflammatory to aid in my training and recovery. I knew a few people who worked with astaxanthin, so I sent emails asking for more information. Algae astaxanthin quickly became part of my daily training and recovery regimen.” Levine’s passion for the subject matter is clear. A veteran of the natural products industry, his love of astaxanthin was evident long before he became NAXA president in February 2020. “I have taken it every day for years,” he says. “The release of each new study reinforces my choice to incorporate it into my diet.”
What is astaxanthin? Astaxanthin is commonly derived from Haematococcus Pluvialis (HP), a freshwater microalgae found in temperate regions across the world. Most of the time, the HP algae is green, but when placed under stress it produces large quantities of a blood-red compound, astaxanthin. A powerful protector, astaxanthin guards the cells against UV light, temperature fluctuations, dehydration and starvation. In some cases, the dormant algae can live for up to 40 years without food or water. When plankton and crustaceans feed on the microalgae, they too retain the astaxanthin, which eventually gets passed onto their own predators. If you’ve ever wondered why wild salmon are pink, it’s because of astaxanthin. The compound helps to power them through their arduous journey upstream, as well as protecting them against the sun and preserving their bodies against oxidative damage.
A marine and nutraceutical powerhouse
Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid – an antioxidant pigment that protects plants during photosynthesis. Antioxidants also serve a role in the human body, mopping up harmful oxidants called free radicals and preventing cellular damage. To put its potency into perspective, astaxanthin has 54 times more antioxidant capacity than beta carotene, the carotenoid found in carrots. And unlike most carotenoids, it is able to penetrate cellular membranes, meaning it could reverse oxidative stress in many different parts of the body. Advocates call it the “king of the carotenoids”, with some justification. “HP astaxanthin can move throughout the human
body. It can cross both blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers,” says Levine.
The chemical was first isolated and identified in the 1930s, by German scientist Richard Kuhn, who was dissecting a lobster. However, it wasn’t until 1987 that the US FDA approved astaxanthin as an additive for fish feed. Twelve years later, it was approved as a dietary supplement and the evidence base has been mounting ever since. While further research is needed
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in many areas, the results from many existing studies have been promising. “HP astaxanthin is by far the most researched form of astaxanthin,” says Levine. “There are dozens of studies looking at its antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and its effects on brain, skin, retinal, and cardiovascular health as well. Recently, HP astaxanthin has also been getting attention for its effects on immune response.” He adds that synthetic astaxanthin – which is typically derived from petrochemicals as opposed to algae – may not have the same effects. “The issue comes down to which types have been the subject of the most studies,” says Levine. “HP astaxanthin is by far the most studied and has been on the world market for more than 20 years. Other types of astaxanthin lack the amount of safety data and clinical efficacy that come with HP astaxanthin.”
Where’s the evidence?
The strength of the evidence base for HP astaxanthin really depends on which health effect is being claimed. It’s important to recognise that not all the studies in the field should be given equal weight – a small animal study is no substitute for a rigorous clinical trial. However, there are a few key areas in which astaxanthin does seem to bring real benefits. The ingredient is often used as an ingredient within high-end skincare products, and for good reason. In one landmark 2006 study, 49 healthy middle-aged women were given 4mg of astaxanthin a day, or a placebo. At week six, a dermatologist assessed their skin condition. The astaxanthin group showed significant improvements in fine lines, wrinkles and skin elasticity.
There have been more studies since, with similarly encouraging results. One review written in 2018 argued that: “due to its collective diverse functions in skin biology, there is mounting evidence that astaxanthin possesses… important nutraceutical applications in the field of dermatology”.
“There are dozens of studies looking at its antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects, and its effects on brain, skin, retinal, and cardiovascular health. Recently, HP astaxanthin has also been getting attention for its effects on immune response.”
Some of these functions include protecting against UV rays, repairing DNA damage, reducing inflammation and enhancing the immune system. Despite the wealth of serums, balms and beauty oils containing astaxanthin, studies suggest that the strongest skin effects come from oral supplementation.
17 6% IMARC Group 1930s
The chemical was first isolated and identified more than 90 years ago, by German scientist Richard Kuhn, who was dissecting a lobster.
The Nobel Prize Org
A recent report projected that the global astaxanthin market will grow at this rate per year over the next five years. Another report, by MarketsandMarkets, has pegged that growth rate at 8.3%.
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