Healthy living and lifestyle
Haematococcus pluvialis algae’ following submissions from the Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association. Importantly, the modified regulation allowed for the use of astaxanthin as a supplement in two further age groups – covering infants, children and adolescents. Unsurprisingly, the revamped rules were widely welcomed by the industry, with supporters stressing that more people would now be able to receive the benefits from this powerful natural antioxidant.
But beyond these headline developments, what exactly is astaxanthin – and what precisely can it do for the human body?
What’s in a name?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid. Similar in chemical structure to beta-carotene, Professor Richard Allsopp, an expert in the biology of ageing at the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Biogenesis Research, explains it has a more potent antioxidant effect. These antioxidant properties can lead to practical health benefits, thanks to their ability to protect human cells from free radicals or oxidative stress. Among other things, it can enhance the immune system, and bolster eye health, as well as protect the skin. More specifically, with the ability to elicit a positive inflammatory response, the properties of this unique small molecule can cross the blood-brain barrier. As studies suggests, this helps protect against – and slow the progression of – cognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Lowering inflammation, astaxanthin can also ease inflammatory conditions like celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Over the past five years, scientists have raised the prospect that astaxanthin could help treat Type 2 diabetes – due to its ability to improve insulin sensitivity. There is also clinical evidence suggesting it may help lower oxidative stress and reduce the risk of fat and LDL cholesterol building up in the arteries, improving heart health and helping combat cardiovascular disease. The antioxidants may also help reduce the risk of cancer. But recent studies have gone further, suggesting astaxanthin could be linked to the slower growth of breast and skin cancer cells. It has long been known that carotenoids play a role in maintaining healthy eyes. But beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin – contained in many supplements aimed at prompting vision – are said to be bolstered when combined with astaxanthin. According to some studies, that’s thanks to the protection it offers against UV damage from the sun. Another potential beneficiary is skin, with the accumulation of astaxanthin in the epidermis and dermis layers, potentially blocking UV penetration while also
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helping to repair previous damage. Despite these exciting benefits, however, research is ongoing as to exactly what astaxanthin can do. Allsopp, for his part, is one of those hoping to investigate further. “The effect of astaxanthin on age- related diseases is of particular interest to me,” he says. “Also of interest is the possible beneficial effect of high doses of astaxanthin and/or pharmaceutical- grade astaxanthin as a therapeutic in sports medicine.” Those musings, though, are indicative of where we are right now – astaxanthin is clearly beneficial, but exactly how we leverage it remains unclear, especially beyond existing foods and supplements.
What’s on the menu? Another issue involves the delivery of astaxanthin into the body. As Allsopp emphasises, there are currently somewhat limited options for working the compound into our daily diets. “Actually astaxanthin levels available naturally from the diet are quite low and may have very low effects in the body,” he says. “This is why astaxanthin supplements are particularly valuable.”
According to Allsopp, right now the two most common sources of astaxanthin in the Western diet are salmon and some edible seaweeds. That’s shadowed by other seafoods: crabs, lobster and shrimp, among others. Though not particularly common, phaffia yeast is also known to be one of the few alternative sources available.
“The effect of astaxanthin on age-related diseases is of particular interest to me. Also of interest is the possible beneficial effect of high doses of astaxanthin and/or pharmaceutical-grade astaxanthin as a therapeutic in sports medicine.”
Professor Richard Allsopp
It therefore seems likely that the only way to consume astaxanthin in any significant amount, relatively speaking, is through supplements – or finding ways to add it to foods or cooking processes. Allsopp says the current thinking is that we should consume around 10-20mg per day. “However,” he adds, “astaxanthin is quite safe to consume at significantly higher doses and may have more beneficial effects too.” Despite this flexibility, there is currently no clear guidance on what the optimal daily
6,000
Natural astaxanthin is thought to promote this many times more antioxidant activity than Vitamin C. NCBI
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