This xanthophyll is consumed with food by fish and seafood, which accumulate it in muscle tissue. These include, for example, salmon, trout, shrimp, crayfish and crabs. Some animals have the ability to convert some carotenoids into others in their bodies. This happens in flamingos, which turn yellow zeaxanthin and orange beta-carotene into pink astaxanthin. Thanks to this, the feathers of these animals have a characteristic color.

Humans cannot synthesize astaxanthin, so they supply it to the body with food.

Content of astaxanthin per 100 g in fish and seafood in mg:

raw salmon – 0.438 mg,

smoked salmon – 0.360 mg,

trout – 0.072 mg,

salmon trout – 0.277 mg,

shrimp – 3.1-14.8 mg,

lobster – 15.3 mg,

crab – 11.9 mg.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a person can take 7.8 to 12 mg of astaxanthin per day.

Astaxanthin – properties

Astaxanthin is absorbed into fats, where it mixes with bile acid to form micelles and then chylomicrons. It can then be transported to the body's tissues, where it has antioxidant properties. It also contains structures that capture free radicals.

Studies show that astaxanthin has an antioxidant effect that is 65 times stronger than vitamin C and 50 times stronger than vitamin E.

Additionally, it has stronger properties in scavenging free radicals than coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, green tea catechins and beta-carotene.

Astaxanthin in sports

Astaxanthin is an ideal product for athletes - both professionals and amateurs. It has anti-inflammatory properties because it reduces various types of pain that may occur after training. Astaxanthin accelerates regeneration, which can improve athletes' performance - their strength and endurance. To prove this property, a study was conducted in which a group of people took 4 mg of astaxanthin daily for 6 months. Their strength was measured at the beginning and end of the test, and the results showed a 62% increase in strength.

During physical exercise, a huge amount of free radicals are produced in the body - the more strenuous the training, the more of them they are produced. Thanks to the radical-scavenging properties of astaxanthin, mitochondria can produce more energy, which increases physical strength. Other studies have shown a decrease in the level of lactic acid produced in muscles during physical activity. This substance is responsible for muscle pain during exercise. Administration of astaxanthin at a dose of 6 mg daily led to a 28% decrease in lactic acid levels. Additionally, it has been shown that astaxanthin supplementation accelerates the burning of fat tissue and ensures better metabolism of fatty acids in the body.

Woman during exercise

Astaxanthin in medicine

Studies show that astaxanthin has beneficial effects in immunological and neurodegenerative diseases:

Cancer prevention - astaxanthin protects the body's DNA against the adverse effects of UV rays by detecting, capturing and destroying modified cells that have not been caught by the immune system. According to research, astaxanthin can shrink tumors by blocking cell replication and increasing apoptosis of cancer cells.

Beneficial effect on the eye - thanks to the ability to cross the blood-retina barrier, astaxanthin protects the eye against macular degeneration and inflammation. It also has a beneficial effect on blood flow in the eye, which improves vision and reduces fatigue. According to research, it protects against the formation of cataracts and glaucoma.

* Counteracting diabetes complications - administration of astaxanthin at a dose of 6.8 mg daily has been shown to lower blood glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity and stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin.

* Positive effect on the brain - astaxanthin protects neurons against degradation, may prevent dementia, Alzheimer's disease, premature aging and cell death, which may lead to Parkinson's disease. This substance also has a blood pressure-lowering effect, thus protecting against strokes. It improves blood supply to the brain, positively affecting memory.

* Effect on the skin - astaxanthin is a natural sun filter, reduces inflammation and captures free radicals formed under the influence of UV rays. It also affects the elasticity of the skin, prevents the formation of wrinkles, age spots and skin hyperpigmentation. The research results prove not only the preventive effect against the signs of aging, but also the reduction of existing skin lesions. Other analyzes showed that supplementing with 4 mg of astaxanthin daily for 2 weeks reduced the occurrence of sunburn.

* Impact on the level of lipids in the blood - the use of astaxanthin can reduce the fraction of "bad cholesterol" LDL and increase the amount of "good cholesterol" HDL, and thus reduce the risk of developing atherosclerotic disease.

* Increasing the body's immunity - researchers indicate that supplementation with 2 mg of astaxanthin daily reduces the risk of infection by as much as 40%. This action is due to its anti-inflammatory and protective properties against cell DNA damage.

Astaxanthin – recommended dosage

Application

Recommended dosage:

Antioxidant 2-4 mg/day

Inflammations 8-12 mg/day

Internal UV filter 4-8 mg/day

Improvement of skin condition 4-8 mg/day

Increasing strength and endurance 4-12 mg/day

Impact on brain health and functioning 4-8 mg/day

Eye diseases 6-8 mg/day

No studies have shown negative effects from the use of astaxanthin. No allergic reactions to this substance have been reported.

The wide use of astaxanthin and the lack of side effects make it worth including this substance in your daily diet. Due to its properties, it is especially recommended for active people and seniors.

Sources:

* Capelli B., The World's Best Kept health Secret Natural Astaxanthin,

* Ekpe L., Inaku K., Ekpe V., Antioxidant effects of astaxanthin in various diseases - a review,

* Oral O., Zusa A., Akdogan I., Alakoc F,. Tirpan M., Antioxidants and Astaxanthin In Sports Nutrition,

* Ph.D. Hamułka J., Food antioxidants and health benefits.

AUTHOR M.Pharm. Marta Grabowska

Source *https://www.aptekagemini.pl/poradnik/zdrowie/astaksantyna-jeden-z-najsilanych-antyksydantow-swiata/

Packaging: 180 vegan capsules (180 servings)

1 serving = 1 capsule

Nutritional information:

Serving size: 1 capsule.

Servings per container: 180.

Amount per capsule: 18 mg.

Oleoresin rich in astaxanthin from Haematococcus Pluvialis algae

(providing 5% astaxanthin).

% RWS (NRV)*.

*Nutrient Reference Value has not been established.

Ingredients:

Astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus Pluvialis algae, anti-caking agent: magnesium stearate, filler: maltodextrin, Vege capsule shell: hypromellose (HPMC).

Suggested use:

Take 1 capsule a day with a full glass of water, preferably during a meal.

Safety information:

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications, or under medical supervision, consult your doctor or health care professional before use. Discontinue use and consult a doctor if any side effects occur. It is not intended for use by persons under 18 years of age. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep out of reach of children. Do not consume if the product delivered is past its expiry date and/or unsealed and/or damaged. Do not consume without reading the information label on the packaging.

Food supplements cannot be used as a substitute for a varied diet. A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are essential for the proper functioning of the body.

It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

All necessary and important information about the Food supplement can be found on the information label. The translation of the packaging label applies only to Poland.

Manufactured in the UK and Ireland to GMP standards. EU approval.

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