Generality
Astaxanthin is a red-orange pigment, a member of the macro-family of carotenoids.
Synthesized in appropriate quantities by microalgae - including the "Haematococcus pluvialis - Astaxanthin enters the food chain both through crustaceans and through predatory fish such as salmon, in whose meat it can easily reach 5-10 mg / kg.
Astaxanthin: Chemical Structure
Astaxanthin, in the light of its antioxidant properties, has acquired in the last period great importance in the prevention and management of different morbid states.
For this reason, astaxanthin supplements have spread on the market, able to facilitate their intake without resorting to the consumption of large quantities of fatty fish.
Photo: the shrimps owe the red color of their carapace to astaxanthin
Indications
Why is Astaxanthin used? What is it for?
Scientific literature attributes antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, anticancer, antiasthmatic and immunoprotective activities to astaxanthin.
For these reasons Astaxanthin is currently used in the prevention and control of many pathological states on low oxidative and inflammatory conditions.
Properties and Effectiveness
What benefit has astaxanthin shown during the studies?
The number of studies relating to the clinical and preventive efficacy of astaxanthin has increased exponentially in recent years.
The large amount of published work has therefore allowed to characterize the biological potential of this molecule, highlighting its various usefulness.
Cardio- and vaso-protective activity of Astaxanthin
Several studies, both experimental and clinical, have demonstrated and characterized the vaso- and cardio-protective effect of astaxatin.
More precisely, the use of this molecule would have led to a reduction in the oxidation of LDL lipoproteins (main protagonists of vascular damage), while ensuring an increase in HDL blood concentrations.
Furthermore, the use of astaxanthin would have reduced the size of the infarct area in animal models of ischemic / reperfusion injury, thus highlighting the direct cardioprotective activity.
To complete this activity, there would also be possible antihypertensive activities, probably correlated to a "direct action of" astaxanthin on the renin-angiotensin system.
Antioxidant and photoprotective activity of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin constitutes the main antioxidant defense system of the microalgae Haeamatoccus pluvialis, continuously exposed to UV radiation.
In the wake of its biological activity, different researchers have tried to characterize the antioxidant role of astaxanthin.
The works revealed its strong ability to inhibit the peroxidation of membrane lipids, proteins and even nucleic acids, supported by oxygen free radicals and ultraviolet radiation.
These activities would translate into the cytoprotective action of astaxanthin, particularly evident against photosensitivity damage such as erythema, papules, vesicles and burns.
Antioxidant and ophthalmoprotective activity of Astaxanthin
By virtue of what has just been described, astaxanthin has proved to be particularly effective in preventing some oxidative pathologies of the eye, such as cataracts.
The antioxidant activity, however, would also be carried out against the retina and the retinal vessels, safeguarding the correct trophism of these tissues and the entire functionality of this organ.
Anti-inflammatory activity of Astaxanthin
According to recent evidence, the administration of astaxanthin could help to turn off the expression of genes, such as NF-Kb, involved in the activation of inflammatory processes.
This activity, associated with the simultaneous reduction of inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and elements of inflammation, would have proved to be valuable in the course of different morbid states.
Precisely the anti-inflammatory action, associated with the antioxidant one, would be at the basis of the neuroprotective and nephroprotective action of Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin and fertility
The use of astaxanthin has also proved particularly valuable in the management of human fertility problems.
According to various evidences, this active ingredient could:
- Reduce the concentrations of free radicals of oxygen in the seminal fluid;
- Control the secretions of inflammatory factors associated with hypofertility;
- Improve sperm motility;
- Increase the number of successful fertilizations.
Astaxanthin and sport
Despite the recent introduction of astaxanthin in sports, the antioxidant role of this molecule would once again emerge from preliminary studies.
More precisely, astaxanthin appears to reduce the concentrations of muscle markers of oxidative damage following intense training.
This activity would be valuable in reducing the risk of muscle-tendon injuries and in facilitating post-workout recovery.
Dosage and method of use
How to use Astaxanthin
Although univocal astaxanthin dosages have not yet been defined, currently the most used is 5 mg per day.
More generally, the range of 2-8 mg per day is certainly the most used in the various studies.
Side effects
Leaving aside the adverse reactions related to hypersensitivity to the active ingredient, the use of astaxanthin has proved to be generally safe and well tolerated.
Contraindications
When should astaxanthin not be used?
The use of Astaxanthin is contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to the foods from which it is extracted (fish and shellfish).
Pharmacological interactions
What drugs or foods can modify the effect of astaxanthin?
The concomitant use of cholestyramine, colestipol, mineral oils, orlistat, pectin and vitamin E could reduce intestinal absorption of astaxanthin.
Conversely, the intake of Beta-Carotene, medium chain triglycerides and vegetable oils could increase the absorption of astaxanthin.
Precautions for use
What do you need to know before taking astaxanthin?
Note the extraction source of astaxanthin, mostly represented by small crustaceans, the use of supplements based on this active ingredient should be avoided or carefully supervised by a doctor in case of hypersensitivity to crustaceans.
Same precautions should be taken by pregnant women and during the subsequent breastfeeding period.
