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Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) information page

This naturally derived ingredient must be one of the most exciting things that has ever happened in the world of anti-aging supplementation and nutrition to fight the signs of aging. It belongs to the family of carotenoids and is known to all of us - as the pink color of salmon. Astaxanthin is related to the carotenoid family such as lutein, zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, and lycopene, but that is where the similarity ends. Its chemical structure allows it to uniquely span and protect cell membranes and other similar structures against lipid attack by quickly neutralizing reactive oxygen species (a.k.a free radicals).

astaxanthin anti-aging supplement

Salmon accumulates a very high level of Astaxanthin from their diet, which help protect them from the free radical damaged caused by the environment and the physical stress caused by swimming upstream for spawning.

We can however obtain Astaxanthin by extracting it from marine algae called Haematococcus pluvialis.

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Astaxanthin is required for Astaxanthin

The dietary benefits of Astaxanthin - when using a pure extract, and at least 4 mg per day, can be of great benefit to fight wrinkles and improve skin elasticity, assisting gastric health, reducing hypertension (high blood pressure), enhancing muscle endurance and muscle recovery time. It furthermore helps with Type 2 (II) diabetes as well as eye fatigue.

anti-aging supplement

Deficiency of Astaxanthin Astaxanthin

There is no symptoms of deficiency of astaxanthin, as it is not an essential nutrient required for living, yet it does help fight the signs and symptoms of aging.

Dosage Astaxanthin

There is no RDA for this ingredient as it is not an essential nutrient required to prevent death - yet - research has shown that the optimal dosage of astaxanthin is 4 mg per day - which relates to 200 mg of a 2% extract.

It is of prime importance that when evaluating any Astaxanthin supplement that you ensure that you ingest 4 mg PER DAY - which would require 200 mg of a 2% extract - as used in our Anti-Aging Supplement.

Toxicity and symptoms of high intake Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is practically non-toxic in acute animal studies at doses up to 18 grams. When tested for genotoxicity, there was no evidence for mutagenicity in Ames/Salmonella assays nor did it induce micronuclei when tested in vivo up to 2000 mg/kg in mice. There was no maternal, embryo-toxic or teratogenic effects in a teratology study in rabbits given up to 400 mg/kg over most of the gestational period.

No adverse effects were noted in a one-generation reproduction study at doses up to 400 mg/kg in rats. In multiple subchronic feeding studies in rats, astaxanthin did not produce any adverse toxicological effects.

A comprehensive set of studies in both animal and humans clearly constitute a sufficient database to evaluate the potential toxicity of astaxanthin in extracts or algal biomass. The lack of any toxicological findings from any study on astaxanthin is supportive of a reasonable expectation of safety from its recommended use.

Furthermore, an independent expert, Harry G. Preuss M. D. of Georgetown University Medical Centre, has reviewed the available literature through 2001 on the safety of astaxanthin. In his report, Dr. Preuss evaluated dietary, animal toxicity and human studies. His report concludes that astaxanthin, when used in proper doses, is safe and deserves no more safety concerns than the use of other carotenoids.

Best used with Astaxanthin

The best result - for anti-aging - would be achieved when used together with a blend of anti-oxidants - like our Anti-Oxidant Formula.

When more may be required Astaxanthin

If you are living a very fast paced and demanding life, and you are looking for an anti-aging way to keep ahead of the game, then this ingredient can be a great help.

If you have a problem with diabetes type II, suffer from eye strain and fatigue (as well as dry eyes), experience gastric problems - including acid-reflux, fighting high blood pressure, wishing to reduce muscle recovery time while increasing muscle strength and endurance plus wanting to fight lines and wrinkles on your face - then look at supplementing your diet with this ingredient.

Other interesting points Astaxanthin

The manufacturers and patent holders of Astaxanthin claims that its antioxidant effect is 550 times more effective than Vitamin E, 40 times more effective than beta-carotene and 17 times more effective than grape seed extract.

The manufacturers - Fuji Health - has registered a variety of patents on the various applications of astaxanthin, and to have a look at the various patents please click here.

anti-aging supplement

Food sources of Astaxanthin Astaxanthin

As mentioned, Astaxanthin causes the pink color in salmon, but is extracted from marine algae for human consumption. The marine algae - known as Haematococcus pluvialis - forms astaxanthin due to intense radiation of UV light - to protect itself, yet forming this nearly miraculous ingredient for us to help fight aging.

astaxanthin outdoor cultivation

These are the containers in which Astaxanthin is cultivated outdoors by Fuji Health in Hawaii.

cultivating astaxanthin indoors

These containers are used for indoor cultivation of Astaxanthin by Fuji - when sunlight is not available, as at their Swedish facility.

Astaxanthin is found in the following Zest for Life products Astaxanthin

Our products

Adaptogens. Balance and help us cope with stresses.

anti-aging supplement

Anti-aging supplement. Helps to fight the signs and symptoms of ageing.

Antioxidants. Fight ageing, degenerative disease and free radicals.

Apple cider vinegar capsules with Gotu Kola. The trusted folk remedy.

BodyGuard. Immune boost formula.

Enzymes. Required for metabolic processes.

Millenium 2000. Slimming capsules to make dieting easy.

OystaCal. The best organic and bio-available calcium.

Phytosterols. Plant chemicals to boost your system.

Hair, Skin and Nail Formula. The best formula for improving your looks.

Vitalyze. Your high-energy boost to live life with vigor and stress-buster.

Vuka 2000. The most advanced sexual supplement.

Nutritional information

zest for  life vitamin supplements

Here are some information page on which you can read more about a specific nutrient and the role it plays in our general well-being. Please note - we do not use or sell all of these compounds but include the information for the benefit of our clients and visitors. To visit our selection of vitamin products please click here.




 

 



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Our site was last updated on 9 January 2009.