Astaxanthin – Nature's Power Antioxidant

Astaxanthin is considered the most powerful natural antioxidant known to science. Antioxidants are vital substances that protect the body from harmful influences. Thanks to its cell-protective properties, astaxanthin can have positive effects on the immune system, the cardiovascular system, the eyes, the skin, brain function, and cellular aging.

Astaxanthin – 100% naturally occurring antioxidant

Astaxanthin belongs to the carotenoid group. As naturally occurring antioxidants, they give many fruits and vegetables their red, yellow, or orange color (Spektrum, 2023). Astaxanthin is a red pigment produced by microalgae such as Haematococcus pluvialis. Haematococcus pluvialis, also known as blood-red algae, is normally green in color. When it experiences stress—such as intense sunlight, a lack of nutrients, or a shortage of water—it produces large amounts of astaxanthin. As a result, it changes color from green to red and is protected from harmful influences. With the help of astaxanthin, it can survive for many weeks without nutrients or water (Windisch, 2021).

Astaxanthin Protects Cells

Astaxanthin is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature. It is even described as the world’s most powerful antioxidant. Its effectiveness far surpasses that of all other known antioxidants. Studies have shown that it is 6,000 times more potent than vitamin C and 100 times more potent than vitamin E (Nishida, 2007).

Antioxidants protect the body from so-called “free radicals.” These are produced, on the one hand, by various metabolic processes in the body. On the other hand, they are also caused by harmful external factors such as cigarette smoke, UV radiation, environmental toxins, or stress. Free radicals alter cells, can damage genetic material, and contribute to the aging process (DocCheck Flexikon, 2023). When there are too many free radicals in the body, so-called “oxidative stress” occurs. Oxidative stress can cause damage to the body’s cells. It is also thought to play a role in the development of various health problems (DocCheck Flexikon, 2023). Furthermore, it causes the skin to age more quickly (Verbraucherzentrale, 2023). Antioxidants, on the other hand, are true miracle cures; they help the body fight free radicals by trapping them and rendering them harmless. In doing so, they can protect the body’s own cells from premature aging.

Not All Astaxanthin Is Created Equal

In addition to naturally derived astaxanthin from microalgae, there is also synthetically produced astaxanthin. However, studies have shown that natural astaxanthin is far superior to the synthetic version. Its ability to neutralize free radicals is 20 times greater than that of synthetically produced astaxanthin (Capelli, 2013).

Astaxanthin—the All-Around Wonder

Astaxanthin is a true powerhouse with a wide range of health benefits. It is a highly effective cellular protector that supports the skin, eyes, cardiovascular system, immune system, muscles, ligaments, and tendons, as well as the brain and nervous system. These many different health benefits are due to its protective effects against oxidative stress. As a powerful antioxidant, astaxanthin can prevent oxidative stress in the body (Donoso, 2021) and thus influence a wide variety of bodily functions.

1. Astaxanthin Protects the Skin

As the body’s outer protective barrier, the skin is constantly exposed to environmental factors such as UV radiation, heat, cold, environmental toxins, and much more. As a result, it must cope with particularly high levels of free radicals and oxidative stress. This damages the cells and causes the skin to age. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, astaxanthin can protect the skin from UV-induced damage (Ito, 2018; Donoso, 2021). It also improves the skin’s moisture content and elasticity (Ito, 2018; Zhou, 2021; Tominaga, 2012; Yamashita, 2006; Phetcharat, 2015). Clinical studies have shown that astaxanthin can demonstrably reduce wrinkle depth (Tominaga, 2012; Yamashita, 2006; Tominaga, 2017; Zhou, 2021; Phetcharat, 2015) and protects the skin from aging processes (Zhou, 2021).

2. Astaxanthin Supports the Immune System

Astaxanthin has a positive effect on the immune system. It supports the immune system by increasing the number and activity of various immune cells. At the same time, it is able to reduce oxidative stress in the body (Park, 2010; Baralic, 2015).

3. Astaxanthin—for Muscles, Tendons, Ligaments, and Joints

During physical activity, lactate levels in the muscles can rise, which can cause fatigue and a burning sensation in the muscles. Astaxanthin can lower lactate levels and thus support muscle function (Sawaki, 2002; Wu, 2019).

Astaxanthin protects against the formation of free radicals during exercise and can thereby reduce muscle damage (Wu, 2019; Djordjevic, 2012). It can also improve muscular endurance, strength (Malmsten, 2009), flexibility (Baralic, 2015), and recovery after exercise.

Even symptoms caused by overexertion during exercise can improve more quickly with astaxanthin. For example, one study showed that symptoms of tennis elbow improved more quickly after taking astaxanthin (Spiller, 2006).

There is also preliminary promising evidence from animal studies suggesting that astaxanthin has a positive effect on the joints (Sun, 2019; Kumar, 2020; Park, 2020).

4. Astaxanthin Supports Cardiovascular Health

Astaxanthin protects the heart in various ways: It is capable of lowering blood lipid levels. It also reduces “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increases “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood (Yoshida, 2010). Studies also suggest that astaxanthin can help lower blood pressure (Mashhadi, 2018).

5. Astaxanthin helps maintain vision

Recent research suggests that oxidative stress also plays a role in the development of vision problems (Donoso, 2021). Clinical studies show that astaxanthin improves blood circulation in the eye and is therefore important for maintaining vision (Donoso, 2021; Nagaki, 2005; Saito, 2012). In addition, astaxanthin can improve accommodation—that is, the eye’s ability to switch between near and far focus—(Nagaki, 2002) and help prevent eye fatigue (Sawaki, 2002).

6. Astaxanthin—Good for the Brain

There is evidence suggesting that astaxanthin may be important for maintaining and supporting brain function. In one study, astaxanthin improved memory performance in individuals who complained of forgetfulness (Katagiri, 2012). In another study, astaxanthin was shown to reduce the amount of toxins in the brain (Nakagawa, 2011).

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