0 Sub Group: Carotenoids
> Sub Category: Xanthophyll
> Colour: Red
Fat or Water Soluble Antioxidant:
Our body cannot produce astaxanthin and it must be obtained from foods and/or supplements.
This is one carotenoid that does not convert to Vitamin A.
Other functions, besides being an antioxidant:
Studies found its potency as antioxidant to eliminate free radicals, to be:
Found in both plants and (abundant in) marine life:
Source Astaxanthin concentration (ppm)
Highest concentration of astaxanthin known is found in a type of freshwater microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis; used widely to produce supplements and cosmetics.
One common example where this microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, can be found is at the bottom of a birdbath that has not been cleaned for a while.
Other foods containing Astaxanthin:
Examples of the health benefits of Astaxanthin:
0 Protection against sunburn
0 Reduce freckles
0 Reduce wrinkles (from under the skin as opposed to external application)
0 Help relieve pain and inflammation
o Protect against Aged Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
0 Such as stroke prevention and recovery
0 Alzheimer’s disease
o Parkinson’s disease
0 Protect against and relieve eye fatigue and eye strain
Acute or persistent damage to the retina of the eye as a result of diabetes.
0 Strenuous exercise creates more than usual oxidative stress (and hence, free radicals) that can cause damages to the cells exposed to this stress; Astaxanthin acts as an antioxidant to counter these free radicals and protect (and repair) the cells from damages caused, plus its anti-inflammatory capabilities reduces inflammation and pain caused by strenuous exercise.
Food Coloring Number:
o In US, its use as food coloring is not allowed in human food; only for animal food.
It is widely used in animal food – such as added to feeds for farm raised salmon and, poultry food for poultry meat and eggs farming.
Synthetic form could also be made from petrochemical products and is not advisable for human consumption.
Types of Antioxidants >
Return to the Top - Astaxanthin