Astaxanthin is a Critical Supplement for Long-Term Health

Astaxanthin is a newer supplement

Most of us have never heard of asthaxanthin before. But we are all aware that salmon and shrimp are pink in color, a color that comes from the stored astaxanthin in their muscles. This important nutritional supplement is found in red yeast, used primarily in Chinese cooking, and is also produced by a specific type of algae eaten by salmon, shrimp and other seafood. Astaxanthin benefits have only recently been discovered and, for this reason, astaxanthin supplement cannot usually be found on health/nutritional store shelves yet. It is easily obtainable through the Internet, however, and one would be wise to begin a daily regimen now, in addition to the consumption of pink colored seafood.

Astanxanthin supplement is a powerful antioxidant

The human body absorbs lots of free radicals every day, in food, water, and inhaled air. These free radicals attack healthy cells and are known cancer-causing agents. To fight free radicals, the body manufactures T-cells, but, if one’s immune system is not strong or not bolstered by antioxidant supplements which go after these free radicals, cancer can develop. The antioxidant benefits of astanxanthin appear to be significant. It seeks out free radicals and destroys them, as well as serves to strengthen natural T-cells.

Animal studies have shown the antioxidant benefit of astaxanthin

In 2007, a study of mice was published in the Nutrition and Cancer Journal. Researchers gave one group of mice astaxanthin supplement for 3 weeks. Then that group and another control group were injected with cancerous cells. Three weeks later, tumors in the group given the astaxanthin supplement had tumor shrinkage to half the size of the other group. Clearly, this study shows promise for the future incorporation of astaxantin into cancer treatment of humans. Already, natural cancer treatment centers are using diets very high in astaxanthin in the treatment regimen for their patients. Pink fish, moreover, are considered highly important in the prevention of cancer of all types.

The benefits of astanxanthin supplement for eyes

Even though medical uses of astaxanthin supplement are relative new, it has long been known that carotenoid, the ingredient in astaxanthin has benefits for eyes. Of particular interest is the potential of the natural supplement to prevent macular degeneration which commonly occurs in the aging process. Moreover, studies with rats at the University of Illinois showed that astaxanthin supplement protected the retinas of those exposed to damaging light. There is promise for the use of astanxanthin for the prevention and reduction of cataracts.

Potential future uses and benefits of astanxanthin supplement

Clinical studies are now being conducted on the potential additional benefits of astanxanthin supplement, and it is projected that there will be many. One study is determining its cholesterol-fighting action; some other early studies indicate that it may improve semen production and be a factor in prevention of ovarian and uterine cancer; daily use can result in a natural protection against UV rays; because of its calming and stress-reducing properties, the use of astanxanthin supplement may assist in blood pressure reduction as well as stress and anxiety relief.

The important brain and nervous system benefit of astanxanthin

When people suffer strokes, there is brain damage due to lack of oxygen supply to one or more parts of the brain. Stroke sufferers often spend years in therapy, while the brain attempts to re-route functions. Astanxanthin supplements show promise in assisting in the repair of stroke damage, speeding up the process of synapse creation in the re-routing process. Clearly, this could be huge for a very large segment of the population. The potential use of astanxanthin as a stroke prevention is the subject of additional planned study.

Dosage and Controversy

The recommended dosage of astanxanthin supplement is 5 mg. per day. This appears to be enough to bring maximum benefit of antioxidant activity. Dosage may be revised as further studies indicate appropriate amounts for other benefits. There is currently some controversy over the effectiveness of synthetically produced astanxanthin versus that which is natural. Natural red yeast is a great source of astanxanthin as well. For the short-term, the recommendation is to consume those foods and purchase those astanxanthin supplemental products which are natural, until the value of the synthetic substance is determined.