Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in microalgae, yeast, shrimp, krill, salmon and crustaceans it can also be found in the feathers of some birds. It is a dark red, fat-soluble pigment and is known as the world's most powerful carotenoid. Astaxanthin is considered a super-antioxidant; it is ten to twenty times more potent than many other carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and a hundred times stronger than alpha-tocopherol.
Carotenoids are pigment colours that occur in nature and support good health. Beta carotene, for example, is orange. Astaxanthin is dubbed the “King of the carotenoids” being red in color Astaxanthin is responsible for turning salmon, crab, lobster and shrimp flesh pink. Astaxanthin is found in the highest concentration in the muscles of salmon providing the endurance these remarkable animals need to swim upstream. For humans, astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant with broad health implications and unlike other antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, C, D and selenium, astaxanthin never becomes pro-oxidant in the body.
What Are The Health Benefits of Taking Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin serves as a powerful antioxidant that is similar in some ways to the well-known beta-carotene. There are no known side effects, contraindications or issues of toxicity from supplementing this potent antioxidant. There are many health benefits when taking Astaxanthin supplementation
Astaxanthin has natural anti-inflammatory properties which help relieve pain and inflammation. Taking Astaxanthin can provide your skin protection from the sun with its natural UV-blocking properties, it has also been shown to reduce wrinkles improve skin moisture levels. Astaxanthin helps fight fatigue, supports eye health, immune function, cardiovascular and brain health, and protects the cells and the nervous system from oxidative damage