Print article Astaxanthin (asta-zan-thin) is a red-pink pigment found in various kinds of seafood, like salmon, lobster, and other shellfish. They get their red or pinkish color from a diet of krill and other small organisms that in turn eat astaxanthin-rich algae and plankton. You can get some astaxanthin by eating these foods, but taking supplements made from microalgae is far more beneficial.
Often dubbed the “king of carotenoids” research shows that astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. In fact, it’s ability to fight free radicals has been shown to be 6000 times higher than vitamin C, 550 times higher than vitamin E, and 40 times higher than beta-carotene.
Astaxanthin Benefits and Uses:
Does astaxanthin help with inflammation? Absolutely! Its antioxidant properties in the body, are believed to help protect against certain types of chronic disease, reverse skin aging, and alleviate inflammation. It seems to be able to improve many blood parameters that could be beneficial to heart disease, too. At doses of 6-8mg daily, it can decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and prevent it from becoming atherogenic (artery-clogging). It can increase general blood flow and reduce blood sugar in diabetics and blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats (humans not studied yet) with no effect on these measures in normal healthy persons.
In addition, astaxanthin supports healthy vision, promotes brain health by preserving cognitive function, enhances your workout, and even increases male fertility. Best of all, it’s easy to incorporate in your diet and can be easily found in a wide range of nutritious whole food sources.
A few of the best sources of Astaxanthin include:
Wild-Caught Sockeye Salmon, Lobster, Crab, Krill, Salmon Roe, Algae, Shrimp, Red Trout, Crawfish. I recommend always wild-caught over farm-raised and Alaskan or sockeye salmon or trout over shellfish.
Don’t eat fish? No problem! Astaxanthin is also available in a natural supplement form. Popular brands of naturally derived astaxanthin include BioAstin and Puritan’s Pride. It can also be found in some other supplements, such as krill oil, some omega-3 formulations, and Arctic Ruby Oil. The recommended dosage is four to eight milligrams, one to three times per day with your meals. Initially, it’s best to start with a low dose and work your way up to assess your tolerance.
DON’T DIET. If your current diet is not working, consider changing your approach. Diet is more than giving the body sustenance. It’s about nourishing every aspect of your being; physical, mental, emotional, social & spiritual. I can help create a personalized strategy that suits your unique body, lifestyle, tastes, and goals.
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