Demand for astaxanthin supplements is growing. As WholeFoods Magazine has reported, the global astaxanthin market size was valued at $1.9 billion in 2022, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 17.2% from 2023 to 2030.
The technical definition of this powerful antioxidant is: a xanthophyll carotenoid found in various microorganisms and marine animals. But what exactly does it do for our bodies? This natural pigment carotenoid found in algae, salmon, crab, krill, trout, lobster, and other seafood, is responsible for their red-orange hue and offers benefits well beyond adding an attractive bright color to some of the foods we consume. “As one of the most potent carotenoids and antioxidants found in nature, astaxanthin benefits many aspects of health, from diminishing wrinkles to upgrading your workout routine,” reports Rachael Link, MS, RD, in Astaxanthin Benefits for the Skin, Brain, Heart & Muscles on DrAxe.com.
Supports Cognitive Function
Carotenoids have been linked to positive effects on the brain and reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. A study out of the UK published in Nutrients examined the benefits of astaxanthin on the various cognitive function in humans. The conclusion: Astaxanthin positively influences episodic memory, working memory, and response time. While more research in humans is needed, they said astaxanthin “has the potential to improve cognitive function, facilitate neuroprotection, and slow neurodegeneration.”
Keeps Skin Radiant & Healthy
Evidence is growing for the health benefits of astaxanthin within dermatology. Astaxanthin's distinct biochemical and molecular properties and antioxidant effects have gained support for the prevention and treatment of skin conditions. Two human clinical studies, conducted with 30 healthy female subjects over the course of eight weeks, highlighted notable improvements to skin wrinkles, age spot size, skin elasticity, skin texture, moisture level of corneocyte layer, and corneocyte condition with a 6 mg per day oral supplementation combined with a twice a day, 2-ml topical application of astaxanthin. And researchers reporting in Nutrients concluded: “ASX inhibits collagenases, MMP activity, inflammatory mediators, and ROS induction, resulting in potent antiwrinkle and antioxidant effects. Moreover, ASX may prevent UV-induced immunosuppression.”
Supports Active Aging
Free radicals can wreak havoc on the body and at high levels they can pave the way for chronic and degenerative diseases like cancer, arthritis, aging, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are involved in various cellular biochemical processes but under oxidative stress, they can lead to the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory diseases including the cardiovascular pathologies. Astaxanthin has grown in popularity as a means to not only protect cells from free radicals and help combat oxidative stress-mediated and age-related diseases, but to also lower plasma glucose and insulin levels, improving the entire body's insulin sensitivity and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.
Offers Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Recent developments in the research of the anti-inflammatory properties of astaxanthin have led to an increased interest for its use in alleviating chronic and acute inflammation associated with neurological conditions, diabetes, gastrointestinal health, eye health and more. Researchers reporting in Molecules concluded that astaxanthin encapsulated in liposomes was successful in preventing dry eye disease, and dietary astaxanthin considerably obstructed the occurrence of colonic mucosal ulcers and adenocarcinoma partly through inhibition of the expression of inflammatory cytokines.
A note of caution when stocking supplements:
“Far and away the #1 factor retailers must look at is quality,” Bob Capelli, Marketing Consultant, BGG World, recently told WholeFoods Magazine readers. “Several different entities in the supplement industry, including the consumer brand NOW Foods as well as trade associations like the Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association (NAXA), have been testing supplements bought at retail (generally from Amazon) and finding some horror stories with regards to quality. In the case of astaxanthin, NAXA tested 50 different brands of astaxanthin and only half met the label claim… retailers must make sure they only stock reputable brands that have what they say on the label.”
