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So what is this mystery nutrient? It's astaxanthin, a deep red-colored phytonutrient synthesized by microalgae called Haematococcus. It's grown in fresh water using sophisticated techniques that encourage the algae to grow its own powerful medicines that protect it from oxidation, UV radiation and other environmental stresses. When harvested from the algae and concentrated into a liquid, astaxanthin becomes the most powerful antioxidant known in the natural world, demonstrating 550 times the antioxidant power of Vitamin E, for example.
Astaxanthin: The Little-Known Miracle Nutrient for Inflammation, Anti-Aging, Athletic Endurance and More
Seeded on Thu Jul 22, 2010 5:09 PM EDT
Article Source: Gulf human rights hero Thomas B. Manton falsely imprisoned, murdered- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (18)
The Author Points Out:
Now why is antioxidant power important? Think about it: Much of what goes on during the aging of the human body is due to oxidation. Every time you breathe, you're inhaling some oxygen, right? That oxygen reacts with your cells to create energy, but the byproduct of that energy is the creation of free radicals. These free radicals cause DNA damage, nerve cell damage, accelerated aging of internal organs and more.
The way to stop those free radicals is with antioxidants, which bind to them, neutralizing their damaging effects. Astaxanthin, it turns out, is so good at halting free radicals that it seems to confer miracle-class health benefits to the human body... benefits that might be described as "anti-aging" or "reversing disease."
It gets even better: Unlike most antioxidants, astaxanthin is fat-soluble, meaning it gets carried by fat molecules directly to tissues and organs in your body where it can do the most good, like your retina, your brain, your breast tissue, prostate tissue, and skeletal muscles.
Please don't be put-off by the Author recommending resources for product purchase. The intent is for your benefit only.
- 2 votes
#1 - Thu Jul 22, 2010 5:29 PM EDTI've never heard of this, but I'm big on anti-oxidants. Thanks, Goz. I really believe, they're a big reason I'm much healthier than others with the same conditions I have.
- 2 votes
#3 - Thu Jul 22, 2010 11:50 PM EDTA fat-soluble antioxidant really gets my attention. I'm getting mine too. Lets do a mini study.
- 2 votes
Hey, at my age I can check a need for "all of the above." I'll see what the local co-op knows about it. Thanks for the post.
- 2 votes
#4 - Fri Jul 23, 2010 12:52 AM EDTOooh, fat soluble and greatly reduces inflammation and joint pain? I just might have to try this! Though I'm a little concerned about the effect on your blood sugar as mine is already very low to start with, but I imagine I can keep that in check with diet.
Thanks for the link!
#8 - Sat Jul 24, 2010 2:20 PM EDTAlways consult with your Health Care Provider... More info on Astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is a type of Xanthophyll Dihydroxycarotenoid. Note that Astaxanthin possesses no Pro-Vitamin A activity (it does not convert to Vitamin A within the body).
Health Benefits of Astaxanthin
Cardiovascular System
Astaxanthin may help to prevent Atherosclerosis (by inhibiting the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol).
Astaxanthin may lower Blood Pressure in Hypertension patients.
Astaxanthin may help to prevent Stroke.
Digestive System
Astaxanthin may help to prevent/treat Gastric Ulcers and may inhibit the ability of Alcohol (ethanol) to cause Gastric Ulcers.
Excretory System
Astaxanthin may help to prevent Diabetic Nephropathy.
Eyes/Vision
Astaxanthin may help to prevent Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD).
Astaxanthin may help to prevent Eye Fatigue.
Immune System
Astaxanthin may may protect against the development of some types of Cancer:
- Astaxanthin may help to prevent Bladder Cancer.
- Astaxanthin may help to prevent and treat Breast Cancer.
- Astaxanthin may help to prevent Colon Cancer.
Astaxanthin may help to prevent Liver Cancer.
- Astaxanthin may help to prevent Mouth Cancer (oral Cancer).
- Astaxanthin may help to prevent Prostate Cancer.
- Astaxanthin may help to prevent Stomach Cancer. Astaxanthin may suppress Helicobacter pylori. Astaxanthin may enhance the function of the Immune System.
Astaxanthin may reduce Inflammation.
Metabolism
Astaxanthin possesses potent Antioxidant properties (under some conditions its Antioxidant properties are greater than those of either Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E):
- Astaxanthin quenches Hydroxyl Free Radicals.
- Astaxanthin scavenges Peroxyl Free Radicals.
- Astaxanthin quenches Singlet Oxygen (it is approximately ten times more potent at quenching Singlet Oxygen than Beta-Carotene but is not as potent as Lycopene or Gamma-Carotene in quenching Singlet Oxygen).
- Astaxanthin is a Cell Membrane surface Antioxidant. This means that it can quench Free Radicals on the surface of Cell Membranes before they penetrate the Cell Membrane and penetrate into Cells.
Astaxanthin (3.6 mg per day) inhibits the oxidation of LDL Cholesterol.
Astaxanthin may help to prevent Obesity (by diverting the use of Fatty Acids for the production of Energy).
Astaxanthin may increase Stamina.
Musculoskeletal System
Astaxanthin may reduce the symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Astaxanthin may reduce the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Nervous System
Astaxanthin may improve Memory in Multiple-Infarct Dementia patients.
Respiratory System
Astaxanthin may be useful for the treatment of Asthma.
Sexual System
Astaxanthin may alleviate Male Infertility.
Skin
Astaxanthin may inhibit the ability of UV-A to damage the Skin.
Astaxanthin may Inhibit these Potentially Toxic Substances
Electromagnetic Radiation
Astaxanthin may inhibit the ability of UV-A to damage the Skin.
Enzymes
Astaxanthin may inhibit 5-Alpha Reductase.
Minerals
Astaxanthin may inhibit the ability of Mercury to damage the Kidneys.
Recreational Drugs
Astaxanthin may inhibit the ability of Alcohol (ethanol) to cause Gastric Ulcers.
Dietary Sources of Astaxanthin note
(mg of Astaxanthin per 100 grams)
Algae: Haematococcus pluvialis 1,000 - 3,000
Seafood: Salmon – sockeye 2.6 - 3.7
Salmon – coho 0.9 - 2.7
Salmon – chum 0.3 - 0.8
Salmon – pink 0.4 - 0.6
Salmon – Atlantic 0.3 - 1.1
Trout – Rainbow 0.1 - 0.3
Krill (Euphausia superba) 4.6 - 13.0
Lobster 13.7
Oils: Krill Oil 150
Yeast: Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous
Pfaffia r. 0.3 - 80.0
Safety of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin appears to be a very safe compound - animal studies have shown a complete lack of toxicity.
Bioavailability
Maximum levels of Astaxanthin are reached approximately 6.7 hours after its oral ingestion.
The plasma half-life of orally-ingested Astaxanthin is approximatley 21 hours.
Astaxanthin’s oral absorption and bioavailability increases when it is consumed in conjunction with dietary Fats.
Astaxanthin is capable of permeating (crossing) the Blood-Brain Barrier.
Dosage Recommendations
The usual therapeutic dosage of Astaxanthin is 2 - 5 mg (2,000 - 5,000 mcg) per day.
Supplemental Astaxanthin should be consumed in conjunction with dietary Fats in order to increase its oral bioavailability.
Commercial Availability of Astaxanthin Supplements
“Singular” Oral Astaxanthin Products
Astaxanthin is available from health food stores and mail order supplement companies in the form of:
- loose powder containing 2% Astaxanthin
- 595 mcg capsules
- 4 mg capsules
- 5 mg capsules
Chemical Data
Chemical Name
3,3’-dihydroxy-4,4’-diketo-beta-carotene
Molecular Formula
C40H52O4
Astaxanthin has a structure similar to that of Beta-Carotene, but with two additional asymmetric carbon groups attached to the benzoid rings on either end. These R-bonds allow the Astaxanthin molecule to be esterified, a chemical advantage among Carotenoids that permits astaxanthin to span Cell Membranes, cross the Blood-Brain Barrier and bond directly with Muscle Tissue.
HyperHealth
- 2 votes
Purchased some at the Vitamin Store today. .. A little harder to find at the regular Walgreens or CVS. Neither had it! Found the 1 MG at Sprouts Farmers Market. And found the Vitamin Store Location near me on the Web.. Took some, took a nap..
Will let you know after a few days.
- 3 votes
It appears that Krill Oil will provide 150 mgs of Astaxanthin if unable to find a source for the isolated nutrient.
Krill Oil is a type of Oil derived from Krill. Krill is a generic term used to designate 85 species of cold deep-water marine planktonic family Crustaceans.
Scientific Name: Euphasia superba
Health Benefits of Krill Oil
Many of the health benefits of Krill Oil are attributable to its Omega-3 Fatty Acids content. Therefore, in addition to the benefits listed below, Krill Oil may also provide the health benefits attributable to other Fish Oils. The Astaxanthin content of Krill Oil also contributes to its health benefits.
Metabolism
Krill Oil may lower total serum Cholesterol levels:
- Krill Oil may increase HDL Cholesterol levels.
- Krill Oil may lower elevated LDL Cholesterol levels.
Krill Oil may lower elevated serum Triglycerides levels.
Musculoskeletal System
Krill Oil may be useful for the treatment of Osteoarthritis.
Krill Oil may be useful for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Sexual System
Krill Oil may alleviate the symptoms of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).
Krill Oil may Counteract these Toxic Substances
Proteins
Krill Oil may lower elevated C-Reactive Protein levels.
Krill Oil Contains these Substances note
(mg of Substance per 100 grams)
Carotenoids: Astaxanthin 150
Lipids (Fats): Omega-3: 24,000 Eicosapentaenoic Acid 15,000
Docosahexaenoic Acid 9,000
Omega-6: 2,000
Monounsaturated: 8,500
Saturated: 32,000
Phospholipids: 40,000 Phosphatidylcholine
Phosphatidylinositol
Cardiolipin
Phosphatidylethanolamine
Phosphatidylserine
Cholesterol 1,500
Vitamins: Vitamin A 100 IU Vitamin E 0.5 IU
Dosage Recommendations
The therapeutic dosage of Krill Oil is 500 – 3,000 mg per day.
Krill Oil Compared with other Fish Oils
In most Fish Oils, the Omega-3 Fatty Acids are contained within Triglycerides. Krill Oil's constituent Omega-3 Fatty Acids are contained within Phospholipids. The bioavailability of DHA and EPA from Phospholipids is up to 98%, while the bioavailability of DHA and EPA from Triglycerides is approximately 50%.
Commercial Availability of Krill Oil
Oral Products
Krill Oil is available from health food stores and internet-based suppliers in the form of:
- 1,000 mg softgel capsules containing 90 mg DHA, 150 mg EPA, 400 mg Phospholipids and 1.5 mg Astaxanthin.
HyperHealth
- 1 vote
#9 - Sun Jul 25, 2010 11:25 AM EDTNewBigTech...Thank you for participating in our mini study. If under physician care, be sure to seek necessary tests or medication adjustments as your health improves. Please keep us posted on your experience...we are excited to learn from and about your positive outcome.
- 2 votes
+Todya was Day 1 After initial dose on Saturday.
Didn't sleep great, because I took 4MG in the mOrning and 4 MG at night after 7.30P.M.
But today i feel wide awake, Better than I have in Weeks.. My background is 54 Male,
Hypothyroidism/ Hyperthyroidism Swings after Radiation treatment in 1982. Had my first stroke last year Memorial day, Non Smoker.
I feel great today, as i said wide awake, and spent the day in the pool. Arizona is hot. Cut back to 4 MG this morning along with the Co-Q10 100 Mg that I take everyday as per doctor recommends, Also on a statin drug for Cholestrol.
But I do feel more alive and Awake than before.
Newbigtech.
- 1 vote
Excellent! It is amazing how quickly the effects of antioxidants can be felt and enjoyed. The expectaion is that antioxidants will play a role in healing and health maintenance. Be sure to keep an eye on statins...with the use of natural substances the need for statins should decline over time..
- 1 vote
Day 2... Feeling great, took my 4mg this morning at breakfast. Slept great, feel great, eye's are focusing better than last week. No pains, lots of energy... wow, if I had a Job my world would be pretty complete!
- 1 vote
WoW!!! You are blowing my mind! Can we accept your testimony as positive anecdotal evidence? You make a good point...health and job...good partnership...can't do one without the other.
- 1 vote
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