Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, a chemical that occurs naturally in some plants and animals. One type of algae produces astaxanthin. This algae is used as a source for astaxanthin in supplements.
Some types of seafood also contain astaxanthin. Astaxanthin gives salmon and lobster their reddish color and flamingo feathers their pink hue.
Benefits of astaxanthin
Natural antioxidant
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant. This means that it helps reduce a natural process in your body called oxidation. This process can play a role in many diseases and changes such as:
- Aging
- Cancer
- Heart Disease
- Eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration
- Alzheimer's disease
- Parkinson's disease
By reducing oxidation in the brain, it may protect against Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Anti-inflammatory
Astaxanthin may also reduce inflammation. It may be useful as a treatment for problems involving inflammation, such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Slows down cancer cells
Laboratory research found that an algae extract that produces astaxanthin slowed the growth of breast and skin cancer cells.
Protects heart muscle
Astaxanthin can also help the heart in several ways. It can be helpful in preventing plaque buildup in the arteries of the heart.
It can also help protect the heart muscle from damage caused by a lack of oxygen. This can happen during a heart attack.
Helicobacter pylori
Astaxanthin may reduce the growth of H. pylori bacteria, which cause peptic ulcers. It may also help protect against kidney damage caused by diabetes. And it may boost the immune system.
However, more research is needed before astaxanthin can be recommended for any of these uses.
Supplement manufacturers may suggest varying amounts of astaxanthin for different purposes. Most of the small research studies to date have used between 2 mg and 12 mg per day. However, optimal doses of astaxanthin have not been set for any condition. The quality and active ingredients in supplements can vary widely. This makes it difficult to set a standard dose.
Can you get astaxanthin naturally from foods?
One of the major sources of astaxanthin is found in certain types of seaweed.
Astaxanthin is also found in several types of seafood, including:
- Salmon
- rainbow trout
- Shrimp
- Lobster
Four ounces of red salmon contain about 4.5 milligrams of astaxanthin.
What are the risks of taking astaxanthin?
Side effects. Some laboratory studies have shown that astaxanthin may hinder an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. As a result, it may prevent testosterone from turning into the hormone DHT in the body. It's unclear what effect it may have, but prescription drugs that affect the same enzyme can cause side effects, such as:
- lower libido
- gynecomastia
- Erectile dysfunction
One small study showed that astaxanthin combined with saw palmetto actually increased testosterone, which could help libido. More research is needed to better understand the effects of astaxanthin on hormones.
Astaxanthin may also lower blood pressure and calcium levels.
When to avoid astaxanthin
Avoid taking astaxanthin if you are allergic or sensitive to it. Also avoid astaxanthin if you are allergic or sensitive to:
- Similar carotenoids such as canthaxanthin
- A source of astaxanthin, such as algae that produce it
- Drugs that inhibit 5-alpha-reductase such as finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart, Jalyn)
- Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin can boost your immune function, so be careful when taking it if:
- you have autoimmune problems
- You are taking drugs to suppress your immune system
Also be cautious about using astaxanthin if you have:
- Low calcium
- Low blood pressure
- Osteoporosis
- A problem with your parathyroid glands
- Hormonal problems
Interactions
Use with caution if you are taking a medication that affects hormones, such as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, or if you are taking a medication for high blood pressure.
Tell your doctor about any supplements you are taking, even if they are natural. This way, your doctor can check for any side effects or interactions with any medications.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dietary supplements; however, it treats them as foods rather than drugs. Unlike drug manufacturers, supplement manufacturers do not have to prove that their products are safe or effective before selling them on the market.
