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Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that is positioned within cell membranes and circulating lipoproteins, which is not produced by human metabolism and therefore must be introduced through the diet.

Astaxanthin is produced by algae, bacteria and fungi. There is also astaxanthin, which is synthesised in the laboratory but has a different molecular profile to the natural substance. Astaxanthin very often comes from cultures of an alga called Haematococcus plubottleis.

Haematococcus plubottleis is a ubiquitous green microalga belonging to the class Chlorophyceae characterised by its ability to accumulate large amounts of astaxanthin in the cytosol as a photoprotective substance for cells and spores.

Astaxanthin has, among its many properties, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action and protects the mitochondrial double membrane by improving its function and thus increasing the mitochondrion's ability to produce energy (1,2)

Biochemistry of astaxanthin
Astaxanthin belongs to the carotenoids. Its molecule has an extended shape with a polar (hydrophilic) structure at both ends and a non-polar (hydrophobic/lipid) zone in the centre. The presence of polar ends and a central apolar part enables astaxanthin to position itself in the phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes (3)

Astaxanthin metabolism
The bioavailability of astaxanthin is affected by meals and smoking: taking it with a meal increases absorption compared to taking it on an empty stomach, while smoking reduces bioavailability by approximately 40%.

Due to its biochemical properties, astaxanthin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, exerting effects even in the central nervous system.(4)

 

What does Astaxanthin do?

The main prerogatives of Astaxanthin compared to other carotenoids are:

Cross the blood-brain barrier, thus providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and anti-aging protection to the brain and CNS. (4)

  • Astaxanthin has neuroprotective effects and improves memory and brain function (5)
  • It actually travels through the entire body, providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action in all organs and tissues. (3)
  • Strengthens the cell membrane. (1)
  • Works as a super-antioxidant, rapidly eliminating Free Radicals (6)
  • It crosses the blood-retinal barrier, providing antioxidants and anti-inflammatory protection to the eyes. (6)

Natural Astaxanthin has been shown to have neuroprotective effects (protection of brain function) in cases of ischaemia. Ischaemia is a condition in which the brain experiences a deficiency in blood supply, due to an obstruction of arterial blood flow. In humans, it can be caused by an accumulation of plaques that block blood flow in the carotid artery, the primary source of blood for the brain. This accumulation can lead to various diseases, including strokes and various types of dementia. An animal study showed that Astaxanthin attenuates the development of hypertension and helps protect the brain from stroke and ischaemia. (7)

Other recent studies suggest that natural astaxanthin may improve memory in cases of vascular dementia (8)

 

1-McNulty HP, Byun J, Lockwood SF, et al. Differential effects of carotenoids on lipid peroxidation due to membrane interactions. X-ray diffraction analysis. Biochim Biophys Acta 2007;1768:167-174.

2- Iwamoto T, Hosoda K, Hirano R, et al. Inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation by astaxanthin. J Atheroscler Throm 2000;7:216-222.

3- Wolf AM, Asoh S, Hiranuma H, et al. Astaxanthin protects mitochondrial redox state and functional integrity against oxidative stress. J Nutr Biochem 2010;21:381-389.

4- Okada Y, Ishikura M, Maoka T. Bioavailability of astaxanthin in Haematococcus algal extract: the effects of timing of diet and smoking habits. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2009;73:1928-1932.

5- Kidd P. Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Altern Med Rev. 2011 Dec;16(4):355-64.

6-  Karppi J, Rissanen TH, Nyyssonen K, et al. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 2007;77:3-11.

7- Lu YP, Liu SY, Sun H, Wu XM, Li JJ, Zhu L. Neuroprotective effect of astaxanthin on H(2)O(2)-induced neurotoxicity in vitro and on focal cerebral ischemia in vivo. Brain Res. 2010 Nov

8- Miyawaki H, Takahashi J, Tsukahara H, Takehara I. Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2008;43:69-74.