Astaxanthin

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What is Astaxanthin? Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment. Astaxanthin is similar in structure than beta-carotene. The small differences in structure causes large differences in the chemical properties. Distribution Astaxanthin is produced by microscopic small plants: the micro-alga Haematococcus pluvialis. Haematococcus algae can contain up to 30 g of astaxanthin per kg dried algae. These micro-alga are eaten by marine animals including fish, crawfish, crabs and lobster. The Astaxanthin is responsible for the red colour of these animals. Another commercial source is from the ink coloured yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous. Health Benefits of Astaxanthin Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that may improve our immune system and may protect against neurodegenerative conditions, against UV-light effects and against cancer. Astaxanthin Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and may protect against oxidative damage to body tissues. The free radical scavenging activity of astaxanthin protects lipids from peroxidation and reduces oxidative damage of LDL-cholesterol (thereby reducing arterial plaque formation), cells, cell membranes, mitochondrial membranes. Daily intake of astaxanthin might be a beneficial strategy in health management. Immune response Astaxanthin seems to improve the immune response by increasing the number of antibody producing cells. Astaxanthin enhances antibody production by exerting actions on T-cells and T-helper cells. It may also protect immune cells against oxidative stress and membrane damage.