The Queen of Antioxidants: How Astaxanthin Affects Health, Aging, & Longevity

Astaxanthin, a red-pink pigment found in marine organisms such as salmon, krill, algae, and even Flamingos, is celebrated for its potent antioxidant properties. Often called the "queen of antioxidants," astaxanthin even surpasses other antioxidants like vitamin C and Coenzyme Q10 in strength. Its unique chemical structure enables it to effectively neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, which are major contributors to aging and age-related diseases.

Astaxanthin's recognition began with the discovery of its vibrant red pigment in flamingo feathers. Further research revealed its abundance in the marine environment, especially in algae, which is a primary source of this compound.

Marine animals, such as salmon, trout, and shellfish, consume algae and accumulate astaxanthin in their tissues, giving them their characteristic color. Astaxanthin was first isolated from lobsters in 1938 (1).

As a dietary supplement, astaxanthin is highly regarded for its robust antioxidant properties and is available in various forms like capsules, tablets, and soft gels. It is also a popular ingredient in skincare products, due to its ability to shield the skin from oxidative stress and UV radiation.

Astaxanthin's Unique Properties and Health Benefits

Astaxanthin's wide-ranging health benefits extend beyond skin protection, offering support for cardiovascular health, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, and more. Here's more about how this compound can support overall health:

Supports Brain Health:

Astaxanthin enhances cognitive function by crossing the blood-brain barrier to exert neuroprotective effects directly within the brain. It reduces oxidative stress in brain cells, helping to maintain neuronal integrity and enhance cognitive performance. This may mitigate the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (2).

Contributes to Cardiovascular Health:

In cardiovascular health, astaxanthin's antioxidant properties improve lipid profiles by lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides while raising HDL (good cholesterol). These changes reduce the risk of heart disease and help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. 

Its anti-inflammatory effects reduce inflammation in blood vessels, crucial in preventing atherosclerosis. 

Furthermore, astaxanthin enhances mitochondrial function in heart muscle cells, which supports increased energy production and overall cardiovascular health (3).

Helps Fight Inflammation:

Astaxanthin's potent anti-inflammatory properties inhibit the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2, which are central to the body’s inflammatory response. 

By curbing chronic inflammation, astaxanthin alleviates symptoms associated with various age-related diseases such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders, while also promoting joint and muscle function (4).

Maintains Skin Health:

Astaxanthin offers significant protection against UV-induced damage, enhances skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and age spots (5). It prevents the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers, which are essential for maintaining skin structure and elasticity (7). 

Additionally, astaxanthin reduces the expression of matrix metalloproteinases that contribute to inflammation, tumor invasion, and skin aging (6). Astaxanthin also demonstrates potent anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby soothing inflammation in the skin (8).

Additionally, research indicates that astaxanthin enhances the DNA repair capabilities of cells exposed to UV radiation. It has been shown to reduce DNA damage and influence the process of DNA repair kinetics (9)

Enhances Exercise Performance:

Astaxanthin significantly boosts endurance and can help reduce muscle damage in athletes. By mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation caused by intense physical activity, it promotes quicker recovery and enhances performance. 

Studies have demonstrated that astaxanthin can improve endurance, decrease muscle fatigue, and support overall physical performance (10).

The Role of Astaxanthin in Longevity

Astaxanthin influences various cellular mechanisms linked to longevity, including the modulation of the FOXO3 gene, which plays a critical role in cell function and longevity (11). It exhibits neuroprotective effects by enhancing brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, reducing oxidative damage, and preserving mitochondrial function (12).

Astaxanthin also impacts proteins such as Nrf2, Sirt1, and Klotho, which are associated with longevity (13). It provides protection not only to skin cells but to other tissues and organs, especially mitochondria. By maintaining mitochondrial integrity, astaxanthin helps to counteract the damage caused by oxidative stress, thus potentially preventing or slowing the progression of diseases related to mitochondrial dysfunction (14).

Chronic inflammation is implicated in numerous age-related conditions, including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and neurodegenerative disorders. Astaxanthin exhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects, suppressing inflammatory pathways and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-1β,  IL-6, and COX-2 (15). 

Astaxanthin also lowers plasma glucose and insulin levels, enhances overall body insulin sensitivity, and improves insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, acting as an insulin sensitizer (16).

Astaxanthin vs. Vitamin C

While both astaxanthin and vitamin C are potent antioxidants, they differ significantly in source, structure, and antioxidant potency. 

Astaxanthin's unique molecular structure allows it to provide comprehensive cellular protection, making it considerably more potent than vitamin C in neutralizing free radicals (17). 

Vitamin C, while essential for collagen synthesis and immune function, does not match astaxanthin's broad spectrum of benefits, particularly in terms of skin protection, cardiovascular health, fighting inflammation, and contributing to longevity (18) (19) (20).

Foods That Provide Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin in food sources like salmon, shrimp, and trout is naturally occurring and bioavailable. It's embedded in the tissues of these marine creatures due to their consumption of astaxanthin-rich microalgae.

Here are some of the advantages of consuming astaxanthin from food sources:

• Synergistic nutrients: Food sources of astaxanthin often come with other beneficial nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients can provide additional health benefits beyond astaxanthin alone.

• Dietary diversity: Incorporating astaxanthin-rich foods into your diet supports dietary diversity and overall health, promoting a balanced intake of essential nutrients from natural sources. However, sources of astaxanthin can be costly and not accessible to everyone due to allergies or food preferences.

Astaxanthin Supplements

Astaxanthin supplements offer convenience, allowing for consistent and precise dosing. This is particularly useful for people who may not regularly consume astaxanthin-rich foods. Here are other reasons to supplement with astaxanthin in addition to acquiring it from foods:

• High concentration at an affordable price: Supplements can provide higher concentrations of astaxanthin than what is typically found in food sources. This concentrated form ensures that people receive an effective antioxidant dose without needing to spend a lot of money on expensive foods such as wild-caught salmon.

• Purity and quality: High-quality supplements undergo rigorous testing to ensure purity and potency. This can provide reassurance regarding the absence of contaminants or impurities.

Dosage and Safety Considerations

The FDA recognizes astaxanthin as safe at daily doses of 6 mg to 7 mg.

In most cases, astaxanthin does not cause side effects when taken with food. It's best absorbed when taken with a meal that includes fat, with olive oil being particularly effective for enhancing absorption.

Your choice between food and supplements may depend on personal preference, dietary habits, and access to astaxanthin-rich foods. Some people opt for a combination of dietary sources and supplements to maximize their astaxanthin intake. This approach ensures a diverse nutrient profile while supplementing specific health goals. 

Consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine the best source of astaxanthin based on individual health needs and dietary preferences.

Astaxanthin in Our Longevity Foundation

At Jung+, we are dedicated to harnessing the most effective ingredients for promoting longevity and overall health. This commitment led us to include astaxanthin in our Longevity Foundation and Cellular Skin Renewal formulas. 

Due to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, astaxanthin is a great player in the battle against aging-related changes. We carefully selected astaxanthin for its unique ability to support cellular health and enhance skin elasticity, ensuring our formula provides the most pronounced benefits for a long and healthy life.

References:

1. Astaxanthin: Past, Present, and Future (2023). Marine Drugs. 
2. The Effects of Astaxanthin on Cognitive Function and Neurodegeneration in Humans: A Critical Review (2024). Nutrients. 
3. Astaxanthin in Cardiovascular Health and Disease (2012). Molecules.
4. Astaxanthin and its Effects in Inflammatory Responses and Inflammation-Associated Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Directions (2020). Molecules.
5. Astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene differently affect UVA-induced oxidative damage and expression of oxidative stress-responsive enzymes (2009). Experimental dermatology.
6. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing (2021). Nutrients.
7. Supplementing with Dietary Astaxanthin Combined with Collagen Hydrolysate Improves Facial Elasticity and Decreases Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 and -12 Expression: A Comparative Study with Placebo (2014). Journal of Medicinal Food. 
8. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review (2019). Nutrients.
9. Influence of astaxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein on DNA damage and repair in UVA-irradiated cells (2006). Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology. 
10. Astaxanthin for improved muscle function and enhanced physical performance (2010). Book: Global Perspectives on Astaxanthin.
11. Astaxanthin attenuates contrast agent-induced acute kidney injury in vitro and in vivo via the regulation of SIRT1/FOXO3a expression (2018). International Urology and Nephrology. 
12. Astaxanthin attenuates d-galactose-induced brain aging in rats by ameliorating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and regulating metabolic markers (2020). Food & Function. 
13. Astaxanthin as a Putative Geroprotector: Molecular Basis and Focus on Brain Aging (2020). Marine Drugs.
14. Inhibitory effect of astaxanthin on oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction-a mini-review (2018). Nutrients.
15. Astaxanthin as a Potential Neuroprotective Agent for Neurological Diseases (2015). Marine Drugs. 
16. Astaxanthin: A potential mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant treatment in diseases and with aging (2019). Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. 
17. Quenching Activities of Common Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Antioxidants against Singlet Oxygen Using Chemiluminescence Detection System (2007). Carotenoid Science.
18. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health (2017). Nutrients.
19. The Role of Astaxanthin as a Nutraceutical in Health and Age-Related Conditions (2022). Molecules.
20. Vitamin C and lifespan in model organisms (2013). Food and Chemical Toxicology.