The sea provides us with a wide range of essential components for our body. Although one of the most valued elements is the Omega-3 fatty acid, astaxanthin also offers us a multitude of benefits.
This carotenoid pigment can be found in a large number of species, both in microalgae and sea yeast trout or salmon, which offers its characteristic pink color. This antioxidant has been linked to a multitude of heterogeneous benefits for the body, from improving heart health, skin or even joints.
In this article we analyze the benefits that the scientific community has associated with astaxanthin in different trials worldwide.
Table of Contents
Benefits associated with astaxanthin
Antioxidant activity
A diet rich in antioxidants assures us a multitude of health benefits. The antioxidant properties of astaxanthin give us benefits against the oxidative stress of free radicals that we take daily through the air or food.
Astaxanthin improves blood flow and can help us control our body weight.
Benefits against cancer
Given the antioxidant properties of astaxanthin, the scientific community has conducted several trials that can relate its activity against various types of cancer. Some important studies have found benefits over breast cancer treatment, where a reduction in the development of breast cancer cells was observed.
Benefits for the skin
Astaxanthin offers advantages when applied to the skin. Some trials have shown anti-wrinkle activity, helping to soften wrinkles, correct age spots, and improve skin hydration.
However, more studies are still needed to support its properties in the epidermis.
Improves endurance in sports practice
Several scientific trials have been done about the benefits of astaxanthin and its relationship with endurance and the reduction of fatigue after sports. The first animal testing demonstrate a greater assimilation of fatty acids that favor a greater recovery against muscle damage.
However, it is still necessary to extrapolate the beneficial results found in animals on the human being. Some studies have not been able to contribute such advantages to humans, so some more research is needed.
Astaxanthin and the cardiovascular system
Recent research has found benefits of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health. Especially its effects against hypertension have been analyzed, showing that it can help improve elastin values and increase the thickness of the arterial wall.
Research is currently continuing to find some relationship between this antioxidant pigment versus cholesterol and other heart diseases.
Benefits against joint pain
Astaxanthin may also have a positive impact on the treatment of joint pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Some clinical trials show that astaxanthin can reduce symptoms of inflammation and pain that is related to arthritis. On the other hand, no benefit has been found against the pain caused by carpal tunnel syndrome.
Relationship with male fertility
There is a positive relationship between male fertility and the consumption of foods rich in astaxanthin, as shown by a scientific study made in 2005. Over the 3-month period, the double-blind study looked at 30 men who had fertility problems.
Clinical trials observed improvements in sperm count and motility counting when high doses of astaxanthin were consumed. However, this study was carried out with a very small sample size, so it is necessary to replicate it with a greater number of people.
Bibliography consulted
- Ikeuchi M, Koyama T, Takahashi J, Yazawa K. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2006 Oct;29(10):2106-2110. DOI: 10.1248/bpb.29.2106. PMID: 17015959.
- Ikeuchi, Mayumi & Koyama, Tomoyuki & Takahashi, Jiro & Yazawa, Kazunaga. (2006). Effects orf Astaxanthin Supplementation on Exercise-Induced Fatigue in Mice. Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin. 29. 2106-10. 10.1248/bpb.29.2106.
- Teo, Ivy & Chui, Chung & Tang, Johnny & Lau, Fung & Cheng, Gregory & Wong, Raymond & Kok, Stanton & Cheng, Chor & Chan, Albert & Ho, Kwok. (2005). Antiproliferation and induction of cell death of Phaffia rhodozyma (Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) extract fermented by brewer malt waste on breast cancer cells. International journal of molecular medicine. 16. 931-6. 10.3892/ijmm.16.5.931.
