Astaxanthin, also known as astaxanthin and lobster shell pigment, is a carotenoid and the highest-level product of carotenoid synthesis. It is dark pink in color and its chemical structure is similar to β-carotene. β-carotene, lutein, canthaxanthin, lycopene, etc. are all intermediate products of carotenoid synthesis, so in nature, astaxanthin has the strongest antioxidant properties. Widely present in the biological world, especially in shrimp, crab, fish, algae, yeast, and bird feathers, it is one of the main carotenoids in marine organisms.
Eye and central nervous system protection
The human retina and central nervous system (brain) are rich in unsaturated fatty acids, so free radicals generated by oxidation are prone to peroxidative damage. Studies have shown that astaxanthin can easily pass through the blood-brain barrier and cell membrane, can effectively prevent retinal oxidation and photoreceptor cell damage, as well as protect the central nervous system, especially the brain, so as to effectively replenish ischemia-regeneration. Perfusion injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s syndrome, Alzheimer’s syndrome, and other central nervous system injuries. In particular, the effect of macular degeneration is more significant than that of lutein.
70% of people with diabetes will develop nephropathy within 5 years. Astaxanthin is the only substance found so far that can effectively prevent diabetic nephropathy. Astaxanthin is mainly by directly protecting the glomerular basement membrane and preventing the production of high blood sugar. In addition, it can also fight against the free radicals of renal tubular epithelial cells, protect the normal transport of glucose and phosphorus in renal tubular cells, and thus preserve important substances such as ATP and sodium-potassium ATPase, and ensure renal blood flow. The flow is not affected and the production of proteinuria is reduced. In order to avoid the occurrence of urine bubble events, diabetic patients must start using natural astaxanthin in advance. Research has confirmed that 8 mg of astaxanthin can significantly reduce urinary protein by 70% within 8 weeks.
Clinical studies on arteriosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases have shown that the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is an important cause of arteriosclerosis. The higher the concentration of LDL in the human body, coupled with the thinning of blood vessels by platelet deposition that hinders the speed of blood flow, the greater the risk of arteriosclerosis in the human body. The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood has the opposite effect, it can prevent the occurrence of arteriosclerosis. In vitro and clinical trials have shown that oral administration of 3.6 mg/d of astaxanthin per person for 2 consecutive weeks can prevent the oxidation of LDL. Unlike general LDL-lowering drugs, after taking 1.8, 3.6, 14.4, and 21.6 mg of astaxanthin daily for 2 consecutive weeks, the time of LDL oxidation was prolonged by 5.0%, 26.2%, 42.3%, and 30.7%, respectively; thus preventing arterial The occurrence of atherosclerosis.
It is well known that UV radiation is an important cause of epidermal photoaging and skin cancer. Studies have shown that astaxanthin has a special effect on transglutaminase, which can consume putrescine when the skin is exposed to light. Oral astaxanthin has a stronger inhibitory effect on putrescine accumulation than oral vitamin A. Therefore, the strong antioxidant properties of astaxanthin may make it a potential photoprotectant to effectively scavenge free radicals that cause skin aging, protect cell membranes and mitochondrial membranes from oxidative damage, and be used to prevent skin photoaging.
Boost Immunity
Astaxanthin can significantly affect the immune function of animals. In the presence of antigens, it can significantly promote the ability of spleen cells to produce antibodies, enhance the effect of T cells, and stimulate the production of immunoglobulins in the body. Astaxanthin has a strong activity of inducing cell division and has important immunomodulatory effects.
Tip
During the use of natural astaxanthin, it is necessary to reduce or stop bad habits such as smoking, staying up late, and drinking too much, which will counteract its antioxidant effect. Conditional can check the changes in the content of lipid metabolites such as MDA in urine to observe the effect of its use. Because astaxanthin works by affecting and controlling oxidative damage to the cells of the organism (rather than to a specific organ), organ symptoms may not be apparent in some people. But the improvement in the lifespan of the cells was significant. As a cosmetic, it may be better to use it externally and internally. There are very few patients with biliary dysfunction taking fat-soluble vitamin E and astaxanthin, etc., and the effect is not good, so after taking astaxanthin, be sure to check the color of the stool, if you find that the color of the stool turns red after taking astaxanthin, It means that the user has poor digestion and absorption of astaxanthin, and it is recommended to take water-soluble antioxidants such as vitamin C.
