Astaxanthin Suppliment; Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

 Astaxanthin Supplement is a keto-carotenoid. It belongs to a larger class of chemical compounds known as terpenes (in Asthaxanthin’s case, a tetraterpenoid); terpenes are built from five-carbon precursors; isopentenyl diphosphate (or IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (or DMAPP). Astaxanthin is classified as a xanthophyll (originally derived from a word meaning “yellow leaves” since yellow plant leaf pigments were the first recognized of the xanthophyll family of carotenoids), but currently employed to describe carotenoid compounds that have oxygen-containing moieties, hydroxyl (-OH) or ketone (C=O), such as zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin. Indeed, astaxanthin is a metabolite of zeaxanthin and/or canthaxanthin, containing both hydroxyl and ketone functional groups.

It is a reddish pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs naturally in certain algae and causes the pink or red color in salmon, trout, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood.

Astaxanthin is taken by mouth for treating Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, high cholesterol, age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision loss), and preventing cancer. It is also used for metabolic syndrome, which is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Indications of Astaxanthin Supplement

Investigated for use/treatment in eye disorders/infections, cancer/tumors (unspecified), and asthma with following age-related disorder.

• Age-related macular degeneration (age-related vision loss) – Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) occurs when a portion of the retina becomes damaged. Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, and copper (Azyr by Sifi S.p.A) by mouth daily for 12 months improves damage in the center of the retina in people with AMD. It does not improve damage in the outer areas of the retina.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome – Early research suggests that taking a combination product containing astaxanthin, lutein, beta-carotene, and vitamin E (BioAstin by Cyanotech) by mouth 3 times daily for 8 weeks does not reduce pain in people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Indigestion (dyspepsia) – Early research shows that taking 40 mg of astaxanthin (AstaCarox by AstaReal AB) daily for 4 weeks reduces reflux symptoms in people with indigestion. It seems to work best in people with indigestion due to H. pylori infection. A lower dose of 16 mg daily does not improve reflux symptoms. Neither dose reduces stomach pain, indigestion, or the amount of H. pylori bacteria in the stomach of people with indigestion.
• Muscle damage caused by exercise – Early research shows that taking 4 mg of astaxanthin for 90 days does not reduce muscle damage caused by exercise in male soccer players.
• Muscle soreness caused by exercise – Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, and safflower oil by mouth daily for 3 weeks does not reduce muscle soreness or improve muscle performance 4 days after exercise compared to taking only safflower oil.
• Exercise performance – Research regarding the effects of astaxanthin on exercise performance is conflicting. Some early research shows that taking 4 mg of astaxanthin for 4 weeks decreases the time needed to complete a cycling exercise in trained male athletes. But other research shows that using a higher dose of astaxanthin daily for 4 weeks does not improve the time needed to complete a timed exercise.
• High cholesterol – Early research suggests that taking 6-18 mg of astaxanthin (AstaReal Astaxanthin by Fuji Chemical Industry) daily for 12 weeks reduces blood fats called triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol in people with high cholesterol. Other early research shows that taking a combination of astaxanthin, berberine, policosanol, red yeast rice, coenzyme Q10, and folic acid by mouth for 4 weeks increases HDL cholesterol levels and lowers total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol, and triglycerides in people with abnormal cholesterol levels.
• Male infertility – Early research suggests that taking astaxanthin (AstaCarox by AstaReal AB) daily for 3 months increases the pregnancy rates of men considered to be infertile.
• Menopausal symptoms – Early research suggests that taking a product containing astaxanthin, vitamin D3, lycopene, and citrus bioflavonoids (MF Afragil by Cor.Con. International Srl) daily for 8 weeks reduces menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, joint pain, moodiness, and bladder problems.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – Early research shows that taking a product containing astaxanthin, lutein, vitamin A, vitamin E, and safflower oil (BioAstin by Cyanotech) 3 times daily for 8 weeks reduces pain and improves feelings of satisfaction in people with RA.
• Wrinkled skin – Early research shows that taking 2-3 mg of astaxanthin by mouth twice daily for 6 weeks improves skin elasticity and reduces fine lines and wrinkles in middle-aged women and men. It also seems to improve the moisture content in the skin. Specific astaxanthin products have been evaluated (Astavita Astaxanthin by Astavita; AstaReal Oil 50F by Fuji Chemical Industry). Other research shows that taking astaxanthin by mouth twice daily along with applying1 mL of astaxanthin cream to the face twice daily for 8 weeks improves the appearance of skin wrinkles.
• Eye Health – The structure of astaxanthin is similar to lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of nuclear cataracts. But, while similar, astaxanthin has a stronger antioxidant activity and UV-light protection effect, both of which point to it being an excellent supplement for eye health maintenance.
• Skin Health – Astaxanthin has been shown to help improve skin moisture levels, elasticity, and smoothness while reducing wrinkles, freckles, and spots.
• Wrinkled skin – Early evidence suggests that taking astaxanthin twice daily for 6 weeks improves skin elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles in middle-aged women. It also seems to improve the moisture content in the skin.
• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Parkinson’s disease.
• Improving recovery after stroke.
• Protecting against cancer.
• Reducing skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) light.
• Other conditions.
  Astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties have also been shown to help improve heart health, cellular health, and the body’s immune system.

Contra-Indications of Astaxanthin Supplement

The dosage of Astaxanthin Supplement

• The recommended adult oral dosage of Astaxanthin is 6 mg for eight weeks. However, no serious adverse events have been reported up to 19.25 mg of oral dosage and up to 29 days of treatment.
• For the treatment of sunburns, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and musculoskeletal injury, the recommended adult dosage is 2-12 mg/day for 2-6 months.
• For male infertility, an oral dosage of 16 mg/day for three months should be considered.

Drug Interaction of astaxanthin

Pregnancy & Lactation of Astaxanthin Suppliment

Not available data. In accordance with some specialist, it is contraindicated in pregnancy & Lactation

References

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