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Astaxanthin information and the latest published trials
Eyesight Rx for vision enhancement that works within a few days to improve day and night vision

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid made by plants and algae, and found in marine seafood such as salmon. This carotenoid is also available as a food supplement either by itself or combined with other carotenoids. Krill oil has a high amount of astaxanthin. There are hundreds or thousands of beneficial carotenoids in the diet, and astaxanthin is only one of many that are healthy to consume.

Buy Astaxanthin antioxidant carotenoid, Source Naturals, 2 mg, 60 Softgels

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid that is closely related to beta-carotene and Lutein. Because of its unique structure, astaxanthin provides a wide range of antioxidant benefits. Astaxanthin may play a role in the protection of cell membranes against free radical attack. Astaxanthin is a natural concentrate of marine algae Haematococcus pulvialis, which is cultivated in the warm waters of Hawaii. Recent studies have indicated that astaxanthin is more powerful than its carotenoid cousin, beta-carotene, at trapping singlet oxygen free radicals.


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Supplement Facts:
Haematococcus pluvialis Algae Extract [ AstaREAL ] 20 mg
Yielding: Astaxanthin - 2 mg *

* Astaxanthin daily value not established.
Suggested Use: 1 astaxanthin softgel a few times a week with meals.

Eyesight Rx with Astaxanthin for Better Vision
Supports Healthy Vision
Developed by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Unlike some vision products that provide nutrients and herbs for long term healthy eyesight support, and prevention of visual impairment, but don't seem to have much of an effect on visual acuity, Eyesight Rx was formulated to provide a quick and noticeable eyesight improvement within days.

Reports from Eyesight Rx users indicate enhanced clarity of vision, colors being brighter, better focus, and overall improvement in close and distance vision. We've had reports of some people noticing this effect within the first day, while most people notice improved eyesight after several days.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
Citrus bioflavonoids (eriocitrin, hesperidin, flavonols, flavones, naringenin, flavonoids, and quercetin)
Mixed carotenoids (astaxanthin, Lutein, carotene, cryptoxanthin, Lycopene, and Zeaxanthin)
Bilberry extract (Vaccinium myrtillus)
Eyebright extract (Euphrasia officianales)
Jujube extract (Zizyphus jujube)
Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo biloba)
Suma (Pfaffia paniculata)
Mucuna pruriens extract (Cowhage)
Cinammon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Wolfberry extract (Lycium Barbarum)

Astaxanthin benefits
Astaxanthin is likely to be beneficial in conditions where antioxidants and other carotenoids are helpful. Astaxanthin may inhibit 5-alpha reductase and thus could be useful in prostate health.

Astaxanthin as antioxidant protects fatty acids from oxidation
Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation.
Int J Vitam Nutr Res. 2007 Jan. Karppi J, Rissanen TH, Nyyssönen K, Kaikkonen J, Olsson AG, Voutilainen S, Salonen JT. Research Institute of Public Health, University of Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, FI-70211 Kuopio, Finland.
Astaxanthin, the main carotenoid pigment in aquatic animals, has greater antioxidant activity in vitro (protecting against lipid peroxidation) and a more polar configuration than other carotenoids. We investigated the effect of three-month astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation in healthy non-smoking Finnish men, aged 19-33 years by using a randomized double-blind study design. Also absorption from capsules into bloodstream and its safety were evaluated. The intervention group received two 4-mg astaxanthin (Astaxin) capsules daily, and the control group two identical-looking placebo capsules. The intestinal absorption of astaxanthin delivered as capsules is adequate, and well tolerated. Supplementation decreases in vivo oxidation of fatty acids in healthy men.

Dyspepsia, indigestion, gastritis
Efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in the treatment of functional dyspepsia in patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective, randomized, double blind, and placebo-controlled study.
Phytomedicine. 2008 Jun; Kupcinskas L, Lafolie P, Lignell A, Kiudelis G, Jonaitis L, Adamonis K, Andersen LP, Wadström T. Kaunas University of Medicine, 50009 Kaunas, Lithuania.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin in functional dyspepsia in different doses and compared with placebo. The study was a controlled, prospective, randomized, and double blind trial. Patients with functional dyspepsia, divided into three groups with 44 individuals in each group (placebo, 16mg, or 40mg astaxanthin, respectively). The primary objective was to test the hypothesis that the antioxidant astaxanthin at two doses regimens compared to placebo should ameliorate gastrointestinal discomfort in patients with functional dyspepsia, who were either positive or negative for Helicobacter pylori, after 4 weeks of treatment. In general, no curative effect of astaxanthin was found in functional dyspepsia patients. Significantly greater reduction of reflux symptoms were detected in patients treated with the highest dose of the natural antioxidant astaxanthin. The response was more pronounced in H. pylori-infected patients.

Fertility
Combined conventional/antioxidant "Astaxanthin" treatment for male infertility: a double blind, randomized trial.
Asian J Androl. 2005 Sep. Comhaire FH, El Garem Y, Mahmoud A, Eertmans F, Schoonjans F. Ghent University Hospital, Department of Medical and Urological Andrology, 9k12 IE, De Pintelaan, 185, B 9000, Gent, Belgium.
To evaluate the treatment of male infertility with a strong natural antioxidant, in addition to conventional treatment. Using a double blind, randomized trial design, 30 men with infertility of > or =2 months and female partners with no demonstrable cause of infertility received conventional treatment according to the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), and either a strong antioxidant Astaxanthin 16 mg/day (AstaCarox, AstaReal AB, Gustavsberg, Sweden) or placebo for 3 months. The effects of treatment on semen parameters, reactive oxygen species, zona-free hamster oocyte test, serum hormones including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Inhibin B, and spontaneous or intrauterine insemination (IUI)-induced pregnancies were evaluated. RESULTS: ROS and Inhibin B decreased significantly and sperm linear velocity increased in the Astaxanthin group (n = 11), but not in the placebo group (n = 19). The results of the zona-free hamster oocyte test tended to improve in the Astaxanthin group in contrast with the placebo group, though not reaching statistical significance. Although the present study suggests a positive effect of Astaxanthin on sperm parameters and fertility, the results need to be confirmed in a larger trial before recommending this supplement for the complementary treatment of infertile men.

Q. What do you think about this statement I read on a website: BioAstin Natural Astaxanthin is nature's strongest antioxidant. The antioxidant activity in this all-natural product is 550 times stronger than Vitamin E and 800 times stronger than CoQ10. The benefits of Astaxanthin include joint health, eye health, healthy immune system and increased energy levels? I take Astaxanthin and I will continue it. I don’t have a heart issue so I’m going to stop taking CoQ10. I am much more into holistic health.
   A. As of November 2009, there's little human research to determine the long term health benefits of taking astaxanthin pills. The potency of its antioxidant status that you mention appears to be quite exaggerated. Although this product may be helpful for joint health, eye health, immune system and energy, long term studies are not available to know whether the benefits are real, and whether adverse effects may occur.

Side effects
Astaxanthin supplements have not been used by humans long enough to know the full benefits and side effects. As such, I suggest not taking these pills more than two or three times a week.

Astaxanthin summary and review
There's little human research available regarding the exact health benefits of astaxanthin supplements. The ideal dosage of astaxanthin supplements is not known. However some of the astaxanthin research listed below is promising.

Astaxanthin Research studies
A preliminary investigation of the enzymatic inhibition of 5alpha-reduction and growth of prostatic carcinoma cell line LNCap-FGC by natural astaxanthin and Saw Palmetto lipid extract in vitro.
J Herb Pharmacother. 2005;5(1):17-26. Anderson ML.
Research and Development, Triarco Industries, Wayne, NJ 07470
Inhibition of 5alpha-reductase has been reported to decrease the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and possibly inhibit or help treat prostate cancer. Saw Palmetto berry lipid extract (SPLE) is reported to inhibit 5alpha-reductase and decrease the clinical symptoms of BPH. Epidemiologic studies report that carotenoids such as lycopene may inhibit prostate cancer. In this investigation the effect of the carotenoid astaxanthin, and SPLE were examined for their effect on 5alpha-reductase inhibition as well as the growth of prostatic carcinoma cells in vitro. The results show astaxanthin demonstrated 98% inhibition of 5alpha-reductase at 300 microg/mL in vitro. Alphastat, the combination of astaxanthin and SPLE, showed a 20% greater inhibition of 5alpha-reductase than SPLE alone n vitro. Low levels of carotenoid astaxanthin inhibit 5alpha-reductase and decrease the growth of human prostatic cancer cells in vitro. Astaxanthin added to SPLE shows greater inhibition of 5alpha-reductase than SPLE alone in vitro.

Prevention of diabetic nephropathy by treatment with astaxanthin in diabetic db/db mice.
Biofactors. 2004;20(1):49-59.
Oxidative stress is implicated as an important mechanism by which diabetes causes nephropathy. Astaxanthin, which is found as a common pigment in algae, fish, and birds, is a carotenoid with significant potential for antioxidative activity. In this study, we examined whether chronic administration of astaxanthin could prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy induced by oxidative stress in mice. The mice were divided into three groups as follows: non-diabetic, diabetic, and diabetic treated with astaxanthin. After 12 weeks of treatment, the astaxanthin -treated group showed a lower level of blood glucose compared with the non-treated db/db group. The results suggested that the antioxidative activity of astaxanthin reduced the oxidative stress on the kidneys and prevented renal cell damage. In conclusion, administration of astaxanthin might be a novel approach for the prevention of diabetes nephropathy.

Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals.
Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Jan;28(1):47-52.
Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant carotenoid that occurs in a wide variety of living organisms. We investigated, for the first time, antihypertensive effects of astaxanthin in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Oral administration of astaxanthin for 14 d induced a significant reduction in the arterial blood pressure (BP) in SHR but not in normotensive Wistar Kyoto (WKY) strain. The long-term administration of astaxanthin (50 mg/kg) for 5 weeks in stroke prone SHR (SHR-SP) induced a significant reduction in the BP. It also delayed the incidence of stroke in the SHR-SP. To investigate the action mechanism of astaxanthin, the effects on PGF(2alpha)-induced contractions of rat aorta treated with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were studied in vitro. Astaxanthin induced vasorelaxation mediated by nitric oxide (NO). The results suggest that the antihypertensive effect of astaxanthin may be due to a NO-related mechanism. astaxanthin also showed significant neuroprotective effects in ischemic mice, presumably due to its antioxidant potential. Pretreatment of the mice with astaxanthin significantly shortened the latency of escaping onto the platform in the Morris water maze learning performance test. In conclusion, these results indicate that astaxanthin can exert beneficial effects in protection against hypertension and stroke and in improving memory in vascular dementia.

Alpha-tocopherol and astaxanthin decrease macrophage infiltration, apoptosis and vulnerability in atheroma of hyperlipidaemic rabbits.
J Mol Cell Cardiol. 2004 Nov;37(5):969-78.
The composition of atherosclerotic plaques, not just macroscopical lesion size, has been implicated in their susceptibility to rupture and the risk of thrombus formation. By focusing on the quality of lipids, macrophages, apoptosis, collagen, metalloproteinase expression and plaque integrity, we evaluated the possible anti-atherosclerotic effect of the antioxidants alpha-tocopherol and astaxanthin in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. Thirty-one WHHL rabbits were divided into three groups and were fed a standard diet, as controls, or a standard diet with the addition of 500 mg alpha-tocopherol per kg feed or 100 mg astaxanthin per kg feed for 24 weeks. We found that both antioxidants, particularly astaxanthin, significantly decreased macrophage infiltration in the plaques although they did not affect lipid accumulation. All lesions in the astaxanthin treated rabbits were classified as early plaques according to the distribution of collagen and smooth muscle cells. Both antioxidants also improved plaque stability and significantly diminished apoptosis, which mainly occurred in macrophages, matrix metalloproteinase three expressions and plaque ruptures. Although neither antioxidant altered the positive correlations between the lesion size and lipid accumulation, the lesion size and apoptosis were only positively correlated in the control group. Astaxanthin and alpha-tocopherol may improve plaque stability by decreasing macrophage infiltration and apoptosis in this atherosclerotic setting. Apoptosis reduction by alpha-tocopherol and astaxanthin may be a new anti-atherogenic property of these antioxidants.

In vitro effects of astaxanthin combined with ginkgolide B on T lymphocyte activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from asthmatic subjects.
J Pharmacol Sci. 2004 Feb;94(2):129-36.
This study was undertaken to identify novel approaches to pharmacological treatment of asthma. Here we hypothesize that the platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist ginkgolide B in combination with the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin suppresses T cell activation comparably to two commonly-used antihistamines: cetirizine dihydrochloride and azelastine. These results suggest that astaxanthin and ginkgolide B may have application as novel antiasthmatic formulations.

Astaxanthin limits exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle damage in mice.
Antioxid Redox Signal. 2003 Feb;5(1):139-44.
Dietary antioxidants may attenuate oxidative damage from strenuous exercise in various tissues. Beneficial effects of the antioxidant astaxanthin have been demonstrated in vitro, but not yet in vivo. We investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with astaxanthin on oxidative damage induced by strenuous exercise in mouse gastrocnemius and heart. C57BL/6 mice (7 weeks old) were divided into groups: rested control, intense exercise, and exercise with astaxanthin supplementation. After 3 weeks of exercise acclimation, both exercise groups ran on a treadmill at 28 m/min until exhaustion. Exercise-increased 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-modified protein and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in gastrocnemius and heart were blunted in the astaxanthin group. Increases in plasma creatine kinase activity, and in myeloperoxidase activity in gastrocnemius and heart, also were lessened by astaxanthin. Astaxanthin showed accumulation in gastrocnemius and heart from the 3 week supplementation. Astaxanthin can attenuate exercise-induced damage in mouse skeletal muscle and heart, including an associated neutrophil infiltration that induces further damage.

Oral bioavailability of the antioxidant astaxanthin in humans is enhanced by incorporation of lipid based formulations.
Eur J Pharm Sci. 2003 Jul;19(4):299-304.
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties, synthesised by plants and algae, and distributed in marine seafood. Astaxanthin is also available as a food supplement, but, like other carotenoids, is a very lipophilic compound and has low oral bioavailability. However, astaxanthin bioavailability can be enhanced in the presence of fat.

Safety of an astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract: a randomized clinical trial.
J Med Food. 2003 Spring;6(1):51-6.
A growing body of scientific literature indicates that astaxanthin is a more powerful antioxidant than other carotenoids and vitamin E and may confer numerous health benefits. The purpose of this investigation was to conduct a human safety study with a Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract with high levels of astaxanthin. Thirty-five healthy adults age 35-69 years were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 8 weeks' duration. All participants took three gelcaps per day, one at each meal. Nineteen participants received gelcaps with an algal extract in safflower oil, containing 2 mg of astaxanthin each (treatment); 16 participants received gelcaps containing safflower oil only (placebo). Blood pressure and blood chemistry tests, including a comprehensive metabolic panel and cell blood count, were conducted at the beginning of the trial and after 4 and 8 weeks of supplementation. No significant differences were detected between the treatment and the placebo groups after 8 weeks of supplementation with astaxanthin in the parameters analyzed, except for serum calcium, total protein, and eosinophils. Although the differences in these three parameters were statistically significant, they were very small and are of no clinical importance. These results reveal that 6 mg of astaxanthin per day from a H. pluvialis algal extract can be safely consumed by healthy adults.

Haematococcus astaxanthin: applications for human health and nutrition.
Trends Biotechnol. 2003 May;21(5):210-6.
The carotenoid pigment astaxanthin has important applications in the nutraceutical, cosmetics, food and feed industries. Haematococcus pluvialis is the richest source of natural astaxanthin and is now cultivated at industrial scale. Astaxanthin is a strong coloring agent and a potent antioxidant - its strong antioxidant activity points to its potential to target several health conditions. This article covers the antioxidant, UV-light protection, anti-inflammatory and other properties of astaxanthin and its possible role in many human health problems. The research reviewed supports the assumption that protecting body tissues from oxidative damage with daily ingestion of natural astaxanthin might be a practical and beneficial strategy in health management.

Commercial potential for Haematococcus microalgae as a natural source of astaxanthin.
Trends Biotechnol. 2000 Apr;18(4):160-7.
As a result of high production costs, commercial products from microalgae must command high prices. Astaxanthin produced by Haematococcus is a product that has become a commercial reality through novel and advanced technology. Cultivation methods have been developed to produce Haematococcus containing 1.5-3.0% astaxanthin by dry weight, with potential applications as a pigment source in aquaculture, poultry feeds and in the worldwide nutraceutical market.

Supplier
Algatechnologies has AstaPure line of astaxanthin. The company's newest product is a form of vegetarian AstaPure beadlets. This gelatin-free astaxanthin solution, which eliminates any concern regarding the use of beef derivatives, can be used in tablets or hard shell capsules. Algatechnologies' AstaPure line also includes 10% astaxanthin oleoresin extracted by supercritical CO2 extraction, gelatin and cold water dispersible beadlets, which can be used in dietary supplements, in functional foods and in cosmetics. Astaxanthin, a natural red pigment and a powerful antioxidant, supports eye health, skincare health, CNS disorders, etc. The largest producer of natural astaxanthin for human consumption, Algatechnologies is located in Israel's Arava desert, an optimal location for algae cultivation due to the high light intensity in the area all year round.

Astaxanthin supplement emails
Q. I bought an astaxanthin product a few weeks ago. I notice there is a warning that this nutrient is not intended for long term use. What is the time period I can safely use astaxanthin?
   A. Each person is different in their need for astaxanthin, so it is impossible to say how long to take it, but a good option if your doctor approves is to take astaxanthin every other day and take one full week off each month. This is a very general guideline.

Q. The astaxanthin most likely being referred to above as "not intended for long term use" is derived from Pfaffia rhodozyma extract, not Haematococcus pluvialis (algae) which is the source of AstaREAL astaxanthin. AstaREA astaxanthin (derived from Haematococcus pluvialis) has been evaluated in multiple studies to determine its potential for adverse effects and genotoxicity. The lack of any adverse toxicological findings from any study on astaxanthin (derived from Haematococcus pluvialis) is supportive of a reasonable expectation of safety from its recommended use.
   A. Over decades of reviewing medical studies and research papers I have learned that results in lab studies or animals are not necessarily indicative of what happens when a human being takes the herbal extract or nutrient for prolonged periods. I do not recommend the non-stop daily use of any astaxanthin product until long term human studies are published. I stand by my recommendations listed above.

Q. Regarding the warning on "long term use"- what danger is there in taking astaxanthin in such a way? What constitutes "long term use"? I'm really excited about astaxanthin supplement but I don't want to overdose or hurt myself with it.
   A. Since there have not been long term studies with astaxanthin supplement use in humans, I don't know if there are risks to its use. I am very cautious and conservative in my approach, and I prefer to err on the side of safety and prevention. It is a good idea to take occasional breaks from use, For instance, if a person takes a week off each month then that might be a good idea.

Q. I am doing a little personal research on antioxidants. I came across information on astaxanthin, which seems very impressive. But as yet I have not been able to ascertain what it's ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) score is.
   A. I did a Medline search for the term " astaxanthin ORAC value " and did not find an answer.

Q. Regarding a question posed on about astaxanthin and ORAC value, Astaxanthin cannot be included in this area. ORAC is a measurement of "water soluble" antioxidant potential. Astaxanthin is an oil soluble compound. Furthermore, ORAC does not measure for "singlet oxygen" quenching, the type of active oxygen species that astaxanthin is so prolific at scavenging in the body.
   A. Thanks for this information. If there are other chemists who have studied this topic in detail I would appreciate your input.

Q. I saw this supplement "Astaxanthin, 2 mg 60 softgels." I just wanted to know before buying it , if these soft gels are made from  pork gelatin. If yes, unfortunately i might not be able to take it , In that case can you please recommend me any other supplement with high dose of astaxanthin but at the same time animal especially pork gelatin-FREE.
   A. I am not familiar with an astaxanthin supplement without gelatin, but there may be some if you do a google search.

Q. A question was asked about the derivation of the gelatin in some astaxanthin softgels and if that gelatin is pork derived. In addition to 2% AstaREAL Astaxanthin powder and 10% AstaREAL Astaxanthin oil, Fuji Health Science offers finished non-porcine (bovine) softgels in 2mg, 4mg and 6mg types. Fuji Health Science also offers a 4mg finished vegetarian capsule (V-Cap) for those who prefer non-animal derived capsules.

Suppliers
I work for Fuji Health Science, the AstaREAL astaxanthin people. I was recently browsing your website and came across the page where you discuss astaxanthin. I would like to offer some information that I think you'll find helpful as it relates to the health benefits, safety and condition specific uses of AstaREAL astaxanthin. AstaReal is the Fuji brand of astaxanthin extracted from haematococcus pluvialis by a solvent free supercritical CO2 extraction process. Contains esterified astaxanthin complex including other carotenoids: Lutein, Canthaxanthin and -carotene.
   We'd like to make Dr Sahelian aware that Fuji has just published our 9th clinical study related to Astaxanthin and cardiovascular benefit. Attached is the press release detailing the body of science along with a full text copy of the most recent Yoshida 2009 study. In this study, 12 mg of AstaREAL was shown to increase HDL, lower blood serum triglycerides and elevate blood adiponectin levels. Joe Kuncewitch National Sales Manager Fuji Health Science, Inc. 3 Terri Lane, Unit 12
Burlington, NJ 08016 USA.
   A new human clinical study conducted at Jikei University, Japan showing a positive relationship between AstaREAL astaxanthin supplementation and cardiovascular health has been accepted for publication by the Atherosclerosis Journal and is currently in Press and available on line. (Yoshida, H. et al.) With astaxanthin supplementation at a dose of 12mg per day this randomized, placebo-controlled study showed a significant decrease in blood serum triglyceride and increase in HDL-cholesterol levels with a corresponding increase in serum adiponectin, independent of age and BMI. This study joins a growing arsenal of research involving the study of AstaREAL astaxanthin in the area of cardiovascular benefit conducted throughout the world including Japan, Europe and the US. Three separate studies were performed at Toyama Medical & Pharmaceutical University, Japan showing a significant decrease in blood pressure with delayed onset of stroke in spontaneous hypertensive rats. (Hussein et al. 2005 & 2006). Another study conducted at Georgetown University Medical Center, USA also showed a decrease in blood pressure in Zucker Fatty Rats. (Preuss et al. 2008). The studies at both Toyama and Georgetown also explored the mechanism of action for blood pressure reduction. A human blood rheology study, performed in Japan, (Miyawaki et al. 2005) demonstrated that AstaREAL astaxanthin supplementation significantly increased peripheral capillary blood flow.