Astaxanthin is an extremely powerful antioxidant that is mainly found in red algae. Because this algae is a favorite food of salmon, it is responsible for providing wild salmon’s signature dark pink color. Farm raised salmon are naturally much lighter in color because they don’t get the benefit of eating this important nutrient. Astaxanthin is also found in yeast, trout, krill, shrimp and other crustaceans.
Astaxanthin supplements are widely available and can be found in minimally processed fish oils such as Wholemega. Whenever fish oil is purified or processed, it takes away the naturally occurring antioxidants that you would get if you ate the fish itself. Some fish oils such as Oceans 3 actually add extra astaxanthin back to the product to boost its benefits.
So what exactly does astaxanthin do for us?
Due to it’s antioxidant properties, this carotenoid can help fight off free radical damage and according to a new study, it even appears to decrease inflammation and boost the immune system.
Healthy females (averaged 21.5 yr) received 0, 2, or 8 mg astaxanthin per day for 8 weeks in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Immune response was assessed on wk 0, 4 and 8, and tuberculin test performed on wk 8. Results show an increase in the activity of their immune response and a decrease in specific markers of inflammation including plasma C-reactive protein.
Astaxanthin has also been shown to decrease acid reflux, aid in prostate health, inhibit cancer cell growth and prevent fatty acid oxidation in animal studies. So far research is very promising, but as always, more long term human trials are needed to understand its full range of benefits.
–Nicole Gould, RD LD
