- Researchers found that supplementing with astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis (microalgae) extract lead to improvements in cognitive function in older individuals who complained of age-related forgetfulness
- Scientists now believe astaxanthin could help prevent dementia, including Alzheimer’s, help prevent neurodegeneration associated with oxidative stress, as well as make a potent natural “brain food”
- Astaxanthin exhibits some of the most potent antioxidant activity currently known; it positions itself across the entire cell membrane, attaching itself to both the exterior, interior, as well as the entire lipid layer, thereby offering global protection for each cell
- Due to the limited food sources of astaxanthin, it can be difficult to get enough from diet alone; recommended dosages are included, and range from 2-12 mg/day, depending on health status and targeted health condition
As you might suspect, an antioxidant with this kind of power can have an extraordinary impact on health; more studies are being published all the time about this incredible nutrient. Here are just some of the ways astaxanthin can positively impact your health, according to the latest research:
Boosting your immune function Improving endurance, workout performance and recovery Improving cardiovascular health by reducing C-Reactive Proteins (CRP), reducing triglycerides, and increasing beneficial HDL Helping to stabilize blood sugar, thereby protecting your kidneys Greatly protecting your eyes from cataracts, macular degeneration, and blindness Relieving indigestion and reflux Protecting your brain from dementia and Alzheimer’s Improving fertility by increasing sperm strength and sperm count Reducing your risk for many types of cancer (including cancers of the breast, colon, bladder and mouth) by stimulating apoptosis (cancer cell death) and inhibiting lipid peroxidation Helping to prevent sunburn, and protecting you from the damaging effects of radiation (i.e., flying in airplanes, x-rays, CT scans, etc.) Improving recovery from spinal cord and other central nervous system injuries Reducing oxidative damage to your DNA Reducing inflammation from all causes, including arthritis and asthma Reducing symptoms from pancreatitis, multiple sclerosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and Lou Gehrig’s disease, and neurodegenerative diseases
HOW MUCH ASTAXANTHIN DO YOU NEED TO PROTECT YOUR BRAIN?
Unless you are a flamingo or some other marine animal, you are probably not getting very much astaxanthin from your diet alone because there are only two prime sources: microalgae and sea creatures that consume the algae (such as salmon, shellfish, red trout and krill). Compared gram for gram:
- Salmon contains 5-40 parts per million of astaxanthin
- Krill contains about 120 parts per million of astaxanthin
- Shrimp provides about 1,200 parts per million, and
- Microalgae (H. pluvalis) contains 40,000 parts per million
I have mentioned astaxanthin in reference to krill oil, which has been my preferred source of animal-based omega-3 fats for many years now, because krill oil naturally contains astaxanthin (about 1 milligram (mg) per serving). The typical dose of astaxanthin when taken in supplement form is 2-4 milligrams, but emerging evidence suggests many people probably need more, depending on their health status.
Based on my discussions with Dr. Corish, I increased my own dosage to 8 mg a day and I’m considering increasing it to 12 mg, which he believes is the optimal dose for both brain and heart health. Dr. Corish explained:
“We have found that there is an abnormal accumulation of hydroperoxides within red blood cells in people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s. We now know that if you give these patients astaxanthin, the amount of peroxides – these harmful free radicals – is reduced by 50 percent. That’s a significant reduction, and that is at a dose of 12 milligrams.
…I take 12 milligrams. I want to have this essential nervous protection. I want the cardiovascular protection and also because of my activities. I have increased energy. It protects my mitochondria.
You know, we are bombarded by such an amount of free radicals. The free radicals that come from the environment, those in our food, pesticides, herbicides, environmental smoke, and excessive sunlight. If I know that I’m going to be out playing golf for more than a couple of hours, I definitely want some protection. And astaxanthin provides that internal protection.
I think 12 milligrams really covers everything.
If you want to just take it as a general antioxidant coverage, I believe between four and six milligrams will be adequate. If you want it for skin, two to four milligrams would be adequate. Once again, depending on the condition that you are really trying to target, you can tailor your dose.”
Fortunately, astaxanthin has a flawless safety record. No harmful side effects have been noted in any of the safety studies performed. If you were to take very high doses (about 50 mg a day, which I don’t currently recommend) your skin may take on an orange hue, but this is simply a cosmetic change and will not harm your health in any way.
This article is by. Dr. Mercola and you can read the whole article at:
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