Astaxanthin (ASX)
Updated April 8, 2023
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Astaxanthin is molecule that is ubiquitous in nature. It is a reddish pigment that was first discovered in lobster shells in 1938. Its main source is microalgae/phytoplankton which then accumulates in ocean creatures.
Currently, 95% of ASX available in the market is produced synthetically using petrochemicals due to cost-efficiency for mass production. Safety issues have arisen regarding the use of synthetic ASX for human consumption; that for humans is grown using bacteria.
ASX is related to other carotenoids, such as zeaxanthin, lutein, and carotene; therefore, it shares numerous metabolic and physiological functions attributed to carotenoids. However, ASX is more bioactive than zeaxanthin, lutein, and B-carotene and has higher antioxidant activity.
ASX preserves the integrity of cell membranes by inserting itself in their bilayers, protects the redox state and functional integrity of mitochondria, and demonstrates benefits mostly at a very modest dietary intake, since its strongly polar nature optimizes the rate and extent of its absorption.
Astaxanthin Suppresses Cigarette Smoke-Induced Emphysema through Nrf2 Activation in Mice.2019.r
Clinical Applications of Astaxanthin in the Treatment of Ocular Diseases-Emerging Insights.2020.r
On the Neuroprotective Role of Astaxanthin–New Perspectives.2018.italy.r
Astaxanthin citationsCited In for PMID_ 10775364 – Search Results – PubMed
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