Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Astaxanthin is a super-powerful antioxidant with broad-spectrum, system-wide health benefits. It acts on at least five different inflammation pathways.
I began taking 12 mg. of this Astaxanthin in a gelcap last year in time for summer for 2 reasons: internal UV sun protection and improved skin quality. It’s been shown to:
- Protect cells from UVA light-induced oxidative stress [pg. 14]
- Works as an internal sunscreen and gives skin a natural (very subtle) red/brown pigment
- Improve skin elasticity
- Reduce visible signs of UV-aging within four to six weeks of use [ pg. 13]
But it gets better.
Science Direct tells us the combination of astaxanthin’s high-potency antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties allows it to address a vast array of health concerns. It also contains potent biological activity against cardiovascular diseases, immune system ailments, and cancers (Ambati et al., 2014).
There is a reason astaxanthin is so anti-aging!
Salmon, crab, and lobsters that eat krill gain that lovely pink/red color from this compound. In fact, some scientists believe it is astaxanthin that gives salmon the strength and endurance to make their epic 5-7 day swim to spawn upstream.
They get it from the microalgae haematococcus pluvialis, which is part of their diet. Whenever this algae’s cells are under stress, such as lack of food, water, intense sunlight and heat, or bitter cold, they produce astaxanthin as a defense mechanism. Amazingly, this allows the cells to survive for up to 40 years in a dormant state, until conditions improve and they go back into their green, motile stage.
Many are finding this VERY helpful when they have to fly a lot or are under inordinate stress such as a marathon race or lifestyle.
Astaxanthin is more powerful than other antioxidants
Research has shown that astaxanthin is the most powerful at scavenging free radicals. Like vitamin E and vitamin A, it is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidation. Astaxanthin’s unique structure is incorporated into the cell wall and serves to potentiate the master cell antioxidant glutathione. Studies have shown that astaxanthin is:
- 14 times more powerful than vitamin E at free radical scavenging
- 65 times more powerful than vitamin C
- 54 times more powerful than beta-carotene
“When we started producing astaxanthin for human consumption, our employees started taking it. Those that surfed came back to us and said, ‘Hey, I’m not getting sunburned anymore. I’m not putting my suntan lotion on. I’m not getting burned. This stuff seems to help protect me from the sun.’ And the sun is more intense in Hawaii. We did a clinical trial, and sure enough, taking astaxanthin – the study we did was only four milligrams, over two weeks… actually did provide significant protection against UV radiation.” ~Dr. Gerald Cysewski, UC Santa Barbara, a leading authority on large-scale production of microalgae, including the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, from which astaxanthin is produced.
Astaxanthin displays protection against UVA-induced DNA damage. It simply protects your skin against damage. It can also can handle multiple free radicals simultaneously. “It does this by forming an electron cloud around the molecule. When free radicals try to steal electrons from the astaxanthin molecule, they’re simply absorbed into and neutralized by this electron cloud, all at once.” Dr. Cysewski continues:
“Astaxanthin can also cross the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection to both the brain and the eyes. That’s where you need a carotenoid.”
Some commercial fisheries add synthetically-produced astaxanthin to their fish feed, in order to help give their fish the same appearance as fish caught in the wild. The synthetic form is produced from petrochemicals – the same as you put into your car.
Astaxanthin Works in ALL Cells
“One of astaxanthin’s most unique features is its ability to protect both water- and fat-soluble parts of the cell. Carotenoids are typically divided into water-soluble or fat-soluble, but astaxanthin belongs to an in-between group that can interface between both water and fat.
“This means the astaxanthin molecule can affect and expand the biolipid membrane of ALL cells. It’s not simply floating around in your bloodstream; it actually integrates into the cellular membrane.” (source)
Astaxanthin is not a fad.
My Supplementation
I am always looking for ways to strengthen my health. 1 gelcap (12 mg.) of BioAstin/day, taken at a meal with some fat, especially in spring and summer is one supplement I may take forever. Other supplements I’ve taken continually through the years include:
- zinc (the intelligence mineral)
- turmeric in the form of either golden paste or from my bulk tub
- NOW brand NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine)(with selenium and Molybdenum which is crucial for detoxification)
- ALA/ALC (this is very anti-aging and helps with cognitive function)
- milk thistle 1-2/day (boosts glutathione and helps liver detox pathways)
- elderberry tincture or elderberry syrup (only when feeling I’m getting a bug or rundown)
- methylfolate for my MTHFR snp/defect (my post on MTHFR here)
- lots of Himalayan pink salt (salt sole for wide spectrum of trace minerals)
At 67, this is my regimen. I’m pretty disciplined about it, and so is my husband. We are not on any medications and eat simply (non-processed, organic whole foods and “clean” pastured meats and eggs). An attitude of thanksgiving and prayer helps. Honestly, we have given up on the traditional medical system, do not get our advice there and haven’t for years. We have a naturopath instead. Our challenges with Lyme’s are over and my high C-reactive protein is a thing of the past.
Though my reason for starting astaxanthin was for internal sun protection, I will keep it in my arsenal for the incredibly wide range of benefits it offers.
“Mainstream medicine would be way different if they focused on prevention even half as much as they focused on intervention…” ~Anonymous
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Thanks for reading!
Charlotte Moore says
Where do you buy this? This sounds amazing.
Jacqueline says
Hi, Charlotte. Good to ‘see’ you, friend.
I found out I didn’t have it linked very well in the post, so thank you for bringing it to my attention. Here’s the link to the product I think is the best: https://amzn.to/31iTFVm
I hope you are having a great spring! Love you! ~Jacqueline
Mrs.M says
Thanks for such an informative post! I will have to try this, as I enjoy Irish/English/Scottish ancestry and the fair burn prone skin that comes with it, lol.
You mention you see a naturopath. I am looking for a new doctor, someone whose first reaction is not to reach for the prescription pad. I want someone who will help me seek natural treatments to truly address the underlying causes and not just treat the symptoms. However, I also recognize there are times when contemporary medicine is called for, such as surgery or antibiotics, but I want those to be the last resort not the first. Do you have any suggestions for finding such a doctor? I’m not even sure what the search terms I should be using are. What sort of titles or terms should I be looking for online?
In addition, my husband and I are looking to start a family soon. I assume you need a separate OBGYN for having babies, right? Or is it possible to find family doctors who do that part of things as well? I would love to have just one family doctor who we can really get to know but I don’t know if that is a reasonable expectation.
Jacqueline says
Hi, Mrs. M! I will try to help. I would look for someone who is a functional doctor or an integrative doctor. This might be a good place to start: https://draxe.com/top-50-functional-integrative-medical-doctors/ to give a bigger picture. This may also be a place to look for someone local: https://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=60
We found out naturopath in this database: https://consolidatedwellness.com/referrals.php She uses energy medicine with a electrodermal scanner, a FDA approved diagnostic tool.
Also, put in your zip code here: https://www.healthprofs.com/us/naturopaths?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyLC90bDY4gIVF57ACh0ktQDHEAAYASAAEgIqMfD_BwE
Pray first and ask the Lord to guide you and close doors in it is not a good practitioner. Look for someone who is not leaning new age, and ask their philosophy of medicine on the phone so you don’t waste your time or money. I hope this helps a little. God bless you! J
Mrs. M says
Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it.
Jacqueline says
You are welcome, Mrs. M! Glad to help. Blessings!
Katie says
Hi Jacqueline! This probiotic supplement (link below) might be worth your research. I have tried various probiotic supplements and lots of home fermented vegetables and drinks over the years without improvement (except for milk kefir). Homeopathy helped my health a lot. Some of my health problems have gradually returned, though not as severe as before using homeopathic medicine. I decided to try this MegaSporeBiotic, a bit out of desperation, and I’ve been using it for about a month. I’m noticing some improvement already, but can’t give an official report yet. Just thought you might be interested. I never knew, before reading the article below, that probiotics do not survive long enough to repopulate the intestinal lining.
https://rebelhealthtribe.com/probiotic/
Take care!
Katie
Jacqueline says
Hi, Katie! Thank you for sharing this here! It may be helpful to to others here, too! I will look into it and am so glad it his helping you!! God bless you! ~J
Patricia Sisk says
Hello! I am also 67 years and have purchased the Astaxanthin. I’m anxious to see if it makes a difference, as my husband has had several small basal cell spots removed and has a family history of melanoma.
I have a recent diagnosis of osteopenia and would love to know what you recommend to build bones, as opposed to the drugs on the market.
Thank you for what you do!
Patricia
Jacqueline says
Patricia, funny you should ask today! My husband and I are 67 and 68, and we are starting B12 injections. I’m not sure the frequency (once q week or once a month) or the dosage yet. But it is helpful for bones. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446754/ Also, we are using Virxcan one at a time (see my post) for my husbands multiple basal and squamous cell lesions on his back and neck. (we love how easily they come off and the root apparently does. too). It doesn’t work on melanomas to my knowledge, but the Astaxanthin hopefully will. https://deeprootsathome.com/black-salve-anecdotal-healing-skin-cancer-warts-moles/ I have also made and drank bone broth for years made from pastured, organic, grass-fed beef bones which has helped with healing our guts and strengthening our bones and teeth.
I hope this helps, friend!
Blessings, J
Katie says
The best things I know of for bone health would be to consume raw milk and bone broth daily and using homeopathic remedies to heal bones. I’ve been learning about homeopathy through http://www.joettecalabrese.com for a few years and many of my fellow students use homeopathic cell salts for bones and teeth problems. They usually combine the cell salts Calcarea phosphorica 6X (Calc phos), Calcarea fluorica 6X (Calc fluor), and Silica 6X (also called Silicea) and take those together two or three times daily, 15 minuets away from food & drink with a clean mouth. Many of my fellow students have used these cell salts to heal cavities and other bone problems.
Phyllis May says
I know that you can apply Astaxanthin topically to the face. Can you use the serum in the pill or do you recommend another topical source. I have started taking this supplement & can definitely see & feel a difference.
Thank you.
Jacqueline says
Hi, Phyllis,
I have not used one topically, and just did a bit of looking for you. I did not see one for the face I would recommend at this time. I plan to stay with the gelcaps and do 2 a day: https://amzn.to/309WaM3
Expensive but worth it for the full range of what it does!
I hope that helps! ~J
Phyllis says
Do you take 2 12mg a day?
Jacqueline says
Hi, Phyllis, yes, some days I do. When flying and working in the sun in the garden! Hugs, J