An easy guide to astaxanthin
Ever wondered why flamingoes are pink? Ever asked yourself how algae can use photosynthesis without getting damaged by the sun’s rays? Probably not. But the answer is astaxanthin, a naturally red pigment with unbelievable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. Pacific wild salmon, shrimps, crabs and lobsters are all red because of astaxanthin and like a benign MI6 agent, it’s main job is protection.
Most of us have a vague idea about the importance of antioxidants. The crucial vitamins and minerals that protect and repair damage from free radicals - unavoidable toxic molecules that cause ageing, inflammation and physical damage to our bodies. Astaxanthin, generated naturally by certain microalgae, is an extremely potent antioxidant estimated to be 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C alone. This potency allows it to protect the body both inside and out.
Size matters. Astaxanthin is a more powerful antioxidant than Vitamins C & E because its unique molecular structure allows it to span across the cell membrane, so it can protect both the lipid bilayer and the inner cell membrane from oxidative damage. Astaxanthin also improves the effect of the antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase-1, which breaks down damaging lipid peroxidases.
Antioxidant reactions are mainly controlled by something called Nrf2. Astaxanthin supplementation has been shown to restrict DNA damage and cell death by increasing Nrf2 and Phase 2 detoxification enzymes such as NAD(P)H dehydrogenase.
As well as its antioxidant powers, astaxanthin also influences cellular signalling pathways to inhibit the release of inflammatory causing compounds such as TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6
A 2008 study found that taking astaxanthin for as little as 10 days was enough to significantly shorten blood transit time, reducing high blood pressure. It is thought the astaxanthin in the red blood cell membranes helps improve their flexibility. By increasing the bioavailability of nitric oxide through lower oxidative stress, astaxanthin has also been associated with vasodilation and inhibiting platelet clumping that can cause thrombosis.
Apart from eating copious amounts of algae, salmon, lobster or red shrimp, the best way to get the benefits of this amazing nutrient is to take a liposomal supplement. And the reason that liposomal is important is that it stops the astaxanthin from degrading. Because it’s a carotenoid, long periods of storage, exposure to oxygen, light and heat can all degrade astaxanthin.
It’s fat soluble, again making our liposomal encapsulation the best form of supplement available. Avoid cheaper synthetic astaxanthin. It’s usually made from petrochemicals and is a chemically different form, which will not be able to have the same effects once inside the body. You can take astaxanthin any time of day or night.
As with all supplements, anyone taking medications or with pre-existing health concerns should always check with their doctor first before starting any new supplement regime. We would urge particular caution for anyone on immune-support, blood-thinning or blood-pressure lowering medications. Also cholesterol and blood sugar lowering medications may interact with astaxanthin. This also applies to herbs such as ginkgo biloba.
Anyone pregnant or breast-feeding should also always check with their health care provider first. We don’t want to see a generation of bright pink toddlers standing on one leg in their nearest pond.
Each capsule contains 10mg of astaxanthin, combined with our signature liposomal delivery for 4x higher absorption vs. conventional supplements.
Zooki Astaxanthin is sugar free, dairy free, gluten free, soy free and contains zero artificial ingredients. To see the full list, navigate to the product page, scroll up to the top of the page and click the "Nutritional information" link placed just above the price of the product.
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in certain algae and seafood like salmon, shrimp, and krill. Known for its vibrant red-orange colour, it is also a powerful antioxidant with potent health benefits, including supporting skin health, aiding joint health, and fighting free radicals.
Take one capsule daily, any time day or night.
We always recommend people who are pregnant or breastfeeding check with a medical professional before they take any new dietary supplement.
Zooki Astaxanthin is free from gluten, soy, dairy and alcohol.
Yes, Zooki Astaxanthin is perfectly suitable for vegetarians and vegans alike.
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