Astaxanthin: Algae’s Little Miracle Nutrient

Wednesday May 27, 2009 (foodconsumer.org) --- Astaxanthin, a component of microalgae, is apparently a miracle nutrient, according to naturalnews.com. In a recent report, the website compiled data from different studies that highlight the different properties of astaxanthin, which include its wrinkle fighting abilities, anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to reduce cell damage.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, which is a chemical pigment synthesized by algae, plants and certain bacteria. It occurs in microalgae as well as in some fish, yeast, crustaceans and even in some birds’ feathers. Astaxanthin is well known to prevent skin damage that can be caused by ultraviolet light. However, naturalnews.com has found that this little pigment has many more benefits than meet the eye.

Astaxanthin, in fact, protects mitochondria - the powerhouses of the cell - by absorbing free radicals. Mitochondria are the parts of the cell that convert food to energy using ATP, or adenosine triphosphate. When this occurs, free radicals, or electrons that aren’t attached to anything, can hurt mitochondria. Astaxanthin protects against this.

Astaxanthin can also pass through the blood-brain barrier and protect neurons against free radicals. Naturalnews.com reports that scientists in Japan found that when astaxanthin was administered before a series of neurotoxins, it had a neuro-protective effect (a neurotoxic agent kills neurons; a neuro-protective agent protects neurons, as astaxanthin does).

It turns out that astaxanthin has a number of other benefits as well. One study in Japan found that astaxanthin and flavangenol, an extract found in a pine bark in France, helped reduce “lipid peroxide levels of plasma, lens, and plasma triglyceride levels in the mix group” (naturalnews.com). Studies in Rome, Japan, China and across other areas have found that astaxanthin has anti-carcinogenic (cancer fighting) properties. Other studies indicate that it helps reduce complications. A study out of the University of Hawaii suggests that astaxanthin may have anti-inflammatory properties. Now, the University of Minnesota found that it even helps the immune system.

Astaxanthin has a wide number of truly beneficial properties, and naturalnews.com reports that a primary producer of the carotenoid lists a number of patents on its website. It is starting to find its way into beauty and healthcare products. This little carotenoid may indeed be a miracle nutrient. For more information please visit http://www.naturalnews.com/026309.html.

(By Will Levine, and edited by Heather Kelley)