A new study suggests taking astaxanthin supplements or eating foods high in astaxanthin may help slow brain aging.  Liu Xuebo and colleagues conducted the study and found astaxanthin as a carotenoid pigment restored the activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase and increased glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in animals.  The increased antioxidant capacity attenuated oxidative stress, which promotes brain aging and hippocampus damage.  Early studies also found astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that can protect against inflammation and neuron damage. (DL) Wanqiang Wu,   Xin Wang,   Qisen Xiang,   Xu Meng,   Ye Peng,   Na Du,   Zhigang Liu,   Quancai Sun,   Chan Wang and Xuebo Liu*, (2014), Astaxanthin alleviates brain aging in rats by attenuating oxidative stress and increasing BDNF levels, Food & Function