{"id":13832,"date":"2025-04-01T05:37:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T22:37:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=13832"},"modified":"2025-04-01T05:37:15","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T22:37:15","slug":"astaxanthin-how-one-nutrient-can-support-your-brain-heart-vision-and-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=13832","title":{"rendered":"Astaxanthin: How One Nutrient Can Support Your Brain, Heart, Vision, and Skin"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/blog\/stay-healthy-by-eating-the-colors-of-the-rainbow-summer-edition\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eating the rainbow<\/a>&#8221; is more than just a trend to get Instagram-worthy photos at every meal. Vibrant and bright foods contain various\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/what-are-phytonutrients\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">phytonutrients<\/a> that help your body in a number of ways, often thanks to their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/blog\/antioxidants\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">antioxidant<\/a>-like and anti-inflammatory properties. There are thousands of these phytonutrients out there, and we&#8217;re highlighting one in particular \u2014 astaxanthin.<\/p>\n<p>What is it? Hint: It might have you seeing red, so to speak. And in case you&#8217;re wondering, it&#8217;s pronounced <em data-redactor-tag=\"em\">ahs-<\/em><em data-redactor-tag=\"em\">theh-zan-than.<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What-Is-Astaxanthin?\">\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>What Is Astaxanthin?<\/h2>\n<p>\u201cAstaxanthin is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/12134711\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">carotenoid<\/a>,&#8221; says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, owner of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutritionnowcounseling.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nutrition Now Counseling<\/a>. \u201cCarotenoids are what give foods like watermelon and tomatoes their vibrant color.&#8221; They come in bright shades of red, orange, and yellow and include beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and the star of the hour \u2014 astaxanthin.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAstaxanthin is found in certain algae and naturally pink or red seafood, such as salmon and shrimp,&#8221; says Manaker. Fun fact: It&#8217;s what makes <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4639753\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">flamingos pink<\/a> because of the algae, shrimp, and other crustaceans they eat!<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Where-Does-Astaxanthin-Come-From?\">\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>Astaxanthin Foods<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-168238\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/12130337\/astaxanthin-600-sources.jpg\" alt=\"Overhead Shot of Foods High in Astaxanthin | Astaxanthin\" width=\"600\" height=\"319\" \/><\/p>\n<p>While astaxanthin supplements are common, this antioxidant-like compound is also naturally occurring in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3917265\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">many foods<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Salmon<\/li>\n<li>Rainbow trout<\/li>\n<li>Shrimp<\/li>\n<li>Crayfish<\/li>\n<li>Quail<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/blog\/chlorella-vs-spirulina\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Microalgae<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Fungi<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/topics\/agricultural-and-biological-sciences\/haematococcus-pluvialis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Algae<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Yeast<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/blog\/krill-oil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Krill<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Sea bream<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"What-Are-the-Benefits-of-Astaxanthin?\">\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>What Are the Benefits of Astaxanthin?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-168237\" src=\"https:\/\/bod-blog-assets.prod.cd.beachbodyondemand.com\/bod-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/12130332\/astaxanthin-600-pills.jpeg\" alt=\"Close Up Shots of Astaxanthin Pills | Astaxanthin\" width=\"601\" height=\"399\" \/><br \/>\nThe\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/16431409\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">benefits of astaxanthin<\/a> have been researched for decades \u2014 but most of the studies have been either too small to draw definitive conclusions or were done on animals, not humans. It has been studied for its potential impact on eye, heart, immune, and gut health. Here&#8217;s a look at some of the research on this carotenoid.<\/p>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>1. Antioxidant support<\/h3>\n<p>Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant-like compound, which can help support wellness in the body, explains Rizzo. This is beneficial to address many health concerns.<\/p>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>2. Brain health<\/h3>\n<p>Astaxanthin is notable for being able to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6117702\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">cross the blood-brain barrier<\/a>. And, with its antioxidant-like and anti-apoptotic (meaning supporting cell health) properties, it has been studied for its impact on the brain. Specifically, researchers have looked at \u201cits role in reducing natural oxidative damage in the brain that is associated with aging,&#8221; says <a href=\"https:\/\/greenletes.com\/about-me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Natalie Rizzo<\/a>, MS, RD, author of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/greenletes.com\/the-no-brainer-nutrition-guide-for-every-runner\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em>The No-Brainer Nutrition Guide For Every Runner<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>3. Heart health<\/h3>\n<p>Astaxanthin has been studied for heart health because of its ability to help reduce oxidative stress.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3083660\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Experimental studies<\/a> suggest that it may be beneficial in supporting heart health, but human studies are lacking, says Rizzo. \u201cMore research is currently being conducted, but the results look promising.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>4. May enhance athletic performance<\/h3>\n<p>There are a few human studies that may suggest that astaxanthin can help with your workouts. After six months of participants taking either 4 mg of astaxanthin or a placebo, those who took the supplement showed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC10608541\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">three times more improvement<\/a> in their squat endurance.<\/p>\n<p>There are also some\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4277001\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">animal studies<\/a>\u00a0that may suggest an athletic benefit, and &#8220;supplementing with astaxanthin may increase increase time to exhaustion,&#8221; Rizzo says. In a 45-day study conducted with rats, it was found that those who were given the supplement delayed time to exhaustion in a swim test by 29 percent.<\/p>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>5. Vision<\/h3>\n<p>In human research, it was found that participants who took astaxanthin in conjunction with lutein and other nutrients had\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4997915\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">lessened eye strain<\/a>, compared to those who took a placebo.<\/p>\n<p>And in two studies performed on mice, it appeared to support healthy vision by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/18812030\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">protecting retinal cells<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>6. Skin health<\/h3>\n<p>Astaxanthin has gained a reputation among those looking for\u00a0flawless skin. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/22428137\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Two human studies<\/a>\u00a0saw that taking and applying astaxanthin topically could help keep your skin glowing \u2014 subjects saw improvements in skin moisture and elasticity, as well as a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.<\/p>\n<p>Then a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5946307\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2018 research review<\/a> found that taking it showed positive effects on the skin, but it notes that further study was needed to rule out other factors.<\/p>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>7. Immune health<\/h3>\n<p>While human research is lacking,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3917265\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">studies on animals<\/a> suggest that astaxanthin may help the body produce more antibodies and natural killer cells, which support the immune system, says Rizzo. This may be why it&#8217;s sometimes compared with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.beachbodyondemand.com\/blog\/5-vitamin-c-rich-foods-to-eat-that-arent-oranges\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">vitamin C<\/a>, she added, since the latter\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/12569111\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">is also an antioxidant<\/a>\u00a0and is known to play a key role in immune system health.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What-Are-Astaxanthin's-Side-Effects?\">\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>What Are Astaxanthin&#8217;s Side Effects?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-179900\" src=\"https:\/\/bodiblog.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/astaxanthin-600-side-effects.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There&#8217;s little need to worry about astaxanthin side effects.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGenerally speaking, ingesting this carotenoid is safe, especially if taken in food form,&#8221; says Manaker. \u201cSome have reported experiencing red stool when taking it in supplement form. In my opinion, there is little downside to taking in this carotenoid.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>But take note of this red alert: If you have a seafood allergy or dietary restriction, always check the label to confirm the source of the supplement, cautions Manaker.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"What-Is-the-Best-Brand-of-Astaxanthin?\">\n<div class=\"height-spacer height-spacer-1\"><\/div>\n<p>What Is the Best Brand of Astaxanthin?<\/h2>\n<p>You can find astaxanthin supplements online, and at your local health food store, co-op, and many mainstream pharmacies and supermarkets.<\/p>\n<p>To get you started, here are a few popular astaxanthin supplements to consider:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/h4JECZ5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">NOW Supplements, Astaxanthin, Extra Strength<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/9daQitf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Jarrow Formulas Astaxanthin<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/edLqRiq\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sports Research \u2013 Astaxanthin<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/5NteceX\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pure Synergy SuperPure Astaxanthin Extract<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/a.co\/d\/aZtguIP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nutrex BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>However, anytime you shop for a supplement, consider these questions:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>How is the supplement produced? Is it processed without harmful solvents or other additives?<\/li>\n<li>Is the company reputable? Do they offer proof of the tests they perform (including verification that what&#8217;s on the label is really what you&#8217;re buying and that they&#8217;ve tested for microbes, heavy metals, etc.)?<\/li>\n<li>Are they making claims that sound too good to be true? Keep in mind that while the FDA imposes strict regulations on the manufacturing practices of supplement companies, it doesn&#8217;t uphold the same type of rigor on product claims. So it&#8217;s important to do your research on manufacturers and inspect products carefully.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><em>Note: Astaxanthin dosage varies between brands and supplements, so always abide by the label&#8217;s suggested use instructions.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>The post <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/blog\/astaxanthin-benefits\">Astaxanthin: How One Nutrient Can Support Your Brain, Heart, Vision, and Skin<\/a> appeared first on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/blog\">BODi<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bodi.com\/blog\/astaxanthin-benefits\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cEating the rainbow&#8221; is more than just a trend to get Instagram-worthy photos at every meal. Vibrant and bright foods contain various\u00a0phytonutrients that help your body in a number of ways, often thanks to their antioxidant-like and anti-inflammatory properties. There are thousands of these phytonutrients out there, and we&#8217;re highlighting one in particular \u2014 astaxanthin. &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13832","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fitness"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=13832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13832\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=13832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=13832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=13832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}