In recent years, there has been a growing interest in natural supplements that support and boost the immune system. Among them, astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant derived from microalgae, has received much attention for its potential health benefits, especially in terms of boosting immune function.
Known for its exceptional antioxidant properties, astaxanthin offers a natural solution for supporting immune health, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being.
So, what exactly is astaxanthin? And how does it help boost the immune system? In this blog, we’ll dive into the science behind this energizing pigment and explore its benefits for immune health.
The Source of Astaxanthin
The sources of astaxanthin are mainly divided into two ways: natural extraction and artificial synthesis. There are many differences between the two in terms of structure, properties and application.
Natural astaxanthin has a rich variety of biological sources, mainly including algae, fungi and crustaceans. In algae, such as Euglena sanguineus, the astaxanthin content can reach 0.5% of the cell dry weight, but the growth is extremely slow and requires a long cultivation cycle.
Haematococcus pluvialis is currently the most concerned algae source. It can be called a “rich mine” of astaxanthin, and the maximum accumulation can reach 4% of the cell dry weight.
The process of extracting astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis is usually to first cultivate Haematococcus pluvialis on a large scale under suitable conditions, and then extract and purify it by physical or chemical methods after it accumulates a large amount of astaxanthin.
Although this process has high technical requirements, the obtained astaxanthin is of excellent quality and is highly favored in the market.
Phaffia rhodozyma in fungi is also an important producer of natural astaxanthin. Phaffia rhodozyma can grow rapidly under a variety of carbon and nitrogen sources. Wild Phaffia rhodozyma contains about 200-500μg of carotenoids per gram of dry yeast, of which 90% is astaxanthin.
Compared with algae and crustaceans, it has a unique advantage in that it can be rapidly metabolized in a fermenter and achieve high cell density production.
Crustaceans, such as shrimp and crab, are also natural hosts of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is extracted from crustaceans, mainly recovered from waste from aquatic product processing. However, astaxanthin in crustacean shells mainly exists in the form of esters, and the content is not high.
Artificially synthesized astaxanthin is produced by chemical methods using carotene as raw material. Although artificial synthesis can meet the market demand for astaxanthin to a certain extent, and the cost is relatively low and the yield is stable.
However, its synthesis process is complicated and often requires the use of multiple chemical reagents and catalysts, which may introduce impurities and lead to poor product stability. Moreover, artificially synthesized astaxanthin is a mixture of multiple isomers, and there is some controversy in terms of biological activity and safety compared to natural astaxanthin.
The Powerful Effects of Astaxanthin
Antioxidant: The nemesis of free radicals
Free radicals refer to atoms, molecules or ions with unpaired electrons. They are extremely active in chemical properties and are always looking for electrons from other substances in the body to achieve their own stability.
When free radicals attack human cells, they trigger a series of chain reactions, causing damage to the cell membrane, causing the cell to lose its normal physiological function, destroying the protein structure, affecting its normal physiological activity, and even damaging DNA, which may cause gene mutations and increase the risk of cancer.
The reason why astaxanthin can become the nemesis of free radicals is closely related to its unique molecular structure. Astaxanthin molecules contain multiple conjugated double bonds, which can attract unpaired electrons of free radicals like “electron sponges” or provide electrons to free radicals, thereby making free radicals stable and no longer aggressive.
At the same time, the six-membered ring structure of α-hydroxyketone at both ends of the astaxanthin molecule further enhances its ability to capture free radicals.
Many studies have shown that the antioxidant capacity of astaxanthin is “unique”. It is a powerful quencher of singlet oxygen, and its antioxidant activity is 550 times that of vitamin E and 10 times that of carotenoids such as β-carotene, lutein, canthaxanthin and zeaxanthin. It is known as “super vitamin E” and “super antioxidant”.
At the cellular level, astaxanthin also plays an important antioxidant role. Various biological membranes in cells, such as cell membranes and mitochondrial membranes, are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and are extremely vulnerable to free radical attacks.
Astaxanthin can be arranged across the membrane in the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, like a solid “protective shield”, allowing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to shuttle along the double bonds on its carbon skeleton and promote transmembrane transfer of electrons. In this way, astaxanthin can not only prevent ROS from oxidative damage to cell membranes, but also protect various organelles in cells and maintain the normal physiological functions of cells.
Enhance immunity: strengthen the health defense line
The immune system is an important line of defense for the human body against diseases, and astaxanthin plays a key role in regulating the immune system. Its mechanism of action is mainly reflected in multiple aspects.
Astaxanthin can enhance the activity of T cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells and B cells. Astaxanthin regulates the activity of these immune cells so that they can play a better role, thereby enhancing the combat effectiveness of the entire immune system.
Astaxanthin can also further enhance the immunity of the organism by promoting the secretion of cytokines or the production of immunoglobulins.
Astaxanthin can stimulate immune cells to secrete more cytokines, such as interleukins and interferons, which can activate other immune cells and enhance immune responses. At the same time, astaxanthin can also promote the production of immunoglobulins and improve the body’s specific recognition and clearance of pathogens.
Preventing cardiovascular disease: Guardian of blood vessels
Cardiovascular disease is the “number one killer” threatening human health worldwide, and a large number of people lose their lives due to cardiovascular disease every year.
Astaxanthin, as a powerful antioxidant, plays an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease. It can increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL is like a “scavenger” in the blood vessels, which can transport cholesterol from peripheral tissues back to the liver for metabolism, thereby reducing the cholesterol content in the blood and reducing the deposition of cholesterol in the blood vessel wall.
At the same time, astaxanthin can also reduce LDL levels, reduce the oxidative modification of LDL, reduce the formation of ox-LDL, and prevent the occurrence of atherosclerosis from the source.
Astaxanthin also has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the inflammatory response of the vascular endothelium. Inflammation is one of the important factors in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.
Astaxanthin inhibits inflammatory signaling pathways and reduces the release of inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), etc., thereby alleviating the inflammatory state of the vascular endothelium and protecting the endothelial function.
Many research results and actual cases have confirmed the effectiveness of astaxanthin in preventing cardiovascular diseases. In real life, some people at high risk of cardiovascular diseases who have been taking astaxanthin health supplements for a long time, such as obese people, hypertensive patients, and diabetic patients, have significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Their blood pressure, blood lipids and other indicators have been better controlled, and their quality of life has also been significantly improved.
Other benefits: A versatile health booster
In addition to the above powerful effects, astaxanthin is also a “all-rounder” and plays an important role in relieving sports fatigue, anti-inflammatory, and protecting eyes.
Astaxanthin can act as an antioxidant to inhibit the oxidative damage of free radicals to the body. Oral astaxanthin can also enhance aerobic metabolism, increase muscle strength and muscle tolerance.
Inflammation is the common pathological basis of many diseases, and astaxanthin has significant anti-inflammatory effects. It can reduce the release of inflammatory mediators and alleviate inflammatory responses. It has a positive effect on relieving the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and joint pain.
Astaxanthin can absorb blue light and protect the retina from light damage, which helps prevent the occurrence of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Astaxanthin can accumulate in the retina, like a “natural filter”, absorbing harmful blue light, while removing free radicals and protecting photoreceptor cells.
Astaxanthin’s diverse applications
Health care products: a healthy and caring partner
Astaxanthin has significant effects in health care products. It can strengthen the immune system and enhance the body’s ability to resist diseases. For people who are often prone to colds and illnesses, an appropriate amount of astaxanthin supplementation can stimulate the activity of immune cells, increase the number of immune cells, thereby improving the body’s resistance and reducing the number of illnesses. In terms of anti-cancer, astaxanthin also plays a positive role.
Astaxanthin can absorb blue light and reduce its damage to the retina. At the same time, it can also remove free radicals in the retina and prevent the occurrence of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and retinopathy. For office workers, students, and middle-aged and elderly people who use electronic devices for a long time, supplementing astaxanthin can help protect eye health and maintain good vision.
Astaxanthin can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators and reduce inflammatory reactions. It is very helpful for relieving the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and gout. After taking astaxanthin health care products, some arthritis patients have significantly improved symptoms such as joint pain and swelling, and the range of motion of the joints has also improved, and the quality of life has been improved.
Cosmetics: The secret to youthful skin
In the field of cosmetics, astaxanthin’s antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, whitening and moisturizing properties make it a “favorite” of many cosmetic brands.
From the perspective of antioxidant, astaxanthin’s powerful antioxidant ability can effectively remove free radicals in skin cells. The conjugated double bonds and unique structure in astaxanthin molecules enable it to capture and neutralize free radicals like a “scavenger”, reduce the damage of free radicals to the skin, and thus delay skin aging.
In terms of anti-wrinkle, astaxanthin can promote the synthesis of collagen. Astaxanthin can stimulate fibroblasts in skin cells to produce more collagen, increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin, and reduce the formation of wrinkles.
In terms of whitening skin, astaxanthin inhibits the formation of melanin. Astaxanthin can inhibit the activity of tyrosinase, which is a key enzyme in the synthesis of melanin, thereby reducing the production of melanin and making the skin whiter.
In terms of moisturizing, astaxanthin can increase the moisture content of the skin. It can regulate the water channel protein in the skin, promote the transport and retention of water between skin cells, and keep the skin hydrated. At the same time, astaxanthin can also enhance the barrier function of the skin, reduce the loss of water, and keep the skin moist at all times.
Based on these magical effects, there are many types of cosmetics containing astaxanthin. Adding astaxanthin to sunscreen products can not only block the damage of ultraviolet rays to the skin, but also play an antioxidant role inside the skin, reduce the free radical damage caused by ultraviolet rays, and prevent sun spots, sunburn and other problems. Adding astaxanthin to skin care products such as lotions, creams, and essences can deeply nourish the skin, improve skin dryness, roughness, dullness and other problems, and make the skin glow with a healthy glow.
Food: Fusion of deliciousness and nutrition
In the food field, astaxanthin plays a dual role, both as a colorant and a preservative, bringing a perfect fusion of deliciousness and nutrition to food.
As a colorant, astaxanthin can make food appear bright red. Astaxanthin is also an excellent preservative, which can extend the shelf life of food. Astaxanthin’s strong antioxidant ability can inhibit the oxidation of oils and maintain the freshness and flavor of food. Astaxanthin is widely used in food. In addition to the above-mentioned meat products, baked goods and beverages, it is also used in foods such as noodles and seasonings.
In food applications, the safety of astaxanthin is a matter of great concern. At present, astaxanthin has been widely recognized and applied as a food additive. Relevant studies have shown that astaxanthin is safe and harmless to the human body within the prescribed range of use.
However, it should be noted that the amount of astaxanthin added should comply with relevant national standards, and excessive addition may affect the taste and quality of food. At the same time, when storing and using astaxanthin, care should be taken to avoid factors such as high temperature and light, so as not to cause oxidation and degradation of astaxanthin, affecting its efficacy and stability.
Aquaculture: the source of vitality for aquaculture
In the field of aquaculture, astaxanthin plays a vital role in the bright color and healthy growth of aquatic animals. It can be called the source of vitality of aquatic products.
For crustaceans such as shrimps and crabs, astaxanthin is the key factor in their bright body color. In the natural environment, shrimps and crabs accumulate astaxanthin in their bodies by consuming astaxanthin-rich foods, thus showing beautiful red or orange colors. During the breeding process, if there is a lack of astaxanthin in the feed, the body color of shrimps and crabs will become dull, affecting their market value.
In fish farming, astaxanthin is also indispensable. Taking salmon as an example, astaxanthin can not only make the meat of salmon present an attractive orange-red color, but also improve the deliciousness and nutritional value of its meat. Astaxanthin can also enhance the immunity of fish, reduce the occurrence of diseases, and improve the survival rate of breeding.
The dosage of astaxanthin needs to be reasonably controlled according to the type, growth stage and breeding environment of aquatic animals. Reasonable control of the dosage of astaxanthin can not only ensure that aquatic animals get enough nutrition, but also avoid the cost increase and potential risks caused by excessive addition.
The addition of astaxanthin has a significant effect on improving the economic benefits and quality of aquaculture. By adding astaxanthin, the body color of aquatic animals is brighter, the meat is more delicious, and the market value is greatly improved.
Astaxanthin can also improve the immunity and anti-stress ability of aquatic animals, reduce the occurrence of diseases, and reduce breeding costs, thereby bringing higher economic benefits to farmers. In today’s market environment where consumers have higher and higher requirements for the quality of aquatic products, the application prospects of astaxanthin in aquaculture will be broader.
Suitable for People Taking Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin has many health benefits. The following are some people who are suitable for taking astaxanthin:
Middle-aged and elderly people: Astaxanthin’s powerful antioxidant capacity can help reduce the damage of free radicals to cells, prevent cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, cataracts and other age-related diseases, and improve skin conditions, reduce wrinkles and spots.
People who face electronic devices for a long time: Astaxanthin can cross the blood-eye barrier, protect the retina and macula of the eyes, prevent retinopathy and macular degeneration, and relieve visual fatigue.
Sports enthusiasts: Astaxanthin helps to reduce oxidative stress, promote muscle recovery, improve sports endurance, reduce fatigue and inflammatory response after exercise, help sports enthusiasts recover from training faster, and improve sports performance.
People with low immunity: Astaxanthin can regulate the immune system, enhance the activity of immune cells, improve the body’s resistance, and help people with low immunity better resist the invasion of pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, and prevent colds and other diseases.
People with poor skin condition: Astaxanthin can inhibit the production of melanin, reduce spots and wrinkles, increase skin elasticity and luster, and has certain whitening and anti-wrinkle effects. It is suitable for people with dry skin, wrinkles, spots and other problems.
People at high risk of cardiovascular disease: Astaxanthin helps lower blood lipids and blood pressure, inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and has a protective effect on the cardiovascular system.
However, for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and people who are taking certain medications, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using astaxanthin to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Correct Understanding and Use of Astaxanthin
Although astaxanthin has many benefits, we must be clear that it can never replace normal medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle.
There are many key points to note when it comes to the reasonable intake of astaxanthin. Generally speaking, ordinary people can meet basic antioxidant needs by consuming 4-8mg of astaxanthin per day. However, for people with special needs, such as athletes and heavy manual laborers, the intake can be increased to 8-12mg to improve fatigue resistance.
For patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia, the intake can be further increased to 10-15mg to improve blood sugar and blood lipid metabolism. Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble substance. It is recommended to take it with meals or within half an hour after meals. At this time, more lipids are consumed, which is more conducive to the emulsification and absorption of astaxanthin.
There is also a view that it is better to take it after meals at night to ensure better absorption. When taking astaxanthin for the first time, it is recommended to start with a lower dose, such as 1 capsule each time, and then gradually increase the dose after observing the body’s reaction.
It is crucial to choose a regular product. When buying astaxanthin products, be careful to identify them. Check whether the product has a test report from an authoritative organization to ensure its authenticity. Give priority to big brands with complete production qualifications and transparent product information.
Astaxanthin itself is not very stable and is easily oxidized and decomposed when exposed to light. Therefore, when storing astaxanthin products, choose light-proof and well-sealed packaging and place them in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposing astaxanthin products to direct sunlight and high temperatures for a long time, and do not expose them to the air.
When taking astaxanthin, be careful to avoid exposing it to light for a long time and dispose of it quickly. Astaxanthin may interact with certain drugs, such as lipid-lowering drugs and anticoagulants. If you are taking these drugs, you should consult a doctor before taking astaxanthin.
People who are allergic to astaxanthin should avoid using it to avoid allergic reactions. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and patients undergoing anticoagulant treatment should avoid using astaxanthin, or use it with caution under the guidance of a doctor.
The Future of Astaxanthin
As a substance with excellent properties and wide application value, astaxanthin has played an important role in many fields in the past few decades, and its future development prospects are full of unlimited possibilities.
In terms of source exploration, although natural extraction and artificial synthesis are currently the main ways, researchers will continue to explore new biological sources in the future. In the field of artificial synthesis, the development of new synthesis processes and catalysts will make the synthesis process greener and more efficient, reduce production costs, and improve product purity.
In terms of efficacy research, astaxanthin will make breakthroughs in the prevention and auxiliary treatment of more diseases. With the in-depth study of its mechanism of action, astaxanthin may show unique therapeutic effects in the fields of nervous system diseases and metabolic diseases.
In terms of application expansion, astaxanthin will be more widely used in the agricultural field. It can be used as a biostimulant to promote plant growth and development and improve plant stress resistance.
