Description

Astaxanthin is a type of carotenoid, which is a natural pigment found in a variety of foods. In particular, this beneficial pigment lends its vibrant red-orange color to foods like krill, algae, salmon and lobster. It can also be found in supplement form and is also approved for use as a food coloring in animal and fish feed.

This carotenoid is often found in chlorophyta, which encompasses a group of green algae. Some of the top sources of astaxanthin include haematococcus pluvialis and the yeasts phaffia rhodozyma and xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

Often dubbed the “king of carotenoids,” research shows that astaxanthin is one of the most powerful antioxidants in nature. In fact, its ability to fight free radicals has been shown to much higher than vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene.

Is astaxanthin good for inflammation? Yes, in the body, its antioxidant properties are believed to help protect against certain types of chronic disease, reverse skin aging and alleviate inflammation.

Although studies in humans are limited, current research suggests that astaxanthin benefits brain and heart health, endurance and energy levels, and even fertility. This is especially true when it is esterified, which is the natural form when astaxanthin biosynthesis takes place in microalgae, as displayed in animal studies.