There’s an exciting super-antioxidant out there that you might not have heard about. It’s called astaxanthin (pronounced as-tuh-ZAN-thin)—and is a type of red-orange-pink carotenoid that comes from the sea. Most of us are familiar with beta-carotene, the main carotenoid found in land plants. Carotenoids are pigments that give food their color and have powerful antioxidant properties. Well, astaxanthin is the main marine carotenoid. It is found in some types of algae as well as in some fungi and plants—and it gives salmon, shrimp, lobster and crawfish their bright color. You get some astaxanthin when you eat these foods, but most of us don’t eat enough of them to benefit.

Astaxanthin is closely related to lutein, a carotenoid known to improve eye health, and it has long been used as a supplement to treat aging eyes. But studies are finding that this carotenoid provides many other health benefits. Naturopathic medical doctors like Mark Stengler, NMD, founder and medical director of the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine in Encinitas, California, use it in their practices to help patients with diabetes and heart disease. Laboratory studies also show that astaxanthin may fight cancer and enhance cognition, but these findings have not yet been tested in humans. Find out how astaxanthin can help you…

HEART DISEASE

Research shows that heart cells have a particular affinity for astaxanthin, which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have found that astaxanthin not only reduces inflammation but also lessens oxidative stress. This is particularly important because doctors now believe that coronary artery disease is caused by inflammation in the heart and arteries. Astaxanthin has been found to…

  • Prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from oxidizing, which contributes to inflammation and the formation of cholesterol deposits
  • Helps people with diabetes keep their blood vessels clog-free and flexible
  • Improve blood flow, which eases the heart’s workload
  • Protect the heart and brain from injury caused when blood supply is cut off, such as from a heart attack or stroke

AN IMMUNE BOOSTER

Astaxanthin has been found to increase the immune system’s production of natural killer cells, which help us fight infections.

HOW TO USE ASTAXANTHIN

Dr. Stengler often recommends astaxanthin to patients who need to boost immunity and for those with diabetes. He also recommends it to patients with coronary artery disease as part of a dietary and supplement regimen. You can speak to a holistic doctor about the amount that is right for you. There are no reported side effects. Astaxanthin is safe for everyone but should not be taken by pregnant and lactating women because it has not been studied in these populations. The supplements are derived from algae, so they are even safe for people who are allergic to shellfish (but read your label!). One brand to try: Source Naturals (www.SourceNaturals.com).