Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant, a natural carotenoid widely found in red algae and marine organisms. It shows strong antioxidative activity, effectively preventing damage caused by free radicals to the human body.
Sources of Astaxanthin
The sources of Astaxanthin are mainly divided into two categories: natural sources and synthetic sources.
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Natural Astaxanthin is primarily found in red algae and various marine organisms such as shrimp, lobster, and salmon.
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Synthetic Astaxanthin is produced through biotechnological methods, including fermentation and yeast expression systems.
Health Benefits of Astaxanthin
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Anti-oxidation & Anti-aging – Astaxanthin protects cells from oxidative stress, delays aging, and reduces free radical damage.
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Eye Health Protection – It prevents oxidative damage to the eyes and helps maintain healthy vision.
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Immune System Enhancement – Astaxanthin strengthens the immune system, improving the body’s resistance against diseases.
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Cardiovascular Protection – It reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases by protecting blood vessels and lowering oxidative stress.
Biological Nature of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid with a structure based on beta-carotene, usually extracted from shrimp, shellfish, and marine animals. It has multiple physiological functions, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammation, cancer prevention, and lipid-lowering effects.
Main Natural Sources
There are three main biological sources of natural Astaxanthin:
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By-products from seafood processing – although the content is low and extraction costs are high, making it unsuitable for large-scale production.
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Red yeast (Phaffia rhodozyma) – contains Astaxanthin at an average level of about 0.40%.
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Microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) – considered the best source, with Astaxanthin content ranging from 1.5% to 10.0%, much higher than other sources.
Applications and Safety
In many countries, Astaxanthin has been widely studied and is recognized as a promising health supplement. In Asia, it is often added to foods and beverages to enhance nutritional value and health benefits.
While natural Astaxanthin is highly valued, synthetic Astaxanthin is also available, though its quality and activity may vary. In most regions, Astaxanthin is considered safe; however, in some countries, its use may be restricted due to limited evidence on long-term safety and efficacy.
Conclusion:
Astaxanthin is a bioactive compound with strong potential as a health-promoting supplement, offering benefits for anti-aging, eye protection, immunity, and cardiovascular health. Before use, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional.