If you’re looking for the best astaxanthin supplements to buy this year, then you’ve come to the right place.
You can also get more info by jumping to our Astaxanthin Supplements Guide.
Top 10 Astaxanthin Supplements
| #1 |  |
Dr. Mercola Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #2 |  |
NutriGold Astaxanthin Gold | More Info |
| #3 |  |
Doctor’s Best Best Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #4 |  |
Pure Encapsulations Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #5 |  |
Bluebonnet Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #6 |  |
Solaray Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #7 |  |
Royal Green Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #8 |  |
Designs For Health Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #9 |  |
J-Bio Astaxanthin | More Info |
| #10 |  |
Natural Factors Astaxanthin Plus | More Info |
Astaxanthin Supplements Guide
Astaxanthin has gained widespread popularity in the United States as a dietary supplement recently because it functions as a potent antioxidant. One study concluded it offers 6,000 times the antioxidant effects of Vitamin C.
While very sparse research supports some claims made on its behalf at this point, proponents believe it offers benefits for the body at a cellular level. It appears likely to remain an in-demand product in the foreseeable future.
What is Astaxanthin?
Biologists discovered the chemical compound astaxanthin occurring naturally in many marine animals. It contributes the distinctive pinkish color to lobster, krill, trout, shrimp, and some algae, for instance. This chemical occurs within the powerful muscles of salmon, a fish known for its endurance in swimming long distances upriver.
A British organic chemist named Dr. Basil Weedon (1923-2003) researched a number of chemical compounds during the 1960s and 1970s which contributed to naturally occurring brilliant coloration in the bodies of certain animals. He succeeded in synthesizing astaxanthin under controlled laboratory conditions in 1975.
Chemists classify astaxanthin as a lipid soluble tetraterpenoid and a carotenoid. Carotenoid chemicals contribute the vivid colors found in many fruits and vegetables. Today most nutritionists recommended eating significant quantities of carotenoid-rich foods due to the presence of useful anti-oxidants in these items. Astaxanthin does not disappoint in that respect.
This chemical compound acts as an anti-oxidant. Many scientists believe antioxidants assist the body in resisting the damaging effects of the aging process. A chemical reaction called “oxidation” occurs at a cellular level. It causes the production of free radicals which may contribute to cellular pathways often associated with cellular aging and damage. Antioxidants prevent some of these reactions from taking place, ultimately promoting a reduction in the impact of harmful free radicals in the body at a cellular level.
In addition to its anti-oxidant activity, astaxanthin functions as a food coloring agent. It has been approved in the USA as an additive for dying commercially sold fish and animal foods, although not as a dye for products intended for human consumption.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
Possibly because of its anti-oxidant properties, astaxanthin has aroused intense interest on the part of researchers seeking products to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. However, disagreements exist among scientists over whether consuming astaxanthin apart from food as a standalone dietary supplement holds significant benefits. Although many anecdotal claims for its effects exist, extensive controlled research studies have not yet verified these contentions.
For example, while pharmacist Suzy Cohen extols the wisdom of consuming astaxanthin every day as a dietary supplement, Dr. Andrew Weil M.D. suggests this product may hold more use as a part of a complex of carotenoids rather than a standalone supplement.
Respected health authorities do not agree about evidence of the effects of exclusively astaxanthin formulations. Yet this supplement’s potential importance as an antioxidant remains clear cut. It has attracted widespread interest.
Research into this chemical compound remains ongoing, with some early reports suggesting it may hold value in reducing inflammation in patients suffering from atherosclerosis. In combination with several other supplements over a four week period, it apparently helped lower “bad” cholesterol levels while raising “good” cholesterol levels in some people.
Currently, considerable interest surrounds the potential for astaxanthin to assist people suffering from conditions such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. As a lipid soluble carotenoid, it may provide more retinal support than some other antioxidants. It has also spurred research into its possible use on behalf of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, two health conditions which affect brain tissue. However, studies in this area remain ongoing.
Other important areas of investigation include beneficial effects of astaxanthin on women’s skin. In one clinical trial, its anti-oxidant effects over a six week period contributed to a decline in wrinkles in middle aged women. It may also help reduce discomfort associated with menopause.
Some research also suggests astaxanthin may promote male fertility. A study found heterosexual couples enjoyed increased birth rates when the male partner took this supplement daily over a three month period of time.
As documentation grows concerning the anti-oxidant effects of astaxanthin, its use by clinicians in assisting patients may become significant. This chemical possesses the ability to penetrate through lipid membranes. It displays important antioxidant activity within the body. In fact, astaxanthin’s potency as an antioxidant has sparked ongoing clinical research into its effects on many health conditions, including gastric reflux, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle fatigue, and more.
Are There Any Adverse Side Effects?
Medical experts agree pregnant and nursing women should not consume astaxanthin supplements because of the absence of verified information concerning its possible effects on developing fetuses and babies. The WebMD website notes it does appear safe when consumed in the quantity occurring naturally in food, and when taken at low doses for periods of up to twelve weeks as an oral standalone dietary supplement, or for a year as part of a vitamin complex.
One very important side effect of astaxanthin involves its potential to impact blood pressure. People taking medications to raise or lower blood pressure should consult with their physician before consuming astaxanthin as a supplement. Some other potential significant side effects of astaxanthin in some people involve impacts on blood calcium levels, hair growth and possibly hormonal changes in the body (including an effect on male libido).
How to Take Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin occurs widely as a dietary supplement intended for consumption by mouth. It frequently appears as a coated tablet or in soft gel or capsule form. Consumers can also obtain this product as a component of vitamin products or carotenoid complexes.
People also frequently consume astaxanthin in lower amounts in natural foods by eating many pink or reddish-colored marine products, such as lobster, salmon and shellfish. In foods, the levels of astaxanthin often vary.
What to Look For in a Good Astaxanthin Formulation
Today scientists can produce astaxanthin synthetically under controlled, hygienic laboratory conditions. Some dietary supplements extract this product from commercially cultivated and harvested algae. Synthetic astaxanthin also occurs in the commercial supplement market.
The standards and care exercised in obtaining this product of course hold great importance for consumers. A good formulation of an astaxanthin supplement should offer uniformity in terms of the quantity of astaxanthin supplied in each dose.
Dietary supplements fall under the same regulatory framework as food products. This situation poses some possible concerns in the case of astaxanthin because of this chemical’s potentially significant impact on blood pressure levels at high concentrations. Sharp fluctuations in blood pressure can impact people operating machinery, driving or performing many other daily activities, for instance.
To ensure you obtain uniform, high quality astaxanthin supplements, carefully evaluate the marketing company, the firm’s reputation and product literature. For instance, the astaxanthin commercially produced as a coloring agent for fish food may not meet the same quality control standards as products intended specifically for human consumption.
Try and find an astaxanthin supplement manufacturer who produces this supplement specifically with human consumers in mind, and not mainly as a coloring agent for the commercial pet food market. You might wind up paying higher prices, yet the quality control likely proves superior.
Additionally, marketing companies offering astaxanthin should be willing to submit their products for testing by commercial laboratories in order to ensure uniform levels of the supplement in capsules and tablets (a very important consideration).
Pharmaceutical products today must meet a high standard of quality and consistency. As a dietary supplement, astaxanthin potentially exerts pharmaceutical-like impacts on blood pressure. Formulations from firms willing to stand behind their products and protect customers by ensuring uniformity and consistency offer the best option for astaxanthin consumers from a supplement safety standpoint.
The post 10 Best Astaxanthin Supplements – Reviewed & Ranked for 2017 appeared first on Supplement Hound - Supplement Reviews for 2016.
from Supplement Hound – Supplement Reviews for 2016 http://supplementhound.com/best-astaxanthin-supplements/
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