Info: Available in Several Sizes & Strengths
Astaxanthin is a naturally-occurring carotenoid closely related to beta-carotene and lutein that provides a wide range of antioxidant benefits.
Info: Available in Several Sizes & Strengths
Astaxanthin is a naturally-occurring carotenoid closely related to beta-carotene and lutein that provides a wide range of antioxidant benefits.
Product Notes:
Astaxanthin may play a key role in the protection of cell membranes against free radical damage as well as supporting the immune system and cardiovascular health, particularly since it can help reduce inflammation. Conditions where that can be beneficial include asthma, aching or swollen joints (whether from arthritis or from repetitive stress injury, e.g.), fibromyalgia, and even inflammatory eye (such as uveitis) or brain conditions. Safflower or olive oil have been added because astaxanthin is fat-soluble, and this improves its absorption.
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid – basically, a natural pigment or dye. It is found primarily in marine organisms such as salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, and crustaceans – it's actually the pigment that gives salmon and crustaceans their pink/red colour – and is also found in extremely high concentrations in a type of green microalgae called Haematococcus pluvialis, which this type is made from, which may be both its richest and most sustainable source.
But astaxanthin doesn't just provide those marine organisms with their colour: it protects them from the harmful UV effects of sunlight. It's also turned out to be a very powerful antioxidant when consumed – possibly the most powerful one identified, to date – and because it is fat soluble, it's able to enter the fat layer of any given cell's outer membranes, and go on to diffuse and disarm multiple types of free radicals which may be causing oxidative damage within them.
In addition to supporting eye health, increased energy levels, and recovery from exercise, astaxanthin shows promise in being able to help the skin, and reduce inflammation, and may be able to help stave off quite a number of diseases, including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, liver, and neurodegenerative conditions.
Ingredients:
Each 4 mg veg. softgel (Health Canada Natural Products Number: 80036699) contains:
Algae extract (Haematococcus pluvialis) (Zanthin*), standardized to contain: 4 mg Astaxanthin.
Non-medicinal ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Veg. Softgel (glycerin, modified corn starch, carrageenan, sorbitol, water), Antioxidant Blend (mixed tocopherols, rosemary extract). Contains soy derivative.
* Zanthin is a registered trademark of Valensa International.
Each softgel in the 90 softgels (NPN 80042155) bottle contains:
Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis Extract): 4 mg
Non-medicinal ingredients: Safflower Oil, Capsule (gelatin, purified water, glycerin, carob extract) and Natural Vitamin E. Contains soy derivative.
For the 10 mg strength (NPN 80033538): each softgel contains:
110 mg Haematococcus pluvialis Extract (Equivalent to 220-660 mg of H. pluvialis [Whole Organism]), providing:
- Astaxanthin: 10 mg
6.7 mg ATE Vitamin E, providing:
- Vitamin E (as d-alpha tocopherol, from Glycine max. (Soybean)): 10 IU
Non-medicinal ingredients: Safflower Oil, Softgel Capsule (gelatin, water, glycerin).
Suggested Usage:
Adults: 4 mg strength: Take two to four softgels daily with meals. Consult a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 3 months.
10 mg strength: Adults: Take 1 softgel daily, with meals. Consult a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 8 weeks.
Warnings:
Do not use NOW Foods astaxanthin supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking prescription medication or other dietary supplements. Stomach/Abdominal pain has been known to occur, in which case discontinue use and consult a healthcare practitioner.
Supporting Science:
“Anti-inflammatory action of astaxanthin and its use in the treatment of various diseases.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 2022.
“Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Astaxanthin on Gastrointestinal Diseases.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2022.
“Antioxidant and anti‑inflammatory mechanisms of action of astaxanthin in cardiovascular diseases (Review).” International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 2021.
“Astaxanthin Influence on Health Outcomes of Adults at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Nutrients, 2022.
“Astaxanthin Supplemented with High-Intensity Functional Training Decreases Adipokines Levels and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Men with Obesity.” Nutrients, 2023.
“Biological and neurological activities of astaxanthin (Review).” Molecular Medicine Reports, 2022.
“The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People-A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Nutrients, 2018.
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