Astaksantin – najmoćniji antioksidans

Oxidative stress that leads to mitochondrial dysfunction represents an imbalance between excessive production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize reactive compounds. Oxygen atoms usually come in pairs, but when an oxygen atom is single, it is extremely unstable and causes the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including highly reactive peroxides and superoxides, which damage cellular lipids and proteins causing disruption of cellular homeostasis. Disrupted homeostasis leads to inflammation and consequent DNA damage. This process is also thought to contribute to accelerated aging. Additionally, oxidative stress is considered both the cause and consequence of many life-threatening conditions and diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases.

Carotenoids and oxidative stress

Research shows that people who consume a diet with the highest content of carotenoids have the lowest incidence of morbidity and mortality from chronic diseases because carotenoids are effective "hunters" of free radicals and thereby reduce oxidative stress that causes cellular damage. Astaxanthin is a natural carotenoid whose chemical structure resembles beta-carotene, but it is considered a more powerful antioxidant than beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein and other members of their family.

Certain studies have shown that oral intake of as little as 2 mg per day, for 4 weeks, results in a significant reduction of endogenous oxidative damage to DNA, by about 40%.

Comparison of astaxanthin and beta-carotene

Astaxanthin is the strongest natural antioxidant from the group of carotenoids; 10 times stronger than beta-carotene and 500 times stronger than vitamin E. Although they have similar chemical structures, astaxanthin, unlike beta-carotene, has a keto and a hydroxyl group at each end of the molecule that contribute to its antioxidant power. Also, astaxanthin is fat-soluble and can pass the brain-retinal barrier and provide a protective effect there while beta-carotene and lycopene cannot.

The main structural component of the gray matter of the brain are fatty acids, which are extremely sensitive to damage caused by the action of free radicals (lipid peroxidation process).Astaxanthin has the ability to absorb UVB rays, which has been observed in algae Haematococcus pluvialis which naturally protects itself from intense UV radiation by producing large amounts of astaxanthin, which serves as a protective factor. In addition to exceptional antioxidant capabilities, astaxanthin also has strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Pharmacological effects of astaxanthin

Astaxanthin exerts its powerful effect in several systems in the body:

• • Immune system: The impact of astaxanthin on immunity was recorded in a double-blind study in which it was discovered that astaxanthin enhances the body's immune response by increasing the number of circulating T and B lymphocytes and enhancing the cytotoxicity of killer cells.

• • Eyes: Mrežnica oka sadrži dva karotenoida – zeaksantin i lutein koji imaju ulogu apsorpcije štetnih UV zraka štiteći oko od oštećenja slobodnim radikalima odnosno od fotooksidacije. Epidemiološka istraživanja otkrila su kako prehrana bogata karotenoidima, osim što povećava dotok krvi u mrežnici, može prevenirati oštećenja koja se događaju uslijed upalnih procesa. Na taj način prehrana bogata karotenoidima može smanjiti rizik od razvoja katarakte i makularne degeneracije. Astaksantin se u značajnim količinama nakuplja u očima gdje štiti oko od UV zračenja.

• • Liver: As a result of exposure to oxidative stress and metabolic disorders, liver damage and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can occur (neandalcoholic withteatohhepatitis; NASH). Due to its proven antioxidant capacity, astaxanthin is a potential protector against liver damage. Namely, damage to liver tissue occurs due to increased accumulation of fat in the liver. Astaxanthin has been shown in laboratory studies to reduce the level of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver and blood.In a randomized clinical study, it was discovered that doses of 12 and 18 mg of astaxanthin per day for 3 months significantly lowered blood triglycerides, and doses of 6 and 12 mg increased HDL cholesterol.

• • Skin: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and astaxanthin, as a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory effects, works favorably in this condition by reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. Research on animals has shown that astaxanthin reduces the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α, prostaglandins, leukotrienes and pro-inflammatory interleukins. In addition to protecting against inflammatory skin diseases, astaxanthin has also been shown to be useful in protecting against UV radiation.Namely, in animal research, it was discovered that astaxanthin accumulates in the skin and can prevent the harmful effects of UV radiation on the metabolism of filaggrin (a protein that maintains the moisture and acidic pH of the skin) and peeling of the skin. Oral intake of astaxanthin helps protect the skin from signs of photoaging, such as the appearance of wrinkles and a damaged skin barrier.

• • Heart: The mechanism of astaxanthin's beneficial effect on heart health is attributed to its ability to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and increase the production of HDL cholesterol and adiponectin. The evidence collected so far shows that astaxanthin could help protect against heart and blood vessel disease by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body and by acting on lipid and glucose metabolism. A clinical study in which 15 healthy postmenopausal women participated showed that the intake of astaxanthin (doses of 2 and 8 mg) reduced lipid peroxidation and increased their antioxidant status, which supports the claim that astaxanthin, as a powerful antioxidant, is useful for reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The knowledge and evidence of action gathered so far support the fact that astaxanthin is a natural, practical and comprehensive strategy in the prevention, but also supportive therapy, of many conditions and diseases.

Author: Vitaminoteka nutritionist team

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