Astaxanthin: What is it and what is it for?

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is aphytochemical element belonging to the family of carotenoid compounds (characterized by its reddish color), which comes from a natural source through the intake for example of seaweed, salmon, tuna, among other foods, or produced in the form of supplementswith antioxidant properties. (1)

To highlight: This compound has an effect onthe process of oxidative stress produced by free radicalsin the human body.

What is astaxanthin for?

• Astaxanthin acts 4.6 times more than beta-carotene, is 65 times more potent than vitamin C, 54 times more potent thanbeta-carotene and 14 times more potent thanvitamin E, helping tofight and prevent the attack of free radicals on healthy cells, thus preventing premature aging. (2)
• It is used to treat:
  • Chronic inflammations caused at the cellular level in diseases such as type 2diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis and asthma.
  • Imbalance of C-reactive protein levels.
  • Abnormal bloodsugarlevels in cases of diabetes or correct insulin levels.
  • Photoaging of theskin (spots, wrinkles, sagging andspider veins). (3)
  • As a means of prophylaxis against some types of cancer.

Dosage and routes of administration of astaxanthin

Astaxanthin comes in dietary supplementforms, in powder or capsule form for a variety of uses. The administrationis orally and the dosage as a reference can be as follows:

• Adults and the elderly: Depending on the medical diagnosis, a dose between 4 to 16 mg can be administered daily.

What products contain astaxanthin?

Some of the medicines that contain astaxanthin are:

• Astaxanthin Plus®
• Astaxin®
• AstaFuco Complex®

Astaxanthin Plus®

• Astaxanthin plus® is a food supplement that combines the antioxidant power of astaxanthin with lutein and zeaxanthin.
• It is used to support UV protection from the sun ‘s rays on the skin.

Astaxin®

• Astaxin® is a food supplement, which contains the combination of astaxanthin, vitamin C and vitamin E.®, vitamin C and vitamin E.
• It is used to support and maintain the vital functions of the cells that make up our organs.

AstaFuco Complex®

• Astafuco Complex® is a supplement with a balanced combination of Astaxanthin and Fucoxanthin .
• It is used as support for those incomplete or poor diets .

Astaxanthin Side Effects

Based on data from clinical studies, astaxanthin may cause some of the following side effects in a certain patient population :

• Possible allergic reactions due to patient contact with any component of the formula.
• Hypotension.
• growth
• Decreased calcium levels in the blood.
• Decreased sexual ability.
• Breast enlargement in men.
• Orange discoloration in the stool.
• Alterations in skin pigmentation.

Important: If any of these bothersome symptoms appear while taking this supplement, please discontinue use and consult your doctor .

Astaxanthin Contraindications and Warnings

The use of astaxanthin is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Patient hypersensitivity to any of the components of the food supplement.
• In patients with asthma.
• People suffering from thyroid complications.
• Patients with osteoporosis, hypertension or hormonal sensitivity.

You should know: Provide all information about your medical history to your doctor, before starting treatment with astaxanthin.

Avoid it if you have:

• History of hypersensitivity to astaxanthin or carotenoids.

Warnings:

• This product must be administered with a prescription or prescription.
• Do not exceed the dose recommended by your doctor.
• The combination of astaxanthin with other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lycopene can reduce its absorption.
• Concomitant use with antihistamine drugs, asthma medications, and hormone therapy medications may cause troublesome effects.
• Store this product in a cool, dry place.
• Keep this food supplement out of the reach of children.