July 21, 2000  - Much of our aging is caused by oxidative stress which damages cells throughout the body. Much like rust attacks bare metal, cell oxidation contributes to cardiovascular disease, tumor growth, neurodegenerative diseases, wrinkled skin and even a decline in energy and endurance.

Traps More Types of Free Radical Molecules

      Studies show that astaxanthin, a powerful new antioxidant, is superior to many other well-known antioxidants in preventing oxidative damage. Astaxanthin traps more types of free radical molecules that are destructive to cells than any other antioxidant.
      Researchers have discovered the most abundant and concentrated form of astaxanthin is found in the natural, renewable microalgae grown in Hawaii. A proprietary microalgae extraction method produces a standardized extract containing 10 percent active astaxanthin, which is the highest concentration available today. Consumers can find astaxanthin in health food stores and many leading chain drug stores as astaZANTHIN brand astaxanthin complex.
      Astaxanthin appears naturally all around us in the marine world. Astaxanthin is what creates the pink color in shell fish and in the flesh of salmon. As a matter of fact, farm-raised salmon have white flesh unless they are fed astaxanthin. Until recently, eating shell fish or salmon was the only way for humans to get their dose of astaxanthin.

Clinical Trial Results

      Several human clinical trials involving astaxanthin have shown amazing results. A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that astaxanthin greatly increased strength and endurance up to three times as much as the placebo supplement when compared to the level prior to the start of the study.
      In animal studies, astaxanthin was shown to benefit neurodegenerative diseases, eye conditions, stroke, cancer, a weakened immune system and overall infection. Other studies have revealed this powerful antioxidant has been demonstrated to inhibit bladder and colon cancer and slow the development of liver cancer in animal models.
      Furthermore, researchers have demonstrated that astaxanthin has 10 times more antioxidant capacity than beta-carotene and is 100 to 500 times more effective in slowing damage in cell membranes than vitamin E. This makes astaxanthin a stronger weapon in the battle against free radicals and the many age-related diseases associated with them. Studies also show that astaxanthin is bioavailable and safe, with no known side effects.
      Unlike other antioxidants, astaZANTHIN performs three primary antioxidant tasks-quenching, scavenging and trapping free radicals.
      Doctors have found astaZANTHIN has a unique molecular structure allowing the astaxanthin molecule to cross the blood-brain barrier, thus making it available to the eye, brain and central nervous system. The crossing of the blood-brain barrier further helps alleviate oxidative stress. Doctors also note astaxanthin inhibits destruction of fatty acids and proteins in the cell membranes and mitochondria, the powerhouse of each cell.
      Astaxanthin inhibits the free oxygen radicals that can cause inflammation, and serves as a bridge to transport trapped free radicals to the outside of each cell, making them available to water soluble antioxidants like vitamin C. The other unique astaxanthin difference from other antioxidants is that it stabilizes free radicals by absorbing them into its unique molecule.
      Several companies including Health Plus, Inc., a manufacturing leader of body cleanse products located in Chino, CA, have now formulated astaZANTHIN into their new supplement line.
      Astaxanthin appears to be the best-known way to neutralize free radicals before they can do harm and as a prevention against the many ways aging causes degeneration in our body.