What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a red pigment belonging to the antioxidant family. To be more precise, it's a polyphenol classified as a xanthophyll carotenoid.

It is found in crustaceans, shrimps, lobsters, some wild fish, as well as in the flesh of certain animals and plants with a red coloration.

Astaxanthin is surrounded by a protein which is only released under the effect of heat; this can be seen by experimenting with cooked crustaceans. Shrimps turn pink under the effect of heat when cooked. It's the astaxanthin contained in shrimps that gives them this color.

Contained in the flesh of wild salmon, it gives them the strength to perform the feat of swimming up rivers against the current to reach an area suitable for reproduction.

Astaxanthin is also present in large quantities in Haematococus pluvialis algae. It gives a pinkish-red color to the fish that eat it.

Astaxanthin pigment: natural or chemical?

We're talking about natural astaxanthin here, but beware: a chemical and synthetic form also exists. This pigment, manufactured by the petrochemical industry, is far less interesting than the natural pigment.

The world-famous red pigment

Asians and Americans have long been major consumers of the pigment astaxanthin.

Top athletes in the USA and movie stars recommend the pigment for its effects. Many American brand ambassadors talk about astaxanthin.

Some cosmetic creams also include the pigment in their compositions.

Still little-known in Europe, interest in astaxanthin has been growing strongly in recent years, based on the results of studies and interviews with people who regularly take astaxanthin cures and share their experiences.

The benefits of astaxanthin pigment

The benefits of the little red pigment are numerous and remarkable. They are due to the presence of Vitamin E, which helps protect cells against oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress, or oxidation, is due to the creation of free radicals. It is the source of cellular aging, and is reflected in the appearance of genes, pain, inflammation and age-related pathologies (AMD, etc.).

Who can take a course of astaxanthin?

The pigment astaxanthin is of interest to everyone, and more particularly to people concerned with ageing well, athletes who play intensively on an outdoor playing field...

In its natural form, i.e. derived from Haematococus pluvialis algae and containing vitamin E, this pigment is a recommended solution for people seeking to protect their organs naturally against the risk of oxidation.

Astaxanthin has no known contraindications, toxicity or side effects. The 1 to 3-month course of treatment can be repeated.

Some brands recommend an average of 2 capsules/day for 2 months.

Studies show results from a daily intake of 4mg of astaxanthin.

As astaxanthin is fat-soluble, it is preferable to take the capsules with a meal, so that the pigments can be more easily assimilated, and the benefits even better enjoyed.

Who can take a course of astaxanthin?

The astaxanthin pigment is of interest to everyone, and more particularly to people concerned with ageing well, sports enthusiasts who play intensively on an outdoor playing field, people who are sensitive to the sun and suffer from sun allergies every summer, people who work for long periods on screens and suffer from visual fatigue and dry eyes, etc.

This pigment in its natural form, i.e. derived from Haematococus pluvialis algae, is a recommended solution for people seeking to protect their organs naturally against the risk of oxidation:

• Brain
• Eyes
• skin
• joints

Astaxanthin has no known contraindications, toxicity or side effects. The 1 to 3-month course of treatment can be repeated.

Some brands recommend an average of 2 capsules/day for 2 months.

Studies show results from a daily intake of 4mg of astaxanthin.

As astaxanthin is fat-soluble, it is preferable to take the capsules with a meal, so that the pigments can be better assimilated and the benefits even better enjoyed.