Astaxanthin is an increasingly famous carotenoid that can be found in certain algae and seafood. Astaxanthin is what causes the reddish color in crabs, trout, fish eggs, salmon, lobster and other seafood. There are plenty of other names for this antioxidant, such as microalgae, ovoester, 3R, 3’R-astaxanthin, astaxanthin, etc.
As an antioxidant, astaxanthin has plenty of health benefits. It’s been associated with heart health, endurance, healthier skin, and much more. If you’re curious and want to find out more about astaxanthin, make sure you continue reading our article about the best astaxanthin supplements available today.
Benefits of Astaxanthin
There are many ways that astaxanthin can improve your health. In this section, we will explain the benefits of astaxanthin.
Antioxidant Properties
You’re probably aware of the fact that antioxidants are good for your health. Astaxanthin has been shown to lower oxidative stress and improve blood flow in people who are overweight or smokers. By regulating blood pressure, astaxanthin can strengthen the arterial walls and prevent hypertension and consequently heart failure. This is an amazing benefit.
Moreover, a study did a comparison between astaxanthin and other carotenoids and concluded that astaxanthin had the highest antioxidant activity against peroxyl radicals.
Exercise Supplement
There have been plenty of studies done on the effects of astaxanthin on fatigue levels and endurance. Studies done on mice have shown that astaxanthin can boost the use of fatty acids in the body, which prevents skeletal and muscle damage and helps endurance.
Treating Joint Pain
Astaxanthin can also be useful in treating joint pain, including conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Several studies have shown that astaxanthin decreases inflammation and oxidative stress in people.
Skin Protection
Astaxanthin has a role in promoting healthy skin. A study conducted in 2012 showed that oral and topical doses of astaxanthin can help to maintain skin moisture, make age spots smaller, and smooth wrinkles. These positive results were evident in both men and women.
Things to Consider When Buying Astaxanthin Supplements
You need to make sure that you’re careful when you’re buying supplements. Below are the considerations you need to keep in mind if you’re thinking about buying astaxanthin.
Ingredients
Don’t just look at the front of the packaging when you’re looking for a supplement. Make sure that you go through the list of ingredients so you have a clear understanding of what you’re putting into your body. Avoid formulas that contain extra ingredients and fillers. Try to find products that contain only the ingredients you need.
Form
When you’re consuming supplements, you want them to be easy to swallow. Make sure that the tablet or capsule isn’t too large.
Origin
Almost all astaxanthin supplements are derived from haematococcus pluvialis algae. What differentiates brands of astaxanthin is the location where they’re grown and the growing conditions. Astaxanthin is grown in three different ways: indoors in tubes, outdoors in tubes, and outdoors in ponds. The lowest quality astaxanthin supplement is produced indoors in tubes. This type of supplement is the most affordable due to the fact that it’s made using the cheapest way to produce the supplement. Growing the astaxanthin outdoors in tubes is a better method, but the best method is growing it outdoors in ponds.
Brand
If possible, you want to get the product from a respectable brand that you recognize. Even though there are less popular brands that can also be trusted, it is safest to go with well-known manufacturers.
Purity
One of the things you mustn’t overlook when you’re buying astaxanthin is the purity of the formula. If you’re looking to boost the functioning of your immune system, you might find that supplements that combine astaxanthin with other ingredients will give you more powerful antioxidant properties. You should make sure that you know the ingredients that go into each supplement and that they’re delivering what you need out of the product.
Sources
You need to know the sources from which astaxanthin is derived. Natural sources of astaxanthin include plankton, krill, shrimp, yeast and microalgae. Plankton, krill and shrimp get their astaxanthin from a secondary source of microalgae.
Recommended Dose
Most astaxanthin supplements that are commercially available contain between 4 and 12 mg of astaxanthin. The recommended dose of astaxanthin per day is between 6 and 8 mg; however, higher doses have been tolerated without any serious side effects. Because astaxanthin is a fat-soluble vitamin, if you want to achieve optimum utilization and absorption, you should take it with food.
Possible Side Effects
Astaxanthin is considered safe for consumption. Research has found that supplementing with 20 mg of astaxanthin every day for twelve weeks didn’t cause any significant side effects. When you take high doses of astaxanthin, a possible side effect is red discoloration of bodily secretions and feces. This effect is not at all harmful.
Best Astaxanthin Supplements on the Market
When it comes to shopping in the supplement aisle, there are so many different options. All of these supplements promise you plenty of benefits, but how many of these promises are actually true? To help you out, we’ve made a list of the best astaxanthin supplements.
1. Sports Research Triple Strength Astaxanthin
This family-owned brand has been operating since 1980 and has managed to become one of the most trusted companies in the supplement industry. For this reason, it’s no surprise that their astaxanthin made the top of our list. This is a product that will do as promised, and it should last you for a while!
If you’re not satisfied with this supplement, it can be returned for a full refund.
Specifications:
Astaxanthin (Icelandic Istalif): 12 mg
Other ingredients: organic coconut oil, softgel capsule made out of purified water, gelatin, kosher vegetable glycerin, and natural tocopherols.
Pros
- It’s made with micro-algae that supports a healthy immune system.
- It’s formulated with organic coconut oil that helps with absorption.
- It’s sourced from Iceland and is free of pollutants and contaminants.
Cons
- It contains gelatin so it isn’t vegan-friendly.
2. Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin
The BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin is derived and grown from pure Hawaiian algae, and Nutrex Hawaii has a unique process when farming and bottling the product that ensures the best quality. In order to preserve your joints, this product has gone through extensive quality control.
This supplement also reduces muscle pain and boosts your performance. It contributes to healthy eye function and vision, skin health during UV exposure, and immune and inflammatory response. However, the only drawback to this supplement is that it isn’t suitable for vegans since it contains gelatin.
Specifications:
Natural astaxanthin: 12 mg
Other ingredients: gelatin, glycerin, high oleic safflower oil, purified water, and vitamin E
Pros
- It supports tendon and joint health.
- It protects the skin during UV exposure.
- It’s high-quality.
- It contains vitamin E, which promotes eye health.
Cons
- It isn’t suitable for vegans.
3. Micro Ingredients Astaxanthin
According to the manufacturer, the supplement supports cardiovascular, joint, and eye health, as well as recovery from physical activity. When it comes to immune system support, astaxanthin is the superior antioxidant. In addition, this is the only product on our list that is suitable for vegans, since the softgel capsule is made out of purified water, vegetable glycerin, and modified food starch.
Specifications:
Astaxanthin: 15 mg
Other ingredients: vegetable softgel (vegetable glycerin, purified water, and modified food starch)
Pros
- It provides a large dose of astaxanthin.
- The ingredients don’t contain any fillers.
- Sunflower seed oil is used for better absorption.
- It’s suitable for vegans.
Cons
- No notable drawbacks
4. Nutricost Astaxanthin
For better absorption, the astaxanthin has a safflower oil base. This product will not only help with vision and joint pain, but it will also make your skin softer and more moisturized.
Specifications:
Astaxanthin: 12 mg
Other ingredients: sunflower oil, softgel (purified water, glycerin, and gelatin)
Pros
- It’s reasonably priced.
- It helps with the lessening of joint pain.
- It’s made out of an oil base for better absorption.
Cons
- The softgels are firmer than other brands, making them a bit harder to consume.
5. Jarrow Formulas Astaxanthin
The Jarrow Formulas Astaxanthin softgels are powerful antioxidants that are made from a unique haematococcus pluvialis microalgae strain. Jarrow Formulas is a decent source for a high dosage of astaxanthin, and the microalgae-derived astaxanthin is quite pure. To maintain the freshness of the product, there is rosemary extract added. The ingredients are carefully chosen to get the maximum benefit possible.
Specifications:
Astaxanthin: 12 mg
Other ingredients: safflower oil, natural mixed tocopherols (from non-GMO sunflower oil), extra virgin olive oil, rosemary extract, softgels (purified water, glycerin, and bovine gelatin)
Pros
- There’s added freshness thanks to rosemary extract.
- The company is reliable and experienced.
- There are no unnecessary ingredients except those required for the gelatin capsule.
Cons
- Vegans won’t be a fan of the gelatin-based capsule.
6. Horbäach Triple Strength Astaxanthin
If you’re not already taking this supplement, you definitely want to consider it. Alongside the many benefits, the softgel is easy to swallow and digest and does not present any reflux issues or unpleasant aftertaste.
Specifications:
Astaxanthin: 12 mg
Other ingredients: sunflower oil, gelatin, vegetable glycerin, and caramel color
Pros
- It fights off fatigue and inflammation.
- The softgels are easy to swallow.
- It’s relatively cheap.
Cons
- It contains artificial coloring.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating supplements into your diet is one way to help yourself get all the necessary nutrients that your body needs.
If you’re interested in the benefits of astaxanthin, such as boosting the immune system, helping with joint pain, regulating blood pressure, and much more, then finding the right supplement is the first step. There are so many versions of supplements on the market that it can be challenging to pick the right one. We hope that our guide and thorough review of the best astaxanthin supplements on the market right now has helped you to find the perfect supplement and take advantage of all the wonderful antioxidant benefits that it provides.
References
- Kidd Parris, Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential, Altern Med Rev, 2011 Dec, 16(4):355-64
- Naguib Y M, Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids, J Agric Food Chem, 2000 Apr, 48(4):1150-4
- Ikeuchi Mayumi, Koyama Tomoyuki, Takahashi Jiro, Yazawa Kazunaga, Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice, Biol Pharm Bull, 2006 Oct, 29(10):2106-10
- Park Jean Soon, Chyun Jong Hee, Kim Yoo Kyung, et al, Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans, Nutr Metab (Lond), 2010, 7:18
- Tominaga Kumi, Hongo Nobuko, Karato Mariko, Yamashita Eiji, Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects, Acta Biochim Pol, 2012, 59(1):43-7
- Choi Hye Duck, Youn Yeo Kyu, Shin Wan Gyoon, Positive effects of astaxanthin on lipid profiles and oxidative stress in overweight subjects, Plant Foods Hum Nutr, 2011 Nov, 66(4):363-9