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The Role of Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Diabetes, Dyspepsia, and Athletic Endurance

          In the past, beta-carotene (precursor of vitamin A) and vitamin E have been extensively studied. Recent focus, however, has shifted to other carotenoids, such as astaxanthin. In humantrials, staxanthin has been shown to reduce visible signs of UV-aging through both topical and dietary supplementation within 4-6 weeks of use. Research suggests potential skin bnefits from the use of astaxanthin to maintain youthful appearance, reverse premature signs of aging and prevent UV induced skin cancer.

          Astaxanthin displayed positive effects in a type 2 diabetic mouse model in that it reduced the disease progression by retarding glucose toxicity and kidney damage. Studies suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hyperglycemia contributes to the onset of diabetic mellitus and its complications. Non-enzymatic glycosylation of proteins and mitochondria , prevalent in diabetic conditions, is a major source of ROS. Uchiyama et al., 2002 demonstrated in obese diabetes type 2 mouse model that astaxanthin preserved pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction against oxidative damage. Although linical trials involving antioxidants inhumans have begun only recently, the preliminary results are suggesting that strong anti-oxidant supplementation, such as with astaxanthin, may improve type 2 diabetic control and inhibit progressive renal damage by circumventing the effects of glycation-mediated ROS under hyperglycemic conditions.

References:
Uchiyama K., et al., (2002) Astaxanthin protects cells against glucose toxicity in diabetic mice. Redox Report 7(5):290-292.

           The more intense the physical activity – the more free radicals are generated in the process. The latter have a damaging effect on muscle performance and recovery.   Recently, astaxanthin has been brought to the forefront as a perfect dietary supplement for professional athletes and physically active people.    Important to physical activity are our mitochondrial cells which provide as much as 95% of our body’s pure energy .Unfortunately, a portion of this energy produces highly reactive and damaging free radicals. The latter damage cells by triggering peroxidation of the cell membrane components , and oxidation of DNA and proteins. Free radicals activate the inflammation response and often we will notice the muscle tiredness and soreness even after the strenuous exercise has ceased.           Japanese scientists have demonstrated by using 1200 meter track athletes, that a daily dose of 6mg per day for 4 weeks resulted in bodies accumulating lower levels of lactic acid. , which suggests improved endurance.      Astaxanthin has been shown to directly reduce muscle damage in vivo and in vitro, by inhibiting the IKK protein dependant activation of the Nuclear Factor-kB (NF-kB) pathway, a key step in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators.

          H.pylori is a gram-negative bacterium which is present in approximately half of the world’s population, and typically resides in the human gastric epithelium (stomach lining). HpPylori infection is generally acknowledged as the main cause for type B gastrip has been shown to lower gastric inflammation and bacterial loads. In 1999 the first clinical study was performed with human subjects, whereby patients with non-ulcer dyspepsia symptoms, such as heartburn and gastric pain, were each treated with 40 mg daily dose of astaxanthin for 21 days. The gastric pain, heartburn, and total clinical symptoms results showed a significant drop of 66%, 78% and 52% drop respectively.       

         A recent arge randomized collaborative European trial demonstrated that 40mg of astaxanthin treatment significantly reduced gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Thus, Astaxanthin appears extremely useful as an alternative therapy in the setting of H.pylori positive gastritis and non-ulcer gastroesophageal reflux.