Astaxanthin
You may have heard of astaxanthin as a supplement, food ingredient, and an innovative component in skincare products. It is a micronutrient as impressively beneficial as its name is exotic-sounding.
This potent marine-derived antioxidant (which may be 6,000 times more powerful1 than vitamin C) is making waves in health and skincare. It is also considered more effective than carotenoids such as lycopene, lutein, and β-carotene. It may be 500 times stronger than vitamin E.
The natural ingredient may protect against numerous dread diseases and can potentially reduce hyperpigmentation, slow aging, and smooth skin. According to Market Reports World, the global astaxanthin market is valued at USD 169.9 million. It is predicted to grow to USD 320.5 million by 2030 – a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.5%2. However, what is this nutrient, and where does it come from?
What Is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid—a fat-soluble pigment or plant color similar in chemical composition to carotenes, such as those found in orange vegetables. The red pigment occurs naturally in some microalgae and types of yeast.
The nutrient feeds various marine species across the food chain, including krill, shrimp, lobster, crawfish, crab, trout, and salmon. The astaxanthin is stored in shells and flesh, passing its notable benefits on to seafood consumers.
What Are Astaxanthin’s Health Benefits?
Antioxidants such as astaxanthin help protect cells from oxidative stress and free radicals, neutralizing reactive oxygen within cell membranes. The pigment also helps activate white blood cells, boosting the immune system, crossing the blood-brain barrier to support improved cognitive health, and reducing the inflammation responsible for chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease.
It may also help limit symptoms of endocrine disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by addressing insulin resistance and improving overall lipid profiles. Additionally, astaxanthin may assist in reducing “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increasing the “good” type (HDL) while helping to lower high blood pressure. Speak to your doctor or another healthcare provider about taking astaxanthin if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking blood pressure medication.
Astaxanthin in Skincare
In skincare, the carotenoid is like essential vitamin C, but more so. Consumed in foods or as a supplement, astaxanthin may help improve skin elasticity and brightness and reduce the occurrence and appearance of premature lines and wrinkles.
The pigment may also help protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage as it accumulates in the dermis and epidermis skin layers. Here, it acts as a moisturizing barrier to help block the penetration of this dangerous type of sunlight. It may also help address and reduce sun damage, preventing thickening, melanin formation, and collagen loss.
Choose Natural
While a synthetic version of the ketocarotenoid is available, naturally derived astaxanthin – reported to be 50 times more potent than the synthetic form3 – comprises around 70% of the market share. This statistic aligns with increasing consumer demands for purer, cleaner ingredients.
So, to ensure high standards throughout your product, formulate your skincare, supplement, or nutraceutical product using premium-grade astaxanthin powder and oleoresin. Support these active ingredients with 100% natural flavor and fragrance components from Advanced Biotech.
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1 https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/wellness/astaxanthin-antioxidant-benefits-supplements-b1153255.html
2 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/astaxanthin-market-innovations-2024-2032-9ihyf
3 https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Differences-between-synthetic-and-natural-astaxanthin_tbl2_3549129353