Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll and phytonutrient (health boosting, plant based chemical compounds) that is mainly found in orange and red coloured fish such as lobster and salmon. Provisional studies suggest that this plant based nutrient has a wide range of health benefits in humans. In this article I will be expanding on this topic and providing a full overview of astaxanthin.

1) DISCOVERY:

Astaxanthin was discovered in 1970 by the British Chemist Basil Weedon.

2) HEALTH BENEFITS:

Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that can protect your body;s cells from free radicals (dangerous by-products that get released into your body’s cells during oxygen related reactions).

Early studies indicate that this xanthophyll may also have a wide range of further health benefits in humans. Additional research is required before these benefits can be confirmed but the available evidence suggests astaxanthin may be able to act as an anti-inflammatory (a substance that minimises unnecessary inflammation), boost the reproductive system, prevent Alzheimer’s disease (a mental disease that leads to problems with memory, thought and speech), prevent cancer (a health disorder where your body’s cells start to grow in a rapid, out of control way), prevent heart disease and prevent the common cold and the flu. Additionally, it may be able to protect against cataracts (clouding on the lenses of the eyes), protect against glaucoma (a disease where your optic nerve gets damaged), protect against macular edema (a condition where fluid protein collects behind the macula of the eye), protect against kidney damage, lower high blood pressure and treat diabetes (a disease which causes your blood glucose to reach extremely high levels).

3) RECOMMENDED DAILY ALLOWANCE (RDA):

Astaxanthin is not believed to be essential for human survival so no official RDA has been set. However, numerous experts believe that consuming 4 milligrams (mg) of this xanthophyll daily will promote optimal health.

4) FOOD SOURCES:

Red fish such as crab, lobster, salmon and shrimp are amongst the best food sources of astaxanthin with farmed salmon containing 1.8mg of this nutrient per 100g and wild salmon containing 4mg of this nutrient per 100g. Red fruits and vegetables including carrots and red peppers are also a good source of this natural nutrient but the exact amounts they contain are not known.

5) SUMMARY:

Astaxanthin has shown a lot of promise when it comes to human health benefits. Whilst more evidence is needed before they are fully confirmed, you should definitely make this xanthophyll part of your diet. Red fish in particular are a great source of health boosting omega 3 essential fatty acids which means by eating them you will be getting the antioxidant protection of astaxanthin, the health benefits of omega 3s and the potential additional astaxanthin benefits discussed in this article.