TOUTED as the up-and-coming superstar of the health supplement world, astaxanthin is a natural occurring fat-soluble pigment which is derived from various oceanic sources such as microalgae, salmon, lobsters and shrimps.
Marine microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis), in particular, are selected for their high concentration of the carotenoid pigment.
Essentially a member of the carotenoid family, astaxanthin shares the same "antioxidant power" as other carotenoids. The better-known carotenoid would be beta-carotene, found abundantly in yellow-green leafy vegetables and reddish to orange coloured fruits such as spinach, broccoli and papaya.
Vitamin E also possesses the same property. Antioxidant components are beneficial for eliminating active oxygen or free radicals. Free radicals contribute to DNA damage, nerve cell damage, accelerated ageing of internal organs and more.
Besides being an anti-ageing nutrient, astaxanthin has the ability to enhance physical endurance and muscle recovery. Its consumption has a marked improvement on the body's capacity for physical activity. This is especially beneficial for those who perform physical exercises and strenuous sports.
In 1998, Malmsten (Karolinska Institute, Sweden) conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on healthy men supplemented with four milligramme of astaxanthin daily for up to six months.
The strength or endurance was determined by the average number of knee bends per person. Standardised exercise tests demonstrated that the average number of knee bends performed increased only in the astaxanthin-treated group at three months and significant improvements were observed in six months.
It cannot be emphasised enough that astaxanthin helps to prevent fatigue. Muscle recovery time is extensively diminished and lactic acid build-up after strenuous physical activity is greatly decreased. When astaxanthin is present in muscles and other tissues, it prevents oxidation at the site of stress or potential oxidation.
Other specific observable effects include a boost in the ability to sustain physical muscle movement and also the prevention of concomitant muscle injuries.
The mechanics are simply on grounds of astaxanthin allowing the continual transport of fats into the mitochondria for energy production. The energy generated from the mitochondria or "power house" subsequently augments endurance, pumps up one's stamina while simultaneously reducing fatigue. These advantages enable the body's capacity to continue with physical activity when exercising.
Consequently, possible weight loss and muscle toning may be observed depending on the intensity as well as duration one spends on completing the exercise routine, coupled with the imperative strict monitoring of one's diet.
If your commitment to an exercise regime is always dampened by a lack of energy and rapid depleted vigour, astaxanthin is the supplement to turn to.
It is to be emphasised that astaxanthin consumption should always be complemented with a healthy diet plan and disciplined exercise for optimal results.
The writer is a pharmacist who is actively involved in the dissemination of information on natural healthcare and holistic therapies. For more information, she can be contacted at csyam@streamyx.com
This story was first published in the New Straits Times on Oct 20, 2008.
