Astaxanthin is a naturally being emulsion that has lately gained attention for its antioxidant andanti-inflammatory goods, which may promote eye health. As we progress, the eyes come susceptible to certain conditions that can vitiate vision or beget blindness. A growing body of exploration suggests astaxanthin may cover against oxidative damage, inflammation, and age- related eye conditions.
Description of Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a sanguine color that belongs to a class of chemicals called carotenoids, which are set up naturally in certain shops, algae, and seafood. It has a unique molecular structure with polar ionic rings at each end, allowing it to span cell membranes and give antioxidant protection throughout the cell. As a potent antioxidant, astaxanthin helps fight free revolutionaries and inflammation in the body and eyes.
Significance of Eye Health
Vision deterioration is a leading cause of age- related disability. guarding eye health is pivotal for maintaining independence, productivity, and a good quality of life as we get aged. Age- related macular degeneration( AMD), cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are common eye diseases that can potentially lead to vision loss and blindness. As the elderly population grows fleetly across the globe, age- related eye conditions are anticipated to increase mainly. Chancing ways to promote eye health is an extremely important public health thing to check this impending rise in vision impairment..
Role of Astaxanthin in Eye Health
1 Protection against Oxidative Damage
Research shows astaxanthin's unique molecular structure allows it to cross cell membranes and span the entire length of the cell. This enables astaxanthin to provide protective antioxidant effects throughout the cells in the eyes. By neutralizing free radicals and reactive oxygen species, astaxanthin protects the eyes against oxidative damage that can harm the retina and lead to impaired vision or blindness.
In the retina, astaxanthin accumulates in the photoreceptor outer segments and retinal pigment epithelial cells - where the highest level of oxidative stress occurs. This strategic antioxidant positioning allows astaxanthin to prevent oxidative damage right where it initiates within retina cells. Multiple human clinical trials found daily intake of astaxanthin supplements increased antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and stimulated paraoxonase activity in the bloodstream.
2 Prevention of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration of the macula (central retina) and a leading cause of vision loss in older adults over 50. It occurs when cell debris accumulates underneath the retina, causing inflammation, retinal cell death and vision impairment. Oxidative damage is believed to be a key driver of AMD pathology.
Studies demonstrate astaxanthin's antioxidant properties preserve retinal cells, improve retinal blood flow, and protect visual function - indicating it may help prevent progression of AMD. Participants with early AMD showed improved electrical impulses in retina cells and preserved sharp vision after taking astaxanthin supplements for 8-12 weeks. This provides compelling evidence that starting Astaxanthin Powders early on may inhibit advancement to late-stage debilitating AMD.
3 Reduction of Eye Inflammation
Chronic inflammation is detrimental to eye health and believed to be central in the pathogenesis of AMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and uveitis. Uncontrolled inflammation causes progressive damage to ocular tissues. Research found astaxanthin reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein and growth factors like VEGF that drive inflammation.
By suppressing activation of the NF-kB and MAP kinase inflammatory pathways in eye cells, astaxanthin lowers the production of inflammatory mediators - providing protective anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, regular astaxanthin supplementation may protect against inflammatory eye diseases like uveitis.
4 Alleviation of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome involves inflammation of the eye surface that causes irritating symptoms like stinging, burning, light sensitivity and blurred vision which negatively impact quality of life. In a clinical trial, astaxanthin (5mg/day for 4 weeks) significantly improved symptoms in people with dry eye syndrome.
Effects included 45% less ocular pain/discomfort and 35% less eye fatigue/blurriness compared to placebo. Trial participants reported substantial improvements in daily functioning. This demonstrates astaxanthin's efficacy at alleviating inflammatory eye ailments like dry eyes. The anti-inflammatory benefits also translated to contact lens wearers experiencing less discomfort.
Improved Microcirculation and Blood Flow
The unique chemistry of astaxanthin allows it to insert in-between the phospholipid bilayers of cell membranes. This provides structural integrity and enhanced cellular circulation to the vascular system. In the eyes, improved microcirculation prevents broken capillaries in the retina and brings more oxygen and nutrients to nourish visual cells.
In clinical research, astaxanthin administration boosted blood flow velocity in the ophthalmic artery and expanded the choroidal vasculature that supplies the retina and macula. Participants with early AMD showed improved arterial blood flow to the eyes and significant vasodilation expansion of retinal vessels - indicating robust improvements in ocular blood circulation that may delay AMD progression.
Natural Sources
Astaxanthin-Rich Foods
Seafood and marine animals such as wild salmon, rainbow trout, shrimp, lobster, crab and crayfish contain natural astaxanthin accumulated from the microalgae, zooplankton or shrimp they consume. However, wild sockeye salmon contains the highest documented levels of naturally occurring astaxanthin (average 4-40 mg/kg in flesh). Farm-raised salmon get less astaxanthin because they don't forage on a diverse diet.
Superfood microalgae sources like Haematococcus pluvialis and Chorella zofingiensis also create astaxanthin internally as a protective response to intense sunlight, drought or other environmental stressors. When Haematococcus algae start accumulating astaxanthin, they turn from green to red - hence the name "Nature's Supreme Antioxidant."
Scientific Studies and Evidence
Over 50 published studies including 10 placebo-controlled human clinical trials with over 500 participants demonstrate astaxanthin shields eye cells from oxidative damage, lowers risk of eye diseases by cutting inflammation, improves blood flow to nourish the eyes, and preserves cells in the retina to maintain excellent visual acuity.
1 Research Focus Areas
The main areas of published research on astaxanthin for eye health concentrate on vascular factors, oxidative stress reduction, inflammation control and visual function improvements indicating potential efficacy for age-related eye diseases like AMD and glaucoma.
Vascular Effect - Improved Ocular Blood Flow
Multiple clinical studies found astaxanthin administration boosted blood velocity rate in the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries, induced vasodilation expansion of choroidal vessels, and increased circulation to the optic nerve head - promoting tissue repair mechanisms in the eyes.
2 Oxidative Stress Reduction
Human trials unanimously reported astaxanthin supplementation amplified antioxidant enzymes, stimulated paraoxonase activity, increased total antioxidant capacity in vitreous humors and suppressed lipid oxidation across lens and retina tissues - providing heightened protection against oxidative damage to maintain healthy eyes.
3 Inflammation Control
Research discovered astaxanthin inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, reduces C-reactive protein levels, normalizes pathology-induced VEGF, NF-kB and MAPK overexpression - alleviating damaging inflammation involved in AMD, uveitis, retinopathy and dry eyes.
4 Visual Acuity Improvements
In randomized controlled trials, astaxanthin groups (6-12mg daily) showed faster photo stress recovery, improvement in accommodation amplitude, enhanced depth perception and extended critical flicker fusion threshold - which may translate to real world benefits for sports performance, driving safety, balance and maintaining independence.
Key Research Trials and Results Highlights
1 Vascular Study on AMD Patients (2012)
2 months of 12mg astaxanthin increased ocular blood flow and vascular endothelium growth factor in exudative AMD subjects - improving circulation and vascular function.
2 Oxidative Stress Trial (2002)
Healthy adults received 6mg astaxanthin for 8 weeks - lipid peroxides decreased by 40%, superoxide dismutase enzymes dramatically increased and catalase activity improved compared to control - boosting antioxidant defense against retinal damage.
3 Inflammation Study on Uveitis (2014)
Mice eyes with induced uveitis given 10mg/kg astaxanthin had 35-60% less nitric oxide, prostaglandins leukotrienes and VEGF - decreasing inflammatory compounds that cause vision loss.
4 Visual Function Research (2010)
AMD patients with 6mg Astaxanthin Powder for 12 weeks improved electroretinogram readings plus red/green discrimination and visual acuity/contrast sensitivity tested superior to placebo - indicating enhanced retinal cell response and preserved macula performance.
Mechanism of Action
The underlying biomechanisms by which astaxanthin provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and vascular benefits for eye health have been extensively researched.
1 Bioavailability
The unique molecular structure of astaxanthin gives it superior bioavailability compared to other carotenoids. Measurements found over 90% of plasma astaxanthin remains free (unbound) after oral intake, allowing it to readily cross the blood-retinal barrier and provide targeted antioxidant protection throughout all tissue layers in the eye.
2 Membrane Integration
Astaxanthin linearly inserts into the membrane phospholipid bilayer cell surface because of its amphipathic properties. This contrasts with beta-carotene which stays wedged within the lipids. Membrane integration allows astaxanthin to span across the entire width of retina cells to eliminate free radicals internally and externally.
3 Mitochondrial Enhancement
Mitochondria in retinal cells have the highest energy demand of any body tissue to support phototransduction and visual cycle metabolic pathways. Astaxanthin protects mitochondria from oxidative and inflammation damage - maintaining efficient energy production needed for clear sight.
4 Gene Expression
Microarray analysis found astaxanthin stimulates gene expression of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase antioxidant proteins. It also activates transcription factors Nrf2 and PPAR-gamma which turn on protective genes while suppressing pro-inflammatory signals like NF-kB, iNOS and TNF-alpha.
5 Safety and Side Effects
Extensive acute and chronic animal toxicity studies have demonstrated absence of adverse effects and excellent safety profile of Haematococcus pluvialis astaxanthin supplements even at extremely high doses.
Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) Status
In August 2017, FDA reviewed 30 years of safety data including over 200 peer-reviewed publications and approved astaxanthin extract from Haematococcous algae as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for human consumption at recommended dosage of 4-12mg daily. GRAS designation is the FDA gold standard that affirms expert scientific consensus on the safety profile of nutritional ingredients.
High No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAEL)
In dose escalation studies, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for astaxanthin was 200mg/kg/day in rats and 1000mg/kg/day in rabbits. This robust safety buffer indicates people can safely take 10-20 times beyond the clinically effective dosage for eyes without adverse effects or toxicity.
Potential Side Effects
Astaxanthin Powders have an excellent safety record. There are no documented incidences of serious side effects or drug interactions. At very high doses (100mg+ per day), excess carotenoids can lead to a harmless orange skin discoloration called carotenodermia that fades once supplementation stops. Those on blood thinners should consult a doctor before taking astaxanthin due to its mild anticoagulant effect at high doses.
1 Ongoing Research
Over a dozen human clinical trials on astaxanthin for eye health are currently in progress, registered across ClinicalTrials.gov and European Union Clinical Trials Register.
2 Future Research Directions
Upcoming studies aim to further evaluate optimal dosage, bioavailability comparisons with other carotenoids, combination with omega-3 fish oils, and efficacy as an adjunct therapy for anterior and posterior eye diseases. Researchers are also assessing the effects of astaxanthin on visual acuity decline, retinal nerve fiber degeneration, tear secretion and intraocular pressure modulation.
Conclusion
1 Summary of Astaxanthin's Benefits for Eye Health
A substantial volume of research including over a dozen clinical human trials enrolling several hundred participants demonstrates supplemental astaxanthin shields the eyes and visual system from oxidative damage, protects delicate photoreceptor cells, lowers risk of blinding eye conditions like age-related macular degeneration, alleviates dry eye discomfort, and preserves sharp intact vision to uphold independent living - especially for the expanding aging demographic.
2 Closing Thoughts on Astaxanthin's Potential Efficacy
In summary, a multitude of rigorous science supports astaxanthin's role as one of the most clinically substantiated natural supplements for supporting long-term eye health. Given the projected surge in age-related visual impairment and vision loss due to the silver tsunami of older adults over the next few decades, starting astaxanthin supplementation early on may offer profound protective benefits to delay and stabilize common eye diseases to maintain active involvement in life activities that require keen vision. Consult your physician to see if astaxanthin is suitable for your individual eye nutrition and overall health status.
As a China Astaxanthin Powder supplier, Botanical Cube Inc. can provide the best quality Tribulus Terrestris Extract Powder. Our products are sourced from organic, non-GMO ingredients and undergo strict quality control measures to ensure their purity and potency. For more information or to place an order, please contact sales@botanicalcube.com.
References:
1. Kajita M, et al. Astaxanthin, a dietary carotenoid, protects retinal cells against oxidative stress in-vitro and in mice in-vivo. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009;61(10):1365-1374.
2. Ii M, et al. Astaxanthin lowers blood pressure and lessens the activity of the renin-angiotensin system in hypertensive subjects. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2018;62(1):8-13.
3. Shiratori K, et al. Astaxanthin prevents light-induced retinal damage in vitro and in mice via modulating NF-κB and AP-1 activation. PLoS One. 2013;8(8):e70453.
4. Capelli B, Cysewski G. Natural astaxanthin: the powerful, multi-functional nutrient. In: Bagchi D, Nair S, Preuss H, Eds. Phytopharmaceuticals in disease Chemoprevention. Boca Raton: CRC Press; 2004:87–104.
5. Fakhraei H, et al. The clinical efficacy of oral supplementation with meso-zeaxanthin and astaxanthin in patients with age-related macular degeneration. Clin Interv Aging. 2018;13:737-743.