Cover your basic needs to protect against oxidative stress: Astaxanthin 4 mg capsules

Science-Backed

Our cells produce particles called free radicals as part of their normal metabolic functions. On one hand, free radicals fulfill important functions in the body, but on the other, excessive production of free radicals can be harmful.  

Excessive production of free radicals in our body is often a result of lifestyle and certain external stressors: stress, environmental toxins, alcohol and cigarettes, intense physical activity or ultraviolet radiation.  

This can lead to a condition called oxidative stress. Persistent oxidative stress can damage DNA and other important molecules in our bodies. Antioxidants help the body process oxidative stress to establish balance. 

Some antioxidants are produced by the body itself, others are absorbed through food – for example vitamins A, C and E or minerals such as selenium and zinc.

As a carotenoid, astaxanthin is one of the antioxidants

... that can support the body against free radicals. In several comparative studies on antioxidants, astaxanthin has consistently been shown to be a particularly potent natural antioxidant:  

• It is one of the few antioxidants that reach all the cells of the body. 
• It reaches the brain, the nerves of the central nervous system and the retina of the eye, as it can cross both the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retina barrier.  
• It protects cells from free radicals internally and externally, as it coats the entire cell membrane. 
• It is a pure antioxidant and never becomes a free radical or a pro-oxidant itself. 
• It is stored in the body, thus providing a long-term effect. 

A 2007 study compared astaxanthin to other antioxidants and even found it to be the world's most powerful antioxidant: [1] 

• 800 times more powerful than coenzyme Q10 
• 550 times more powerful than green tea catechins 
• 75 times more powerful than alpha-lipoic acid 
• 6000 times more powerful than vitamin C 

Which astaxanthin supplement for which purpose?

Active ingredients in Astaxanthin 4 mg capsules 

The health claims in relation to plant substances have not yet been conclusively evaluated. However, due to the number of studies, the efficacy described here can be sufficiently substantiated. 

Astaxanthin 

Immune system: A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition & Metabolism supports the theory that astaxanthin can help reduce oxidative stress and the inflammatory parameter CRP while boosting the body's immune response.  [2] 

Brain: Because oxidative damage and increased neuroinflammation are closely linked, astaxanthin is thought to have a strong protective effect on the human brain: Its unique chemical structure allows it to easily cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). [3] In 2012, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that an astaxanthin-rich Haematococcus pluvialis extract improved cognitive function in healthy elderly people.  [4] 

Eyes: Free radicals and singlet oxygen oxidize polyunsaturated fatty acids in the retina, leading to functional impairment of cell membranes in the retina, which in turn can cause permanent damage to retinal cells.  [5] 

Strength and endurance: In a study of 40 healthy male students between the ages of seventeen and nineteen, divided into a treatment group and a placebo group, subjects took one 4 mg capsule of astaxanthin or a placebo daily for six months. The strength of the subjects was measured at the beginning of the experiment, halfway through (after three months), and again at the end of the experiment (after six months). The results showed that in the astaxanthin group, strength and endurance of the subjects increased by 62% in six months, while that of the subjects in the placebo group increased by just 22%. [6] 

Hibiscus extract 

Hibiscus extract is rich in vitamins A, C and E and minerals calcium and iron. It also contains linoleic acid, organic acids (malate, oxalate, citric acid and hibiscus acid), phenolic acids (caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid) and other phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and anthocyanins. 

Oxidative stress and muscle fatigue: One study investigated the effects of green tea and hibiscus tea supplementation on oxidative stress and muscle damage in soccer players. After a six-week intervention, supplementation had positive effects on oxidative stress status in male athletes.  [7] 

Heart and circulation: One meta-study examined seventeen different studies and concluded that regular consumption of hibiscus may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.  [8] 

Skin: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study, the effects of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) on antioxidant activity, blood pressure, and skin condition were evaluated in 39 healthy adults. Participants received 200 ml of a Hibiscus sabdariffa drink or a placebo daily for 6 months. This study suggests that dietary supplementation with Hibiscus sabdariffa may improve antioxidant capacity, lower blood pressure, and improve skin condition in healthy adults.  [9] 

Vitamin E 

Vitamin E is the name for a group of fat-soluble substances with predominantly antioxidant effects. The most important naturally occurring substance in the vitamin E family is alpha-tocopherol. 

Vitamin E is considered an anti-aging vitamin because it reduces wrinkles and gives the skin a fresh appearance; it also increases the amount of collagen in the skin. 

Especially in summer, vitamin E helps protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by UV radiation from the sun. Vitamin E also protects blood vessel cells by preventing bad cholesterol (LDL) from oxidizing. 

Vitamin E is particularly important for athletes, as their bodies produce much greater amounts of free radicals due to the greatly increased energy metabolism, which results in an increased need for antioxidants. 

For whom are Astaxanthin 4 mg capsules ideal?

Vitality Nutritionals Astaxanthin 4 mg capsules are ideal to ensure a basic supply of powerful antioxidants: Just 1 capsule a day provides you with the antioxidant power of astaxanthin, vitamin E and hibiscus polyphenols. 

In addition, Astaxanthin 4 mg capsules are suitable for 

• those exposed to greater physical and mental challenges 
• those feeling tired and listless 
• those who want to support their immune system 
• those who are worried about getting older 
• those who want to try astaxanthin 
• those whose lifestyle contributes to the formation of free radicals due to excessive exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, stress or UV radiation. 

Do Astaxanthin 4 mg capsules have side effects?

To date, no side effects have been observed in any astaxanthin study. Likewise, no interactions or allergic reactions were observed. Natural astaxanthin is considered safe and without side effects. 

"Currently, there are no known side effects or interactions with other remedies or contraindications when using hibiscus flowers." (gesundheit.de)  [10] 

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have low blood pressure or taking medication, medical advice should nevertheless be sought before taking preparations with hibiscus. 

Astaxanthin 4 mg capsules are not recommended for infants, children and adolescents under 14 years of age and should be kept out of reach of young children.