Astaxanthin is a natural pigment found in microalgae, some types of seafood (like salmon). Studies suggest astaxanthin might improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, but more research is needed to confirm these effects and understand how they might translate into improved health outcomes.
Safety Studies on Astaxanthin: A Simpler Explanation
Here's a breakdown of what scientists have found about the safety of astaxanthin in studies on animals and humans:
Animal Studies:
- Scientists fed rats increasing amounts of astaxanthin for 90 days. Even at the highest dose, the rats showed no major weight changes, blood problems, or other harmful effects. However, at this high dose, some changes were seen in the kidneys, but they weren't considered serious. (1)
Human Studies:
- A study looked at healthy adults taking astaxanthin supplements for 8 weeks. There were no significant differences between those taking astaxanthin and those taking a placebo (dummy pill), except for very minor changes in some blood test results that weren't medically important. This suggests astaxanthin at this dose (6mg daily) is safe for healthy adults. (2)
- Another study examined the effects of astaxanthin on blood flow in men. They found a slight improvement in blood flow after 10 days of taking astaxanthin (6mg daily) compared to a placebo. Again, no safety concerns were identified. (3)
Additional Information:
- Studies also showed that astaxanthin gets stored in various organs and tissues, with the highest concentration in the skin (which explains the pink/red color in some animals). This storage seems to be temporary, and the body eliminates astaxanthin relatively quickly. However, potential adverse effects such as lesions in the kidneys of three animals and a slight change in the leucogram were noted. (4)
Key Takeaways:
- Based on these studies, astaxanthin appears to be safe for consumption at moderate doses (around 6mg daily) in healthy adults.
- More research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects and any potential benefits of astaxanthin.
Important Note:
- This information is for general knowledge only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a doctor before taking any supplements.