AstaREAL AstaxanthinAstavita Astaxanthin owes it's superior antioxidant power to our high-performance ingredient, AstaREAL.
What is Astavita Astaxanthin?
Astavita's astaxanthin is harvested from the best source of astaxanthin in the world: the deep red microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. Astaxanthin is an example of evolution at work. Normally, the microalgae that swim about freely in pools of water are green. However, when the water pools dry out and the algae are exposed to intense sunlight, they begin producing large quantities of bright red astaxanthin. Why? Because astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that protects the algae from UV radiation, allowing them to survive - even in the harshest of conditions.
AstaREAL: The Superior Astaxanthin
AstaREAL Astaxanthin is harvested from Haematococcus pluvialis, which contains the highest concentrations of astaxanthin in the world.
Ultra-Pure AstaREAL
Our patented, enclosed BioDome system in Maui, Hawaii and our photobioreactors in Gustavsberg, Sweden protects algae from environmental pollutants, assuring absolute purity.
FAQ 1. What is an antioxidant?
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize harmful free radical molecules. Why are free radicals so bad? Think of them like vampires, but instead of blood, they need electrons to survive. One free radical will take an electron from a healthy molecule, which then turns it into a free radical. Then that free radical takes an electron from another healthy molecule. A chain reaction occurs that can harm many molecules in the blink of an eye.
Scientists widely regard free radicals as the main cause of aging.
2. What creates free radicals?
Free radicals are produced by the body as a normal part of breathing, and are therefore created at a greater rate during exercise. However, certain environmental triggers create an increase in free radical production, such as pollution, stress, hydrogenated oils, and radiation from sunlight or x-rays.
3. Where does Astaxanthin come from?
Astaxanthin can be found all over the world, from African lakes to Arctic snowfields, giving a bright red hue to a number of algae species.
4. How does it compare to other antioxidants?
All antioxidants have the same action - neutralizing harmful free radical molecules - but their potency varies tremendously. Tipping the antioxidant scales, astaxanthin is:
? 550 times stronger than vitamin E
? 40 times stronger than beta-carotene
? 17 times stronger than grape seed extract
5. Why is it so much more effective?
Astaxanthin's potency has to do with its chemical structure. Picture a cell membrane like an oreo cookie. It has two lipid layers (the cookie layers) separated by a center (the cream). Popular antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin C reside horizontally - either outside the first cookie layer or inside the cream.
In that way, they provide limited protection to the cell. But because of astaxanthin's unique structure, it orients itself vertically through all three layers, giving the cell better protection inside and out.
6. Where is it active?
Most antioxidants are tissue-specific. That means they tend to concentrate in one or two places in the body, and that's where they provide their antioxidant protection. Other carotenoids, for example, tend to favor specific organs such as the retina of the eyes or the prostate. Astaxanthin is special because it is active in many parts of the body, so it provides a more complete shield of antioxidant armor.
7. Is it safe?
Astaxanthin has been found to be very safe. However, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medication or have a medical condition, please contact your healthcare practitioner before taking any dietary supplement. This product is not intended for use by children.
8. Is there any research supporting astaxanthin?
A number of scientific studies have been conducted on astaxanthin in vivo, in vitro, and in humans. They have found that astaxanthin:
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Is 10 times more effective than other carotenoids such as beta-carotene and lutein.
Miki, W. Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure and Appl. Chem. 63;141-146 (1991) |
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Is 550 times more effective than vitamin E.
Shimizu, N. et al. Carotenoids as single oxygen quenchers in marine organisms. Fisheries Science. 62;134-137 (1996). |
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Supports visual acuity and relieves eye fatigue.*
Nagaki, Y. et al. Effects of astaxanthin on accommodation, critical flicker fusion and pattern evolved potential in visual display terminal workers. Journal of Traditional Medicines. 19(5);170-173 (2002). Sawaki, K. el al. Sports performance benefits from taking natural astaxanthin characterized by visual acuity and muscle fatigue improvements in humans. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines. 18(9);73-88 (2002). |
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Protects against exercise-induced free radical production.
Aoi, W. et al. Astaxanthin limits exercise-induced skeletal and cardiac muscle damage in mice. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 5(1);139-144 (2003). |
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Protects against photo-aging.*
Arakane, K. Superior skin protection via astaxanthin. Carotenoid Science. Vol. 5 April (2002). |
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Supports even skin tone.*
Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995). |
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Reduces wrinkles and improves skin's elasticity.*
Yamashita, E. Suppression of post-UVB hyperpigmentation by topical astaxanthin. Fragrance Journal. 14;180-185 (1995).
Yamashita, E. Cosmetic benefit of dietary supplements containing astaxanthin and tocotrienol on human skin. Food Style. 21,6(6);112-117 (2002).
Seki, T. et al. Effects of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis on human skin. Fragrance Journal. 12;98-103 (2001). |
* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose,
treat, cure or prevent any disease.
9. Who should take astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is perfect for anyone who:
? Wants to take a pro-active approach to supporting health and longevity
? Is serious about protecting their skin and improving its appearance
? Is looking for the ultimate in total-body antioxidant protection
? May be exposed to an increased amount of free radicals, i.e. those who live in urban areas,
who smoke or work around chemicals, who exercise frequently, who eat a processed foods diet,
or who have been or still are frequently exposed to sunshine
