Astaxanthin is an antioxidant in the carotenoid family, which puts it in the company of vitamin A, beta caroteine, lutein, and zeaxanthin. It is thought to be a much stronger antioxidant than the other members of the carotenoid family. Astraxanthin is the antioxidant that gives healthy salmon their bright red color and is most likely the component of krill oil that gives krill oil added benefits over fish oil. Commercial extracts of astaxanthin come from the Hawaiian microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis. 

Research on astaxanthin is still preliminary, but has shown great potential in inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel, and elevated C-reactive protein. There has also been research on astaxanthin's ability to reduce and reverse the effects of the sun's damaging effects on the skin. This may prove to lower the incidence of skin cancers in people who regularly take astaxanthin. Other research has focused on astaxanthin's benefits for the eyes, including the retina and potential for the reduction of age related macular degeneration. And lastly, there has also been research on it's benefits for the immune system and lowering cholesterol.

The recommended dosage for astaxanthin is 8-10mg per day. Since this antioxidant is found in salmon, you could get it from eating salmon, but you would need to eat wild Alaskin sockeye salmon to get full benefits. Sockeye has approximately 9mg astaxanthin per 8 oz serving, compared with Atlantic salmon containing only 1.2mg astaxanthin per 8 oz serving. You can purchase astaxanthin in a supplement form, usually 4mg capsules. 

To date, I haven't used astaxanthin in my practice, so I haven't been able to establish it's benefits in my patients. However, because this antioxidant does have so much potential, I would like to offer you the opportunity to try an astaxanthin supplement for yourself at a 20% discount. The retail price for a 60 capsule bottle of Pure Encapsulations' Astraxanthin is $30.30, but you can purchase it, through my online store only, for $24.24, a $6.06 savings. To take advantage of this discount, follow this link: Astraxanthin 60 cap by Pure Encapsulations.