Astaxanthin and Health

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a red colour pigment that is found naturally in most o f the living organisms. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid in the xanthophyll group which is found in especially sea foods and salmon. Recently, experimental and human studies showed that astaxanthin is a powerful antiinflamatory agent and an antioxidant. Astaxanthin is more powerful antioxidant than vitamin C, vitamin E and f3-carotene. The health effects o f astaxanthin are related with antioxidant defence system. Studies show that there is an inverse correlation between high amount of consumption o f carotenoids and cardiovascular diseases, cataract, macular degeneration and some cancer types. In this ieview, chemical structure and sources, health and diseases interactions, daily amounts o f intake oj astaxanthin were discussed.