Astaxanthin – a Deep Dive

Vitamin HealthDigital Eye Strain, Ocular Nutrition

Astaxanthin is a powerful, versatile nutrient that offers many significant benefits throughout the entire body. It is a carotenoid antioxidant that fights free radicals to reduce stress on cells and tissue and support a healthy aging journey. We are well aware that many nutrients make these claims, but today, we’ll take a deep dive into Astaxanthin and its role in your wellness journey, particularly with regard to your eye health. 

Clinically Validated Benefits of Astaxanthin

There is no denying the importance of antioxidants and their role in your health, and continued research supports these claims. In clinical trials, these are some of the benefits of astaxanthin that have been research recommended.

  • Skin hydration, smooth skin & elasticity
  • Joint and muscle recovery and sustained energy
  • Cardiovascular health – Supporting blood flow
  • Brain health and cognitive support
  • Energy and endurance 
  • Immune support
  • Cellular health and anti-aging properties
  • Eye health – Relieve tired eyes & promotes good circulation

How It Works

How can astaxanthin support all of these body systems? The main action of astaxanthin in the body is preventing cell oxidation and damage caused by free radicals in the body. In addition, it offers powerful anti-inflammatory properties and supports the effects of other nutrients in the body. In many of these body systems, clearing free radicals and reducing inflammation help support the normal functioning of the body system. Astaxanthin does not actively produce energy or repair cells, but supports normal bodily functions by reducing interruption. For instance, astaxanthin does supply energy directly, but it can help offset the inflammation and damage caused by strenuous exercise to allow you to go further and feel less fatigued after a workout. 

Eye Health

Researchers have been particularly interested in astaxanthin’s role in eye health and vision support due to its alleged potency. Studies suggest that astaxanthin is 10 times more powerful than zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta-carotene, and 6000 times more powerful than vitamin C. Astaxanthin has powerful effects on supporting optimal eye health in a variety of ways. Primarily, its antioxidant properties make it the first line of defense in reacting to free radicals in the eyes. It crosses the retinal blood barrier and protects the eyes from oxidative stress. Additionally, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the vessels of the eyes and that supply the eyes, promoting ocular blood flow, allowing the blood to reoxygenate the tissues of the retina and eyeball and clear out toxins and waste more efficiently. 

One of the most relevant benefits astaxanthin provides is promoting dynamic focus — the ability to refocus when looking far away to something close — by helping eye muscles perform better and recover faster from eye strain and fatigue. Not only does astaxanthin help reduce digital eye strain, but it also helps to reduce inflammation and supports optimal ocular vascular health.

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of astaxanthin and its role in eye health is its ability to combine with and enhance the effectiveness of other carotenoids and nutrients. Studies suggest that eye supplements containing astaxanthin, lutein, and DHA were more effective than any one of these nutrients alone. 
It’s important to know that degenerative vision is not a normal part of aging and there are things you can do now to improve the outlook of your vision and eye wellness. Our Viteyes Blue Light Defender series contains astaxanthin paired with lutein, zeaxanthin, bilberry, and vitamin C to promote optimal eye health and fight eye fatigue and strain. Shop all of our eye supplements online and discover the benefits for yourself!

Resources: 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18803658/

https://www.naturesbest.co.uk/pharmacy/vision-health/benefits-of-astaxanthin-on-eye-health/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281326/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4997915/