Astaxanthin: The Rising Star in Sports Nutrition
Astaxanthin is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about ingredients among sports nutrition researchers. Nutritionists, formulators, and supplement brands, take note. If you’re involved in creating or recommending sports nutrition solutions, astaxanthin should be on your radar. It’s not just a passing trend; backed by over 15 human clinical studies using AstaReal branded Astaxanthin.
In the March 2024 edition of NBJ focusing on Sports Nutrition and Weight Management, Astaxanthin is highlighted as one of the “10 ingredients to watch.” The issue showcases fresh clinical data on AstaReal Astaxanthin from Gaven Barker, a Ph.D. candidate under Dr. Hunter Waldman at the University of North Alabama.
The Focus of Current Research
The spotlight on astaxanthin is not just about its benefits but also its wide-ranging potential effects across different populations. One noteworthy aspect of ongoing research is its focus on underrepresented groups in sports nutrition studies, particularly women.
Barker’s lab is at the forefront, ensuring that the benefits of astaxanthin apply universally. Initial studies affirmed astaxanthin’s effectiveness in male athletes, and now a new chapter has begun with a female cohort being evaluated for similar benefits. The team’s dedication to inclusive research could mean a brighter, more balanced future in sports nutrition strategy development.
The Takeaway for Nutritionists and Supplement Brands
The message is clear for those creating or advising on sports nutrition regimens: astaxanthin is a powerful ally. Its potential benefits cover a wide range of areas, such as muscle endurance, exercise-induced soreness, and muscle recovery.
Stay tuned and invested, as astaxanthin is set to redefine benchmarks in sports nutrition and athletic performance. Whether you’re formulating the next best seller or looking to elevate your clients’ results, astaxanthin could be your next big win.
The Power of Astaxanthin: A Naturopathic Doctor’s Perspective
In the burgeoning field of integrative dermatology, healthcare practitioners are continually exploring innovative approaches to patient care. Among the array of natural substances making a significant impact is astaxanthin, a formidable antioxidant that has garnered attention for its potential benefits in skin health. Dr. Jessica Maloh N.D., an expert in integrative dermatology at Integrative Skin Science and Research, provides valuable insights into how astaxanthin can be effectively incorporated into dermatological practices.
Naturopathic Medicine and Holistic Health
“Naturopathic medicine looks at the whole patient,” states Dr. Jessica Maloh, emphasizing the integrative approach that naturopathic doctors use to treat individuals. Contrary to conventional methods that often address symptoms, naturopathic practices seek to identify the root causes of skin issues by considering factors such as lifestyle, diet, and overall well-being.
The Collaborative Approach
The synergy between naturopathic doctors and dermatologists can lead to more robust patient outcomes. “Naturopathic doctors and dermatologists are more effective together,” Dr. Maloh remarks. When these professionals join forces, they combine traditional medical expertise with natural and alternative remedies, providing a comprehensive skincare regimen.
Oxidative Stress and Skin Appearance
Our skin is the frontline defender against environmental aggressors that can induce oxidative stress, leading to premature aging and various skin conditions. “We know that oxidative stress can affect skin health and skin appearance,” Dr. Maloh explains, shedding light on the importance of defending the skin against these harmful effects.
Dietary Antioxidants’ Role in Skin Health
Antioxidants play a pivotal role in neutralizing free radicals – the unstable molecules responsible for oxidative stress. “Antioxidants can … support our body in defending against free radicals and oxidative damage,” Dr. Maloh notes. By including potent antioxidants in the diet, one bolsters the skin’s capacity to cope with oxidative damage.
Clinical Backing and Effective Recommendations
“For me personally, I really like to have an evidence-based approach when I’m making recommendations to patients,” continues Dr. Maloh. “I think that’s one of the standout factors for using astaxanthin,” says Maloh, explaining that proven clinical research arms practitioners with the necessary data to advise patients confidently about incorporating astaxanthin into their skincare routine.
Branded Ingredients and Consumer Trust
Dr. Maloh points out the importance of branded ingredients in helping consumers evaluate product quality, stating, “one thing a consumer can do to make sure they’re selecting a product that’s going to be the best one for them is to look at the ingredients and to look at the label.” Transparency and clinical validation often accompany branded ingredients, making them a preferred choice for those seeking quality-assured supplements.
Conclusion
The integrative approach to dermatology, which values both conventional and naturopathic methods, is gaining traction due in part to the acknowledgment of naturally derived compounds like astaxanthin. Insights from professionals like Dr. Jessica Maloh enlighten healthcare providers and health enthusiasts alike to the profound impact that holistic care can have on skin health. With a solid grounding in clinical research and a collaborative mindset, the future of skin care looks as bright and promising as the effects of astaxanthin itself.
Incorporating this potent antioxidant into daily health regimens could be a revolutionary step for those seeking to maintain their skin’s health and vitality while combating the cyclic pressures of oxidative stress. The dialogue Dr. Maloh has opened paves the way for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the skin-nourishing benefits astaxanthin offers.
Tune into The Flex Diet Podcast for 2x the Astaxanthin content
Dr. Mike T Nelson is an extreme human performance specialist, a fitness and nutrition educator, researcher, speaker, and host of The Flex Diet Podcast. Mike recently hosted not one, but two podcasts about astaxanthin for exercise and performance nutrition.
On episode 226, Dr. Hunter Waldman from the University of North Alabama, spoke to Mike about ketones, astaxanthin, and cognitive support. For even more on astaxanthin, check out episode 228 with Dr. Karen Hecht (Scientific Affairs Manager, AstaReal Inc.) for a discussion on dietary sources of astaxanthin, studies on exercise performance, and a discussion on metabolic flexibility and cognition.
New AstaReal® Astaxanthin Firefighter Study Teaser Trailer
AstaReal is getting ready to present a new study conducted by researchers at Texas A&M that examines the benefits of AstaReal® Astaxanthin in firefighters. We are thrilled to be the first astaxanthin brand to collaborate with first responders, elucidating the benefits of astaxanthin for their performance and health.
We are ready to unleash our first teaser trailer and give the world a sneak peek into this one-of-a-kind study with tactical athletes.
We hope you’ll enjoy this preview and stay tuned for the full project premiere in the coming months.
Cardiometabolic Benefits with AstaReal® Astaxanthin
New Study Shows AstaReal® Astaxanthin Can Help Kickstart an Exercise Program.
A study led by Dr. Hunter Waldman at the University of North Alabama showed that supplementation with 12 mg/day AstaReal® Astaxanthin for 4 weeks lowered heart rate and carbohydrate oxidation levels in overweight individuals during exercise.
Results of the 2017-2018 survey by the Division of Health and Nutrition Examination revealed that 73.6% of American adults were overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2). Excess fat mass increases risk for cardiometabolic disease, chronic low-grade inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Exercise training can improve metabolic flexibility; increasing fat oxidation and reducing carbohydrate utilization in lean individuals. However, overweight and obese individuals have reduced metabolic flexibility, relying more on carbohydrates for energy, and having impaired fat mobilization and utilization. Improving metabolic flexibility in overweight individuals may help to maintain fat and energy balance at a lower fat mass.
Overweight men and women in this study underwent a graded exercise test on a stationary bicycle before and after supplementation with 12 mg/day AstaReal® Astaxanthin. After supplementation, the AstaReal® group showed a 7% decrease in heart rate across the exercise test compared to baseline (p<0.001), while the placebo group did not (p = 0.26). Furthermore, the AstaReal® group had significantly lower carbohydrate oxidation rates after supplementation compared to baseline (p = 0.02).
Dr. Waldman commented that, “Research from a number of labs, including my own, suggests that astaxanthin supplementation is an effective method for enhancing the metabolic benefits of exercise in individuals of varying fitness levels.”
Click here to access this original research study.
Immunomodulatory effect of astaxanthin on oral mucosal immunity
by Karen Hecht, Ph.D.
Pathogens taking advantage of inhalation and ingestion routes of entry into the body will encounter the mucosal immune system as the body’s first line of defense. The mucous membranes that line the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts are formidable in size, taking up 200x more real estate than the skin’s surface area. Mucous membranes secrete saliva in the mouth, and mucous in the gut and lungs, helping to trap debris and pathogens. Mucous membranes also secrete factors involved in innate and acquired immune defense. As much as 80% of the body’s antibody production takes place in the gut, serving as a defense against harmful microbiota and food antigens. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) accounts for most of the antibody production in the gut. To illustrate the importance of IgA in defense against pathogens, note that the total daily production of IgA (66mg/kg body weight) surpasses that of all other immunoglobulins combined.
The two principle antibody classes present in saliva are secretory IgA (SIgA) and IgG, with the IgA to IgG ratio in saliva being 500x greater than that found in serum. SIgA binds to opportunistic pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, and blocks them from accessing and entering the epithelial cells lining the inside of the mouth. This process is called “immune exclusion,” and SIgA levels are affected differently by age, physical activity level, as well as stress intensity and duration. Under certain adverse conditions, such as during chronic stress, SIgA levels may drop and increase susceptibility to inhaled and ingested pathogens.
AstaReal® Astaxanthin has been shown to support SIgA levels in response to varying levels of physical and mental stress. In addition to stress as a mediator of SIgA production, older individuals have reduced SIgA secretion rates compared to their younger counterparts. Hongo et al. 2016 reported a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 39 healthy subjects (average 48 years old) given 12mg AstaReal® Astaxanthin and 20mg tocotrienol (n=20) for 8 weeks or placebo (n=19). Subjects in this study underwent daily levels of stress simulated using a mental calculation task and stationary bike exercise. This mental and physical load caused a significant decrease in SIgA levels in the placebo group after 8 weeks (p<0.05), while the AstaReal® group maintained consistent SIgA levels throughout the 8 week protocol.
A second randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, Baralic et al. 2015 examined 40 male elite soccer players (average 18 years old) whom received 4mg/day AstaReal® Astaxanthin (n=21) or placebo capsules (n=19) for 90 days. Previous studies have shown that while a single bout of exercise in soccer players results in increased SIgA output, consecutive bouts of exercise training did not reduce SIgA output as has been seen in cases of prolonged exercise at a high intensity level (as in ultra- marathon runners). This younger, well-trained group of athletes taking AstaReal® had a significant increase of SIgA absolute concentration in saliva, and an increase in SIgA secretion rate after 90 days compared to baseline (p< 0.05). In contrast, there were no significant changes in SIgA concentration or secretion rate in the placebo group.
These studies suggest that AstaReal® Astaxanthin may support mucosal immunity, which functions as a first line of defense against inhaled and ingested pathogens, under conditions of mental and physical stress.
To learn more about clinically-proven benefits of AstaReal® Astaxanthin, and state of the art indoor photobioreactor production technology, visit www.astarealusa.com
Astaxanthin Feeds Baked Goods With Powerful Antioxidants
World Bakers industry magazine for the baking and biscuit industry published on the benefits of AstaReal Astaxanthin in baked goods.