How Does Astaxanthin Compare to Other Antioxidants?

If you’re familiar with Artic Flex, you know that we’re proud to include the potent antioxidant, astaxanthin.  How does it compare to other antioxidants?  Before we get started, let’s set the stage with an overview of antioxidants…

Antioxidants protect your cells from harmful molecules called free radicals. When free radicals roam throughout our bodies, they steal electrons from healthy cells to become more stable. This electron thievery breaks down cells, essentially speeding up the aging process. This process is called oxidative stress.

Unfortunately, we can’t avoid free radicals completely as they’re natural by-products of processes that happen every second. Breathing is one of them!

That being said, we can certainly minimize the amount of oxidative stress that occurs by consuming antioxidants.

 

Well-known antioxidants include vitamins A, C, and E, commonly found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. One of the most potent antioxidants is astaxanthin, primarily found in algae, krill, shrimp, crab, lobster, crawfish, wild salmon, and red trout. Read on to learn how astaxanthin compares to other antioxidants!

 

Astaxanthin vs. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has long been considered a vital nutrient that helps boost energy levels as well as our immune systems.  It’s an essential antioxidant for sure!  But how does it compare to astaxanthin?

Well, we were astounded, to say the least: researchers have found that astaxanthin is 6,000 times better at fighting off free radicals than vitamin C.

Yep, you read that right: six thousand times.

Astaxanthin’s free radical-fighting properties make it a valuable nutrient in helping the body perform various cognitive and physiological processes simply by protecting cells from damage.

 

Astaxanthin vs. Vitamin E

When comparing astaxanthin and Vitamin E’s ability to combat free radicals, astaxanthin turns out to be the winner. While not as impressive as 6,000 times, astaxanthin is approximately 550 times better at fighting free radicals than that of vitamin E.

Vitamin E is fat-soluble and plays an important role in fighting off infection and regulating blood pressure and muscle contraction. While astaxanthin’s effect on human muscle performance warrants additional study, research on mice showed notable improvement in swimming endurance.

Vitamin E is also known for its role in skin health.  Astaxanthin has been shown to help improve the texture, appearance, and moisture content of skin as well as protect against damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays.

 

Astaxanthin vs. CoQ10

Astaxanthin outperforms CoQ10 800 times over in fighting free radicals. CoQ10 has a wide variety of health benefits, including heart health, skin health, fertility, exercise performance, and cognitive function.

One study found that astaxanthin can help improve the quality of sperm, specifically the ability of sperm cells to travel and fertilize eggs. In contrast to a placebo group, men who took astaxanthin achieved higher pregnancy rates. In the realm of cognitive function, astaxanthin can provide powerful benefits due to its effectiveness in reducing oxidative stress.

 

Astaxanthin vs. Polyphenols

Polyphenols are found mainly in fruits and vegetables and are chock full of antioxidants that may help improve digestion, weight management, and cognitive and cardiovascular health.

As an antioxidant, astaxanthin is 200 times more effective than polyphenols. In one randomized controlled trial, subjects who took astaxanthin for 12 weeks reported a significant boost in cognitive ability. And in the realm of cardiovascular health, a review published in Marine Drugs points to astaxanthin’s ability to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, thereby lowering the risk of heart-related issues.

 

Astaxanthin vs. Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are flavonoids found in berries and other deeply colored plant foods and have powerful antioxidant properties that help regulate blood pressure and fight off infections. However, astaxanthin may be up to 150 times better at performing these roles!

For example, one 2010 study found that astaxanthin was able to improve immune function by reducing oxidative stress, thereby minimizing damage to subjects’ DNA.

 

Astaxanthin vs. Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid is an organic compound vital to metabolism. Without it, the body would have trouble converting carbohydrates into the energy needed for various bodily processes. Evidence suggests that alpha-lipoic acid may help protect against cell damage and restore levels of other antioxidants. Impressively, astaxanthin may do this job 75 times more effectively!

 

Is astaxanthin for everyone?

While astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant with many potential health benefits, it’s important to note that no single nutrient can solve all health issues. Astaxanthin works best when consumed alongside other vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid astaxanthin. More research is needed to establish the best uses of astaxanthin and how it interacts with other antioxidants.

Talk to a doctor or nutritionist to learn how astaxanthin can help you improve your health and well-being.