Astaxanthin is a longevity promoter

Editor's note: This article is a reprint. It was originally published on April 17, 2017.

Discovering the fountain of youth has been one of the world’s most desired and elusive endeavors. According to published information, boosting metabolism could be a valuable key to improved health and longevity.

Scientists at the University of Hawaii's John A. Burns School of Medicine and life sciences company Cardax have collaborated on a study to evaluate naturally occurring chemicals that have potential as anti-aging treatments.

FOXO3 is a gene that has been shown to improve longevity, and the astaxanthin compound CDX-085 played a key role in this venture.

The study's principal investigators were Bradley Willcox, PhD, director of geriatric research at the Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program, and Richard Allsopp, PhD, associate professor and research scientist in the Biogenesis Laboratory.

The ‘longevity gene’ and how it is activated

According to Wilcox, everyone has the FOXO3 gene, which is associated with human aging, but only about one in three people has a version of the gene associated with longevity. But scientists have been able to make it act like a “longevity” gene by activating the FOXO3 gene common to all humans, and astaxanthin is the mysterious ingredient that activates it.

Researchers already know from many animal studies that astaxanthin reduces inflammation, heart and liver damage, and the risk of stroke. In humans, astaxanthin goes one step further by lowering inflammation and triglycerides. This study is the first of its kind, Allsopp said.

In the context of the study, rats were given regular food, food with low amounts of the astaxanthin compound CDX-085, or food with high amounts of the same amount. As a result, heart tissue from mice in the latter group showed a significant surge in FOXO3 gene activation. In fact, it was a surge of almost 90%. Biz Journals reported:

“Scientists are planning further studies of other tissues where FOX(O)3 is expressed, including the liver, muscles and brain. They also show, for example, that astaxanthin supplements may improve cognitive function in patients with early-stage dementia. Human clinical trials are also planned.”^One

Astaxanthin, FOXO3, and Mitochondria

Naturally occurring carotenoids, of which there are over 700, provide bright colors to many foods, but they also act as incredibly powerful antioxidants. Scientists also believe that astaxanthin is nature’s most powerful antioxidant. Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring compound that exists in nature without any artificial or chemical aid.

Astaxanthin, which protects against DNA damage and improves brain function, is a supplement that supports the immune system and has dramatic effects on mitochondria. Mitochondria have been described as the powerhouses of the cell, with the primary task of carrying out cellular respiration. Soft School explains:

“This means that the cells absorb nutrients, break them down, and convert them into energy. This energy is used by the cells to perform a variety of functions.

Each cell contains a different number of mitochondria. The number present depends on how much energy the cell needs. The more energy a cell needs, the more mitochondria there are.

Cells have the ability to produce more mitochondria as needed. They can also combine mitochondria to create larger mitochondria.”²

Mitochondria can produce up to 95% of the body’s energy, so it’s no wonder they exist in muscle tissue. But while they’re busy producing energy, the subsequent production of free radicals can damage cells, leaving you tired and sore.

Taking astaxanthin, including in supplement form, can reduce these symptoms and improve stamina. When compared to other antioxidants, studies have shown that astaxanthin is 64 times more powerful than vitamin C, 54 times more powerful than beta-carotene, and has many other benefits.

One study found that FOXO3 (from Forkhead box O) may increase mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, but also plays a role in apoptosis (programmed cell death) and cell cycle arrest. Furthermore:

“In neuroblastoma cells, FOXO3 induces ROS accumulation as a result of transient mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, which is essential for FOXO3-induced apoptosis in these cells.

Cellular ROS levels are influenced by FOXO targets Bim, BclxL, and Survivin. “All three proteins are localized to mitochondria and affect mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and cellular ROS levels.”^three

For example, Bim “mediates mitochondrial-regulated particulate matter-induced apoptosis in alveolar epithelial cells.”⁴ Inhibits apoptosis during survival.⁵

Astaxanthin and How to Incorporate More of It into Your Diet

While many antioxidants can be obtained by eating plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, “real” astaxanthin comes only from a type of microalgae called Haematococcus pluvialis. This type of algae has a kind of “survival mechanism” or “force field” to protect itself from intense sunlight, UV rays, and low nutrients when its water supply dries up.

This means that there are two natural sources of astaxanthin: microalgae that produce astaxanthin and marine organisms that consume the algae, such as salmon and krill. The best sources of these foods are wild Alaskan salmon and krill oil supplements, which provide a variety of other nutritional benefits.

As a fish food supplement, synthetic astaxanthin is often used to give farmed salmon its pink or orange-red color. However, since synthetic astaxanthin is made from petrochemicals (derived from oil and natural gas), it is best to avoid this version. The Huffington Post, referring to food as a longevity drug, states:

“Certain micronutrients found in Okinawa sweet potatoes, turmeric, and foods rich in marine carotenoids (such as seaweed and kelp) are particularly powerful…

One of the marine carotenoids that is particularly promising in the Okinawa diet is astaxanthin, a natural product that is primarily available as a supplement derived from microalgae. This compound has powerful and broad-spectrum antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have shown that astaxanthin may benefit people suffering from inflammation-related conditions, including arthritis, rheumatic diseases, metabolic diseases, and cardiovascular, neurological and liver diseases.”⁶

Plus, astaxanthin is completely safe.

“One of the most interesting properties of astaxanthin is that it does not have the unpleasant side effects of conventional anti-inflammatory therapies like steroids and aspirin (and related compounds). Its safety profile is strong…

More than 1,000 peer-reviewed papers on astaxanthin have been published, and hundreds more have been published over the past three years, showing growing scientific interest.⁷

Aside from the fact that it can increase muscle capacity and stamina, it also reduces the time it takes to recover from exercise.⁸ Muscle pain is also reduced,⁹ Astaxanthin has a variety of other very impressive health benefits:

The study involved a synthetically manufactured form of astaxanthin called CDX-085. Astaxanthin reduced triglycerides, as well as atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and blood clots by 72 percent.

Additionally, people with the FOXO3 “G” genotype have “additional protection” against mortality risk as they age compared to those without the gene, according to EurekAlert:

“Researchers found that people with this FOXO3 gene had a 10% lower overall risk of death and a 26% lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease over 17 years.

Data are based on a 17-year prospective cohort study of 3,584 older Japanese Americans from the Kuakini HHP Cohort Study and a 17-year prospective replication study of 1,595 older white adults and 1,056 older African American adults from the Health ABC Cohort. do.”¹²

How Mitochondria Affect Health and Lifespan

Eating for optimal health is one of the best ways to extend your life. One of the most important reasons lies in mitochondria. Understanding the function of mitochondria can also be a way to effectively balance metabolism and fight cancer.

Mitochondria, the body’s primary source of energy, ensure that organs function properly. The best way to do this is to provide your body with enough nutrients and antioxidants, including astaxanthin, which helps your body fight disease.