Per gram, it contains 2800% more beta-carotene than carrots, 3900% more iron than spinach, 600% more protein than tofu and 280% more antioxidant potency than blueberries. Nutrients. Muscle Strength. All rights reserved. Non-GMO, non-irradiated and 100% vegetarian supplement. Our recent published data on astaxanthin extraction, analysis, stability studies, and its biological activities results were added to this review paper. Skin: A study published in Acta Biochimica Polonica showed that both men and women experienced an improvement in crows-feet wrinkles and skin elasticity after taking 6 milligrams daily of astaxanthin. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Research has not confirmed a safe upper limit for taking spirulina, but the NIH notes that taking too much can lead to: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate spirulina, and some studies have found high levels of contaminants in spirulina products. Global journal of medicine and public health. I have more energy and a happier outlook, and I dont feel as sore after workouts. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Learn more about its usage, effectiveness and benefits. Find out some myths and facts about metabolism. In fact, algae benefits are so pronounced due to . Overall energy: In an Ohio State University study, those who took 3 grams of spirulina a day experienced better physical and mental performance. High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Nutrients. Is seaweed good for you? An allergic reaction can sometimes lead to anaphylaxis, a life threatening health condition that can result in anaphylactic shock. Alternative & Complementary Therapies. Organic Spirulina & Astaxanthin combines the world's most popular superfood microalgae with the . Other studies have shown that it helps protect the skin from sunburn. In food, you can get astaxanthin by eating shrimp, salmon, crab, or trout. A meta-analysis of 13 studies published in the journal Nutrients in 2018 found that Spirulina supplementation had a positive effect on hearing function in humans. Lutein and zeaxanthin status and risk of age-related macular degeneration. If you have a known seafood allergy, avoid getting astaxanthin from these sources. Benefits 1. Occular health is the health of the eye. In a 2017 animal study, researchers gave mice with type 1 diabetes spirulina extract orally. The participants all had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and more research is needed to see if spirulina may boost metabolism in others without this condition. Because of astaxanthin's unique molecular structure, this red-colored pigment is an extremely powerful . Its carotenoid content is 15 times that of carrots, vitamin B12 content is 4 times that of pig liver, and iron content is 23 times that of spinach. Astaxanthin is by far the strongest antioxidant found in nature by humans. Clinical Nutrition. A panel of experts promised me that the spirulina I was about to touch, taste and try for the next several weeks was the best-kept secret in the supplement industry. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can involve low levels of serotonin. The benefits of astaxanthin. So, it is mainly phycocyanin(the antioxidant pigment that also confers the characteristic blue . Astaxanthin is a potent nutrient that offers numerous health benefits. Wang J, Wang Y, Wang Z, Li L, Qin J, Lai W, Fu Y, Suter PM, Russell RM, Grusak MA, Tang G. Vitamin A equivalence of spirulina -carotene in Chinese adults as assessed by using a stable-isotope reference method. What makes Spirulina and Astaxanthin Beneficial for You? PLoS One. Learn about 10 ways to improve gut health. Spirulina may help boost a persons basal metabolism. Find out more about weight management here. Lephart ED. Astaxanthin accumulates in the epidermis and dermis layers of your skin, helping to block UV penetration and reduce existing damage. It may pose health risks for some people, including: Spirulina harvested in the wild may be contaminated with heavy metals and bacteria. Eyes: While protecting eyes from light-induced damage, astaxanthin also improves visual acuity and reduces eye strain and fatigue, as shown in clinical studies. One study suggests that spirulina can reduce anemia in older adults. Spirulina works for eye health because it contains high levels of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant, so it naturally reduces free radicals in the body. If you want to give this supplement a try, its widely available in stores and online. It has also been shown to increase the skin's resistance to sunburn. Kelp, a type of seaweed, is chock full of good-for-you nutrients that can benefit your health and possibly even prevent disease. It is a type of cyanobacteria, which is a family of single-celled microbes that are often referred to as blue-green algae (2). Role of Spirulina maxima in the control of blood glucose levels and body weight in streptozotocin induced diabetic male Wistar rats. First used by the Aztecs as an endurance-booster, spirulina is considered a superfood an all-in-one source of nutrients including protein levels comparable to eggs., The Aztecs also used spirulina to treat various diseases, and legends say that the kingdoms messengers used the algae to sustain their marathon runs. BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin. Research in animals indicates that it can reduce cancer occurrence and tumor size (19, 20). As per the guidelines of The College of Naturopaths of Ontario, absolutely NO immune-supportive natural supplement is implied to prevent, treat or cure someone suffering from a respiratory illness including COVID-19. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? All these structures must work together properly to provide clear vision. If you have a B12 deficiency common in people with plant-based diets you should make sure youre supplementing from another source., The Guardian: Spirulina: a luxury health food and a panacea for malnutrition., American Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Vitamin B-12 from algae appears not to be bioavailable., Cardiovascular Therapeutics. Thus, it is best to research the highest quality, astaxanthin to ensure the safety and potency of consumed eye health formulas. 2014 Jan 7;12(1):128-52.13. 1. Guerin M, Huntley ME, Olaizola M. Haematococcus astaxanthin: applications for human health and nutrition. What is thalassotherapy and what are the benefits? Ito N, Seki S, Ueda F. The protective role of astaxanthin for UV-induced skin deterioration in healthy peoplea randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. There are many different eye health supplements on the market, and it is, therefore, very difficult to decide which one is right for you. Create a personalized feed and bookmark your favorites. Download the app. Plus, the quality of the protein in spirulina is considered excellent and provides all of the essential amino acids that your body needs (1). These effects make astaxanthin an important tool for protecting against the harmful effects of radiation from the sun. Here are 10 evidence-based health benefits of spirulina. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Pimblett, P. (2020). A 2020 review concludes that including spirulina in the diet could help reduce: One possible reason is that ingredients in spirulina prevent the small intestine from absorbing as much fat. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and cancer: How are they linked?, International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences: Effectiveness of spirulina mouthwash on reduction of dental plaque and gingivitis: a clinic study., Journal of Cancer: Phycocyanin: A Potential Drug for Cancer Treatment., Journal of Infection and Public Health: Spirulina consumption effectively reduces anti-inflammatory and pain related infectious diseases.. The astaxanthin, on the other hand, takes several weeks for its benefits to take hold. It's one of the few nutrients known to cross both the blood-brain and blood- retina barriers to nourish these important tissues. 2022 Sep 9;14(18):3714.30. It is an ideal substance for brain strengthening, clearing blood lipids, regulating blood pressure, and lowering cholesterol. Please note that Dr. A 2016 review suggests that spirulina supplements may positively impact blood lipids, which are fats in the blood. Functional Foods in Health and Disease. Nutrients. Astaxanthin: 19 Known Medical Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & Conditions - Healthcare Weekly Astaxanthin has proved helpful in the treatment of some diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, stroke, high cholesterol and other conditions. Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Benefits, Dosage and Food Sources - Healthline In one 2011 study in 40 older people with a history of anemia, spirulina supplements increased the hemoglobin content of red blood cells and improved immune function (33). (5)Radiation from the sun can damage the eyes and skin, causing a range of problems from sunburn to cataracts. Improves symptoms of allergic rhinitis, 6 Science-Based Health Benefits of Moringa oleifera, 9 Impressive Health Benefits of Chlorella, The 18 Best Protein Sources for Vegans and Vegetarians. A 2018 paper suggests spirulina could play a role in treating mood disorders. Higuera-Ciapara I, Felix-Valenzuela L, Goycoolea FM. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. The cornea and lens of the eye are instruments to focus the light on the retina, which converts the light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. A 2018 review suggests that spirulina could help prevent chronic inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease. Capelli B, Talbott S, Ding L. Astaxanthin sources: Suitability for human health and nutrition. Astaxanthin: 19 Known Medical Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & Conditions Talk to your doctor before adding spirulina to your diet if you have an auto-immune condition.. 2015 Apr 8;10(4):e0121523.33. Sitting on the shelf for a long time may reduce the maximum antioxidant capacity, reduce the anti-inflammatory protection it provides and reduce the potency of the dietary supplement. The astaxanthin found in our Swanson Green Foods Organic Spirulina & Astaxanthin is patented for use in eye health formulas and carries with it all the documented health benefits of astaxanthin for cardiovascular health, brain health and beyond. (Good for bones, osteoporosis, children's growth) Spirulina contains 2300% more iron than spinach. Serban MC, Sahebkar A, Dragan S, Stoichescu-Hogea G, Ursoniu S, Andrica F, Banach M. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of Spirulina supplementation on plasma lipid concentrations. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Studies are showing that astaxanthin may be able to reduce blood pressure and improve cognitive abilities; support joint health, mobility, and flexibility; support the cardiovascular and central nervous system; support a healthy immune response, and support eye health. Another 2014 study in people with high cholesterol determined that 1 g of spirulina per day lowered triglycerides by 16.3% and decreased LDL cholesterol by 10.1% (14). And in the search for a fix, I traveled to Hawaii, where I stumbled upon some of the slimiest stuff on the planet: algae. Adding it to the diet can help people with thyroid function, diabetes, and weight loss. Its also responsible for producing protein and creating energy but most people dont get enough in their diet., Spirulina is a potent source of nutrients. National Institutes of Health: Blue-Green Algae., Nutrition and Cancer: Evaluation of chemoprevention of oral cancer with Spirulina fusiformis., The British Journal of Nutrition: Spirulina is an effective dietary source of zeaxanthin to humans.. In fact, one small study showed that spirulina supplementation was able to reduce exercise-induced lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and muscle damage in 17 rugby players (18). Get even more from your daily supplements. Here are some questions people often ask about spirulina: Evidence suggests spirulina has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering properties. It is worth noting that nutrients vary between products, and products used in experiments may not be the same as those available to consumers. Certain plant foods have antioxidant properties that can help athletes and people who are physically active individuals minimize this damage. This carotenoid can help to reduce LDL or bad cholesterol and can raise HDL or good cholesterol, while also lower high blood pressure.. Today, exactly two months after that trip to Hawaii, Im a different person. The main health products are Spirulina maxima and Spirulina platensis. Our farm - Nutrex Hawaii That was a piece of cake (a small piece, mind you). Speak to your doctor for advice on whether supplementation is right for your health needs. Heart: Blue-green algae species such as spirulina may help protect against cardiovascular disease because of their ability to lower blood lipids, fight free radicals and exert anti-inflammatory actions in the body, according to a number of studies. How much echinacea should i take for a cold. All rights reserved. In 2013, scientists treated 64 sites of gum disease with scaling and root planing and applied a spirulina gel to 33 of the sites. It is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the. Some studies have found contamination in spirulina products, which could be dangerous. After 10 weeks, it was found that the children had increased levels of carotene in their blood. Because spirulina is high in nutrient activity, you should talk to your doctor before taking it or any other supplement. Spirulina in Skin Care - Top Uses & Benefits | Skincare Lab Immune System Support Astaxanthin can influence your immune system, helping to activate white blood cells (T-cells) and natural killer (NK) cells. As a result, clinical trials are ongoing in order to determine the most effective ways to use this substance for the treatment of various medical conditions. If you experience any allergy symptoms after consuming seafood, see your healthcare provider and discuss other methods for adding this nutrient to your diet.. Synthetic astaxanthin, on the other hand, is often produced from chemical precursors that may not be as beneficial to human health. The cornea and lens of the eye are instruments to focus the light on the retina, which converts the light into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the optic nerve. Both natural and synthetic astaxanthin have been shown to provide health benefits, but there are some important differences between the two. Astaxanthin: Health Benefits, Safety Information, Dosage, and More Great whole-food source of vegetarian protein, amino acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants. Astaxanthin ameliorates aluminum chloride-induced spatial memory impairment and neuronal oxidative stress in mice. Studies have shown that astaxanthin is more effective than other common antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin E (7). This helps keep your arteries clear, reducing strain on your heart that can lead to heart disease and stroke-causing blood clots., Its protein also reduces triglyceride levels. In another 2013 study of 40 individuals with OSMF lesions, 1 g of spirulina per day led to greater improvement in OSMF symptoms than pentoxifylline, a medication used to promote blood flow (23). 2002 Jun 1;5(2):91-6.34. Astaxanthin is divided into natural and synthetic. Demelash S. Spirulina as a main source of tryptophan for mental illness: Improving level of serotonin through tryptophan supplementation. A slew of superfoods claiming to have a myriad of health benefits are exploding, and they are altering many Americans eating patterns. Astaxanthin vs Spirulina for Eye Health: Which is Better? Last medically reviewed on October 12, 2022. Too good to be true, right? Spirulina: Health Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, Dosage (23, 24). Mayo Clinic: Triglycerides: Why do they matter? The information presented is not presented in exchange for any sales or commission. Spirulina in clinical practice: evidence-based human applications. 2018 Apr 22;10(4):522.7. Before taking spirulina, people should talk with a doctor to ensure it will not interact with other drugs and that it is safe for them to use. Kidney and liver: Spirulina has been shown to prevent damage of these organs, according to a study published in Lipids in Health and Disease. Spirulina has demonstrated numerous health benefits and most of these benefits are attributed to phycocyanin- an active wonder molecule, which is considered to be the main wow factor within it. Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduction in hemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood (31). High blood pressure and cholesterol levels are both linked to heart disease. Inflammation is one of the leading drivers of many common diseases. One of the world's strongest natural antioxidant with benefits for joints, skin, heart, and eye health as well as recovery from exercise.*. In 2006, some researchers suggested that spirulina may offer a treatment option. Learn more here. A 2017 study on older mice suggests that spirulina may preserve healthy gut bacteria during the aging process. European Food Safety Authority Journal: Scientific Opinion on the safety of astaxanthin-rich ingredients (AstaREAL A1010 and AstaREAL L10) as novel food ingredients., GeroScience: Neuroprotective mechanisms of astaxanthin: a potential therapeutic role in preserving cognitive function in age and neurodegeneration., Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Overview of the Immune Response., Marine Drugs: "Carotenoids in Marine Animals. A small-scale 2016 study found that taking spirulina regularly for 3 months reduced the blood pressure of people with overweight and hypertension. Many risk factors are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. (2019). As near-perfect as spirulina may be, it does lack one key carotenoid. Al-Amin MM, Reza HM, Saadi HM, Mahmud W, Ibrahim AA, Alam MM, Kabir N, Saifullah AR, Tropa ST, Quddus AR. In a small-scale 2014 study, people who took 6 g of spirulina a day experienced beneficial metabolic effects, alongside weight loss and better health-related quality of life. Spirulina can help to boost the immune system, improve digestion, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. (12), In a study done on rats, it was found that spirulina prevented retinal damage caused by diabetes. It is highly nutritious and a great source of protein, copper, and B vitamins. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved doses up to 12 milligrams per day. A 2013 study states that spirulina can relieve nasal inflammation and reduce histamine in the body. It may not be safe during pregnancy, for children, and for those with an autoimmune disease. Spirulina may increase production of nitric oxide and reduce blood pressure levels, a major risk factor for many chronic conditions. FDA advisory no. People consider spirulina a superfood due to its nutritional content and potential health benefits. One review of five studies found that taking 1-8 g of spirulina per day could significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, especially for people with high blood pressure levels (25). Astaxanthin is a smaller molecule, which means it can cross the blood-brain barrier and add protection for your brain as well as your bodys organs. Along with boosting your immune system, astaxanthin may also help to reduce inflammation. Astaxanthin (3,3-dihydroxy-, -carotene-4,4-dione) is a xanthophyll carotenoid, contained in Haematococcus pluvialis, Chlorella zofingiensis, Chlorococcum, and Phaffia rhodozyma. This article discusses 13 potential health benefits people may get from adding spirulina to their diet. British journal of nutrition. Consuming seafood rich in astaxanthin can provide you with certain health benefits. Jewel's Education Hub' is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. 2011;2(4):35-7.23. It is this pigment that gives salmon its pink colour (1). Spirulina and Astaxanthin Benefits - Clean Eating