by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Without the help of supplemental astaxanthin, the flesh of farmed salmon would look similar in color to that of halibut.
While there appears to be no harm with as-taxanthin, there does appear to be some risk with using the synthetic carotene canthaxan-thin, as this compound was linked to retinal damage in people taking it as a sunless tanning pill. Although no government has banned can-thaxanthin from fish feed, most salmon growers are now using astaxanthin instead. |
David W. Grotto, RD, LDN
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 Salmon gain these carotenoids through their diets; wild salmon eat krill and tiny shellfish and farmed salmon get them from their feed. astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant that is used as a coloring agent to give farm-raised salmon their namesake color, otherwise they would look somewhat gray. Salmon also contains important minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc.
ANOTHER FISHY STORY? Wild or farmed? Will the most nutritious version please raise their fin? Farm-raised get less exercise than wild salmon so they tend to be more fatty. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 Mind Boosters: A Guide to Natural Supplements That Enhance Your Mind, Memory and Mood, points out that though fish oil has a higher percentage of the important omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, krill oil has the powerful antioxidant astaxanthin, plus vitamins A and D, and possibly other nutrients (such as small amounts of phospholipids). No matter, in this study, 3 g a day of krill oil was enough to make a big difference in the participants' experience of PMS. It might do the same for you. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| Although no government has banned can-thaxanthin from fish feed, most salmon growers are now using astaxanthin instead. Unfortunately, for consumers, there is no real way to know whether they are getting salmon colored with astaxanthin or canthaxanthin. The FDA does, however, limit the acceptable amount of canthaxanthin to 30 milligrams per pound of salmon, thereby significantly minimizing the safety risk.
Another big concern regarding fish farms is their environmental impact. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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 After 4 days of astaxanthin administration, immune dysfunction induced by stress improved. In this same study, cancer cells were injected and effects of tumor development and metastatic lesions were evaluated in response to induced stress. Daily administration of astaxanthin for 14 days markedly attenuated the promotion of hepatic metastasis induced by stress. The scientists stated that the results of this study suggest that the antioxidant, astaxanthin, improves antitumor immune responses by inhibiting lipid peroxidation induced by stress (Kurihara et al. 2002). |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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| Not only are they loaded with the aforementioned astaxanthin, but they're a great source of valuable omega-3 fatty acids. Krill oil is increasingly being researched for its health benefits (see below), and one of the nicest of those benefits is the effect krill oil has on premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, seventy patients diagnosed with PMS (by the standards of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition, revised) were treated for three months with either krill oil or plain old omega-3 fish oil. |
Paula Begoun and Bryan Barron
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 The formula also happens to contain more antioxidants than I have ever seen in a lipstick, including cranberry and astaxanthin (a carotenoid pigment). So why the unhappy face rating? Aveda added peppermint oil to this product; and you'll feel the tingling from the moment you apply it. I wish that tingle were a positive sign, but alas, it isn't. All the antioxidants and the outstanding sunscreen (not to mention some beautiful colors) don't mean much if peppermint is there causing irritation. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
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 Recent studies, however, have shown that the carotenoids, astaxanthin, and lutein—neither of which are converted to vitamin A—can also restore lost immune function in the elderly.521
When taking carotenoids it is best to take a mixture that includes a number of varieties, such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, canthoxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin. Taking beta-carotene alone, especially the synthetic form, can actually reduce absorption of other carotenoids, such as lutein. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 The four I recommend are spiruline, chlorella, blue-green algae and astaxanthin (www.Nutrex-Hawaii.com). One of the top brands of raw microalgae is E3 Live, which you can find at http://www.e3live.com/index.htm
Healthy oils: Consuming regular quantities of healthy oils and omega-3 fatty acids makes a huge difference on the power and reach of your intention. Eat more chia seeds (www.GoodCauseWellness.com), avocados, raw coconut oil (www.RawFoods.com) and minimally processed plant-based oils. Fish oils can also be supportive if you choose to eat fish-derived products. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 It is known as astaxanthin. astaxanthin is just now emerging on the scene. Most people don't know about it yet, but it's a powerful antioxidant that belongs to the same carotenoid family as the better-known zeaxanthin, which is quite well known to be important for eye health -- that is, the health of the retina and in preventing macular degeneration.
To my knowledge, there aren't many studies available right now showing the relationship between astaxanthin and heart health, but I think those studies will be coming down the road. |
by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.
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| On the aqua farm, their rich pink hue is supplied by either synthetic as-taxanthin or natural astaxanthin derived from algae or krill. Without the help of supplemental astaxanthin, the flesh of farmed salmon would look similar in color to that of halibut.
While there appears to be no harm with as-taxanthin, there does appear to be some risk with using the synthetic carotene canthaxan-thin, as this compound was linked to retinal damage in people taking it as a sunless tanning pill. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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 Its striking color is the result of the fact that it normally dines on krill, which provides it with a highly beneficial compound called astaxanthin, a natural carotenoid that gives salmon its rich red color. Farm-raised salmon have never seen krill—they eat grain, which would be like raising lions on chocolate chip cookies. They have almost no omega-3 fat, and their color is the result of whatever selection of dye the factory farmers decide on that day. Wild salmon and farm-raised salmon are completely different foods. Yet we unknowingly use the same word for both.
Big problem. |
Bill Sardi
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 In a lab dish, astaxanthin inhibited 5 alpha reductase by 98% and worked synergisti-cally with saw palmetto berry to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. [Journal Herb Pharmacotherapy 5: 17-26, 2005]
A scientific review finds that saw palmetto berry extract is comparable with the drug finasteride in the treatment of prostatitis in regard to symptoms and urinary-flow improvement and has a lower rate of sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, long-term use decreases the progression of pre-cancerous cells in the prostate. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Yes, my skin turned a little bit red after three hours, but I took two more astaxanthin and the redness faded that evening, and by the next day, the only result you could see was a slightly darker tan.
So astaxanthin, it seems, functions as a sort of internal sunscreen, a nutritional sunscreen. It helps you increase your resistance to excess sun radiation without having to put on external sunscreen, and as you may know, I certainly don't like external sunscreens because they often contain toxic, cancer-causing chemicals all by themselves. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
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| In species such as salmon and shrimp, astaxanthin is considered essential to normal growth and survival and has been attributed vitaminlike properties. We're just beginning to understand its potential in human health, but there's every reason to believe it's really good for you.
Lobsters are large crustaceans. They have hard shells and ten legs, two of which have developed into pincers. Although considered a gourmet food today, lobsters were so plentiful in the nineteenth century that they were used as bait for fish or even as fertilizer in the fields. |
| Steve Sinatra mentioned astaxanthin as one of his reasons for including wild salmon on his top ten list, see page 186). But farmed salmon don't get to eat krill and shrimp. They get their color a completely different way. Farmers are able to pick out the color of their salmon from a color wheel that looks exactly like the ones you see in the paint section of Home Depot. I'm not making this up— I've seen it. It's called the SalmoFan, and it's an actual fanned salmon color wheel where you can choose the shade of red or pink you'd like your "product" to be. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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| It is known as astaxanthin. astaxanthin is just now emerging on the scene. Most people don't know about it yet, but it's a powerful antioxidant that belongs to the same carotenoid family as the better-known zeaxanthin, which is quite well known to be important for eye health -- that is, the health of the retina and in preventing macular degeneration.
To my knowledge, there aren't many studies available right now showing the relationship between astaxanthin and heart health, but I think those studies will be coming down the road. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Real brain medicine comes from nature, not drug companies, and it includes things like bilberry, camu camu berries and astaxanthin.
Psychiatrists don't have a clue about real brain medicine. These nutritionally illiterate hucksters don't even believe that food has anything at all to do with mental health -- an idea so preposterous that only delusional health professional could possibly believe it. And yet it's widely believed throughout psychiatry today: Food and mental health are not related, they declare.
Astonishing.
Who's qualified to talk about mental health anyway? |
Mike Adams
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 Astaxanthin (www.Nutrex-Hawaii.com)
Zinc supplements (Opti Zinc brand available in health food stores)
Irritability
Irritability is almost always a dietary problem. People say, "Maybe it's an emotional problem," but in fact, dietary factors are hiding underneath these irritable emotions as a cause. Most irritable people I've met also happen to be heavy meat eaters. They're also typically obese and obviously suffer from cardiovascular disorders. People who consume the largest amounts of meat, especially red meat, tend to have the most mental disorders. |
| Minerals and trace minerals (plant-based are best)
•* Medicinal phytonutrients (like those found in spirulina and astaxanthin) *~ Cleansing products (liver cleansing, colon cleansing, blood cleansing)
I take all of these daily except for the cleansing products which are only used a few times each year. (See chapter 6 for specific companies and contact details.)
Safety notes on supplements and solutions
*~ Many nutritional supplements (especially the rainforest herbs) should never be taken when pregnant.
•* Many prescription drugs can interfere with the function of herbs. |
| Another supplement that's very important to mention here is astaxanthin. This supplement is made from micro-algae, and the Cyanotech Corporation in Kona, Hawaii produces it. This supplement offers outstanding protection to the nervous system including your eyes—because the eyes and the optic nerve are all part of your nervous system.
Everything that I've mentioned here in terms of supporting the nervous system will also protect your eyes from macular degeneration or oxidative damage due to exposure to ultraviolet light. |
Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.
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| When taking carotenoids it is best to take a mixture that includes a number of varieties, such as beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, canthoxanthin, astaxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and cryptoxanthin. Taking beta-carotene alone, especially the synthetic form, can actually reduce absorption of other carotenoids, such as lutein. Of all the carotenoids, the best source is a pair of species of unicellular organisms from the ocean called Dunaliella salina and Dunaliella bardawil. These tiny algae absorb a very high concentration of multiple forms of carotenoids. The dose is 25,000 IU daily. |
Mike Adams
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| AmazonHerb.net) astaxanthin and Bioastin (www.Nutrex-Hawaii.com)
GCW Antioxidant Defense System RED (www.GoodCauseWellness.com) *" Baseline Nutritionals Proteolytic Enzymes (www.BaselineNutritionals.com)
Asthma / Bronchial Asthma / Bronchial Constriction
The wheezing and feeling of suffocation that characterize an asthma attack are all too familiar to the children and adults who suffer from the chronic disorder. |
| Products to consider for carpal tunnel syndrome:
*" astaxanthin (www.Nutrex-Hawaii.com)
<*" Zinc (Opti Zinc brand) available in most health food stores
Cellulite
Cellulite is subcutaneous fat that protrudes into the dermis layer of the skin, creating a cottage cheese- or orange peel-like appearance to the body. It is, unfortunately, extremely difficult to get rid of. Simply cutting back on calories or following a fad diet will not take away your skin's dimpled appearance, and liposuction is completely ineffective against cellulite. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Had these study participants been given another powerful antioxidant -- astaxanthin -- they would likely have experienced even greater reductions in arthritis pain. astaxanthin is fast becoming recognized one of the most effective natural antioxidants for reducing or even eliminating arthritis pain, chronic back pain, muscle soreness, and other physical pains. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Antioxidant Defense System - RED is just like the purple product, above, except it's made with red fruits and vegetables: tomatoes, raspberries, astaxanthin, cherries, etc. As with the purple product, this tastes fantastic! If you've had trouble stomaching superfoods in the past, try this for a pleasant surprise. It's so good, you can just stir it into water and drink it straight. From looking at the ingredients, I can also tell this is an outstanding product for prostate health, joint pain, eye health, skin protection and cardiovascular support (among other benefits). |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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 Getting astaxanthin into your diet is very wise.
You should also add superfood supplements to your diet. If you're not already taking a green foods product, I strongly urge you to order one and make it part of your daily diet. If you don't like the taste of it at first, keep in mind that you will get used to it, and you can start small. Blend half a teaspoonful into your favorite drink. I recommend bananas and either milk or soymilk. That makes a delicious milkshake. |
| Boost your antioxidant count, because antioxidants will protect you from the risk of overexposure to sunlight. astaxanthin, green foods powder, Berry Green, and other green foods are all excellent sources. Get those supplements now and find ways to work them into your diet starting today.
If you can't get sunlight, visit a tanning booth to get ultraviolet radiation. It's a secondary choice, but it's better than doing nothing. Remember not to use tanning booths for too long, and be sure to have great nutrition for at least 30 days before tanning in a booth. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
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| It’s something I've done a considerable amount of research on, and in fact I plan to do a rather large report on it in the future. astaxanthin is harvested from microalgae, and is a pigment phytochemical that alga produce when they become stressed and think that their environment is changing for the worse.
It's the same pigment that makes shrimp or salmon look red, and when it is extracted from microalgae and encapsulated, it becomes an extremely potent antioxidant with tremendous health benefits. |
| In some of the research I've done on astaxanthin, I've already seen how the nutritional supplement is practically eliminating arthritis pain in users. It is also making people practically immune to flus and colds, reducing muscle aches and pains, and giving people better mental clarity and higher levels of energy throughout the day. |
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