Seaweed extract astaxanthin

Types

Seaweed extract astaxanthin is a highly sought product these days. Some natural sources of this product include shrimp, salmon, crayfish, and lobster. It gets its reddish hue from a carotenoid called astaxanthin. It is also a highly beneficial antioxidant.

Astaxanthin can be obtained from several types, such as:

• Microalgae: These are the primary and most abundant source of astaxanthin. They are often cultivated in controlled environments for commercial production. A particular strain of microalgae known as Haematococcus pluvialis is the most renowned source of astaxanthin. It produces astaxanthin in large quantities as a defense mechanism when exposed to harsh environmental conditions like UV radiation and drought. This helps to protect the algae and ensures its survival.
• Seafood: These include the likes of salmon, trout, red snapper, and shrimp. Astaxanthin naturally accumulates in their bodies, giving them the reddish-orange color. Other than salmon, the other seafood sources usually contain lower amounts of astaxanthin compared to astaxanthin seaweed extract.
• Yeast: Certain yeast strains, like Phaffia rhodozyma, produce astaxanthin. Though used less frequently compared to algae, they serve as another microbial source for industrial production.
• Krill oil: Krill are small marine crustaceans that inhabit the deep waters of the ocean. They are one of the best natural sources of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin in krill is bound to phospholipids, which are fat molecules, enhancing its bioavailability.
• Spirulina: This is a type of blue-green microalga. It is well-known for its health benefits. While Spirulina contains several carotenoids, the amount of astaxanthin it has is relatively small compared to other sources.
• Other algae: Aside from Haematococcus pluvialis, other algae like Chlorella and Nannochloropsis contain carotenoids. However, they're not as rich in astaxanthin as H. pluvialis.

Ingredients & Materials

Seaweed extract is a naturally occurring substance that offers numerous benefits. These are some of its ingredients and the materials commonly used in making it:

• Seaweed: This is the main ingredient in making seaweed extracts. They use various seaweed species like Irish moss, dulse, kelp, bladderwrack, wakame, and furcellaria. These are then harvested from oceans and nutrient-rich seawater.
• Water: Water is an indispensable part of the entire extraction process. This is because the extraction process uses a sizable amount of water to wash the seaweed clean to get rid of contaminants. Water is also vital in the extraction process, particularly during the boiling or soaking processes. It helps to break down the cell walls of the seaweed and allows the beneficial compounds to be absorbed in full.
• Heat source: Manufacturers use heat sources like steam or boiling water to create seaweed extract. They use steam to create a more controlled and even extraction process that reduces the risk of damaging sensitive nutrients.
• Preservatives (optional): While making organic seaweed extracts, most manufacturers omit preservatives altogether. However, for seaweed extracts that have a longer shelf life, some may add a bit of preservatives. One of the most commonly used preservatives is potassium sorbate. It helps prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.

How To Use

Seaweed extract astaxanthin has a wide and varied usage in different fields. From skincare to agriculture, here are the uses:

• Health supplements: At times, manufacturers combine seaweed extracts with astaxanthin into capsules or softgels for convenience. These are for consumers that need a quick and easy way to incorporate the supplement into their daily routine. Astaxanthin with seaweed extract is combined into liquid forms where its Flexible and bioavailability properties are enhanced. This makes it easier for users to consume and helps in quicker absorption.
• Skincare products: Seaweed extract and astaxanthin are often jointly found in creams, serums, and masks. In these products, they function together as hydrating, anti-aging, and antioxidant components. In these items, seaweed extract provides moisture and essential minerals. It also promotes skin elasticity and regeneration. On the other hand, astaxanthin helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. It also helps improve the overall texture and tone of the skin.
• Hair care: In the hair care industry, manufacturers use seaweed extracts and astaxanthin to promote hair growth and improve overall hair health. They do this by providing essential nutrients that nourish the scalp and strengthen the hair follicles. The anti-inflammatory properties of seaweed and astaxanthin help reduce irritation and dandruff. They stimulate hair growth while keeping the scalp healthy and hydrated. This helps prevent hair loss and promotes thicker, healthier hair.
• Food products: Seaweed extracts are commonly used in the food industry as natural thickening agents or gelling agents. The extracts are also used as a source of essential nutrients in food products. Combining astaxanthin with seaweed into a nutritional food supplement provides a powerful duo that promotes overall health. Manufacturers add it into protein bars, smoothies, and snacks for consumers seeking additional nutritional benefits.
• Animal feed: Seaweed extracts and astaxanthin are utilized in animal feed, particularly for marine and livestock species. They help improve the immune system of the animal and promote better growth and feed conversion efficiency. They also enhance the meat and egg quality of animals like chickens and fish by providing essential nutrients that promote healthier tissue development.
• Agriculture: Seaweed extracts are commonly used as organic fertilizers and biostimulants in agriculture. They promote plant growth, improve soil health, and enhance crop yield. Astaxanthin, derived from microalgae, is beginning to be used as a natural antioxidant to protect plants from oxidative stress. When applied with seaweed extract, it helps improve the nutritional quality of the crops and boosts their resistance to environmental stressors. This results in increased crop productivity and better quality produce for consumers.

Benefits

Seaweed extract astaxanthin is a powerful combination that offers a wide range of benefits for health, skincare, and the environment. These benefits include:

• Anti-aging properties: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the skin. It protects skin cells from oxidative damage, which is the cause of aging. Seaweed extract complements this by providing essential nutrients and minerals that aid in cell regeneration and maintaining skin elasticity.
• Skin hydration: Seaweed extract is rich in vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides that deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. It helps retain moisture, giving the skin a plump and youthful appearance. This makes it greatly essential for dry or dehydrated skin types.
• Improved skin tone: The combination of astaxanthin and seaweed extract helps reduce hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. They promote a healthier, clearer complexion by inhibiting melanin production and rejuvenating damaged skin cells.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Both astaxanthin and seaweed extract have anti-inflammatory properties. They help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and alleviate conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema. This helps to calm and balance the skin, making it sensitive and safe for a myriad of skin types.
• Sun protection: Astaxanthin is known to provide some level of protection against UV radiation. It works by absorbing UV light and reducing the damage caused by sun exposure to skin cells. While it cannot replace sunscreen, it can be an added layer of protection against sun damage.
• Skin healing and recovery: Astaxanthin promotes better blood circulation to the skin. This not only aids in delivering essential nutrients but also helps in the healing of damaged or wounded skin. It reduces recovery time from blemishes, scars, and other skin irritations. This leaves the skin looking vibrant and smooth all the time.
• Boosting immune system: Seaweed extracts contain essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides that help support and strengthen the immune system. These nutrients help the body fend off infections and diseases while promoting overall immune health.
• Weight management: Seaweed extracts are a rich source of dietary fiber which promotes a feeling of fullness and reduces appetite. This aids in weight management and helps prevent overeating. The natural fibers also support healthy digestion and regulate blood sugar levels, which are vital for weight control.

How To Store

For optimal storage and preservation of seaweed extract astaxanthin, consider the following practical precautions:

• Keep it cool: Ideally, store seaweed extract astaxanthin between 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. This temperature range ensures the product maintains its potency and prevents any degradation. Storing it in a cool environment also helps prevent the product from spoiling or developing any harmful bacteria.
• Stay dry: Moisture will always take away from the potency of seaweed extract and astaxanthin. So, aim to store the product in a dry environment with a relative humidity of 30% to 50%. High humidity can cause mold or yeast growth on the product.
• Keep it dark: Exposure to light can break down the antioxidants in seaweed extract astaxanthin. This will cause it to lose its effectiveness. Store the product in a dark container to prevent light exposure. If the container is transparent, transfer the product to an opaque or amber glass container to protect it from light exposure.
• Airtight container: Use an airtight container to prevent oxygen from interacting with the product. This helps maintain its freshness and effectiveness. Store the product in its original container or transfer it to a tightly sealed jar or bottle. Ensure the lid is securely tightened after each use to minimize air exposure.
• Keep it away from strong odors: Seaweed extracts can absorb surrounding odors, affecting their natural scent and possibly their quality too. To avoid this, store the product away from strong-smelling substances like cleaning products, spices, or chemicals. Ensure the container is odor-proof to prevent any external smells from infiltrating the product.
• Check the packaging: It is important to examine the packaging of the product before purchase. The packaging should have materials that promote the product’s longevity. Look for containers made of dark glass, opaque plastic, or metal. These materials provide effective protection against light and air exposure.

Q&A

Q1. What is seaweed extract made of?

A1.Seaweed extract is made from various types of seaweed. Common seaweed used includes Irish moss, carrageenan, kelp, and bladderwrack. Manufacturers usually harvest the seaweed from oceans or nutrient-rich seawater. They then wash it to remove debris and contaminants before the extraction.

Q2. What are the side effects of seaweed extract?

A2.Seaweed extract can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This mostly happens when the extract is taken in excessive quantities. Taking huge amounts of seaweed extracts that contain iodine can lead to problems like hyperthyroidism and thyroid imbalance. Seaweed is sometimes contaminated with heavy metals like mercury and lead.

Q3. Who should not take astaxanthin?

A3.People that need to avoid astaxanthin include those on immune-suppressing medications. These are drugs like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. They may have to avoid astaxanthin because it has immune-stimulating properties that could potentially interfere with their treatment. People with allergies to seafood or certain microalgae should avoid astaxanthin derived from these sources.

Q4. Can astaxanthin cause liver damage?

A4.Astaxanthin does not cause liver damage. In fact, it is favorable to liver health since it reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. This helps improve liver function in individuals with liver diseases. Nevertheless, it is always expedient to consult a healthcare professional before taking any form of medication or supplement. This includes astaxanthin seaweed supplement for liver health.