Astaxanthin, the pink pigment in salmon, shrimp, lobster and, yes, flamingos is yet another carotenoid that is rapidly establishing its potency for macular health maintenance and repair.
Astaxanthin is 550 times more powerful as an antioxidant than vitamin E and 10 times more than beta carotene (Lutein weighs in at 200 and zeaxanthin at 475). Unlike beta carotene, Astaxanthin crosses the blood-brain barrier, delivered directly to the retina and macula. And unlike its cousin, Canthaxanthin (used for a time in tanning supplements), it has not been found to clump into asymptomatic deposits in the retina.
Astaxanthin protects nerve cells in the retina and brain from UV radiation and free radical damage. In fact, rhodopsin (photopigment) levels appear to increase with Astaxanthin supplementation, and these levels are protected from loss due to photic (light) stress.
The recommended dosage of Astaxanthin is 2 mg twice a day.
