Dr. Mercola Astaxanthin Review – 8 Things To Consider
By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc, Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir (Expert Reviewer)
Rebecca Williams studied medicine at Cambridge University where she also obtained a degree in Experimental Psychology. A widely known General Practitioner in London, Rebecca also served in Community Pediatrics, and has published research in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
Rebecca relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa where she has been able to pursue holistic community healthcare by developing a community health training program which she has taught in Mozambique, Zambia, Uganda and Nepal.
Some of Rebecca’s published research can be viewed on Researchgate.
Astaxanthin is a dietary supplement offered as a support for the health of the skin, brain, eyes, joints and bones.The formula is manufactured under the brand of Dr. Joseph Mercola, who is a licensed osteopathic physician trained in both traditional and natural medicine. Dr. Mercola runs a website designed to inform people about the products which can bring the most benefits to its users and expose those highly advertised formulas which are not only ineffective, but have a big contribution in worsening the ailments.
Astaxanthin also contains the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, because it is an excellent carrier for Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a substance belonging to the carotenoids group, the reddish pigment responsible for the color of salmon, lobster, trout or shrimps.
The antioxidant properties of ALA and Astaxanthin make Astaxanthin recommended for people who are experiencing skin problems (dry skin, age spots), people concerned with maintaining a healthy nervous system, healthy bones and joints, those who exercise and want to improve their endurance and for those who want to enhance their visual acuity.
1) Astaxanthin at a Glance
Astaxanthin’s therapeutic properties are based on two core active ingredients: Astaxanthin and the Omega-3 fatty acid ALA (known to have the capacity of transporting Astaxanthin throughout the body).
ALA, as all Omega-3 fatty acids, are considered essential fatty acids because they cannot be produced by the human body but are absolutely necessary for human health. They play a very important function in maintaining a healthy brain function (memory related processes like focus, concentration and recall and brain performance).Decreased levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have been observed in individuals suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and so supplementation with these essential nutrients may benefit these patients. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of fatty-acids on behavioral issues and learning for people suffering of ADHD.
Studies have also shown that Omega-3 fatty acids may have benefits in the treatment of childhood depression. Omega-3’s in general have strong blood thinning properties, and hence may harm people suffering from blood clotting disorders, increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anticoagulant medication.
Astaxanthin, a reddish pigment from the carotenoids group is considered as a potential support in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, skin damage and high cholesterol. More studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this substance for these uses. Astaxanthin is considered potentially safe when consumed from natural sources. The side effects of Astaxanthin within supplements or skin care products are yet to be determined.
2) Details on Astaxanthin Ingredients and Uses
Astaxanthin contains the following ingredients: Zanthin Astaxanthin complex (CO2 extract of Haematococcus pluvialis algae), omega-3 (ALA), Perilla Seed extract, Non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin O2B Botanical Peroxidation Blocker.
Product Features
Astaxanthin’s therapeutic properties are based on two core active ingredients: Astaxanthin and the Omega-3 fatty acid ALA (known to have the capacity of transporting Astaxanthin throughout the body).
ALA, as all Omega-3 fatty acids, are considered essential fatty acids because they cannot be produced by the human body but are absolutely necessary for human health. They play a very important function in maintaining a healthy brain function (memory related processes like focus, concentration and recall and brain performance).Decreased levels of Omega-3 fatty acids have been observed in individuals suffering from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and so supplementation with these essential nutrients may benefit these patients. However, further research is needed to determine the effect of fatty-acids on behavioral issues and learning for people suffering of ADHD.
Studies have also shown that Omega-3 fatty acids may have benefits in the treatment of childhood depression. Omega-3’s in general have strong blood thinning properties, and hence may harm people suffering from blood clotting disorders, increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with anticoagulant medication.
Astaxanthin, a reddish pigment from the carotenoids group is considered as a potential support in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, macular degeneration, skin damage and high cholesterol. More studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of this substance for these uses. Astaxanthin is considered potentially safe when consumed from natural sources. The side effects of Astaxanthin within supplements or skin care products are yet to be determined.
Astaxanthin formula also contains a Perilla seed extract as an additional support for a faster absorption of Astaxanthin. This formula is recommended for the use of adults in doses of 1 capsule daily. No side effects or precautions are mentioned for the formula.
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Advantages
Researched active ingredients, with evidence to back up part of the core benefits
Affordable price for a month’s supply (approximately $20)
Discounts and other promotional offers offered by some retailers under certain conditions
Disadvantages
Insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of the active ingredients (further research needed to determine it for some recommended uses)
Mixed reviews from consumers
No clinical trials involving the product
Conclusion
Astaxanthin is a nutritional supplement advertised as an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA and Astaxanthin.Astaxanthin is becoming more and more popular within this type of dietary supplements due to its claimed effectiveness (it is advertised as being 65 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 14 times stronger than vitamin E, and 54 times more efficient than beta-carotene). However, these claims are not supported by clinical research or conclusive clinical trial results.
Astaxanthin has not been the subject of scientific research. Although ALA is considered potentially safe when consumed in the recommended doses (only a few mild side effects have been reported), the potential harmful effects of Astaxanthin based supplements are still unknown. We recommend that you consult a healthcare provider and decide together if this is the right formula for you.
3) Does Astaxanthin Work?
Astaxanthin is a mixture of an antioxidant and an Omega-3 fatty acid. It is based on two active ingredients which are Astaxanthin and the Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA).
ALA is an essential fatty acid meaning the human body can not naturally produce it. However, being essential to healthy development and functioning of several body structures and functions, it has to be supplied from diet or supplementation. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is a plant-based essential fatty acid and can be found in plants like canola and Perilla or flax seeds and walnuts oils. Omega-3 fatty acids play an essential role in maintaining a healthy brain and nervous system function. ALA is considered potentially useful in reducing the risk of heart attacks, hypertension and pneumonia and in preventing heart disease, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, several studies have shown that Omega-3 fatty acids may have benefits in the treatment of depression symptoms including childhood depression, but there is insufficient evidence on the extent of ALA’s Effectiveness in these cases.
Astaxanthin belongs to the carotenoids group which responsible for the red color of some seafood species such as lobster, salmon, trout, and shrimps. It is considered a very powerful antioxidant, and one of the few nutrients that can cross the blood-brain barrier. It is seen as potentially effective in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, heart attacks, skin damage, high cholesterol, or macular degeneration.
Astaxanthin is considered potentially safe when consumed from natural sources (generally seafood). The side effects of Astaxanthin within supplements or skin care products are yet to be determined. Also, the effect of Astaxanthin supplement during pregnancy or breastfeeding is unknown, and its consumption should be avoided during these periods.
Astaxanthin is recommended for the use of adults in doses of 1 capsule daily. There are testimonials posted online about Astaxanthin. What is being stated includes the following:
- Very high quality
- Sun spot healed
- Subtle, but it works
4) What Astaxanthin Does?
- Researched active ingredients, with evidence to back up part of the core benefits
- Affordable price for a month’s supply (approximately $20)
- Discounts and other promotional offers offered by some retailers under certain conditions
5) What You Need to Know Before Taking Astaxanthin
- Insufficient evidence of the effectiveness of the active ingredients (further research needed to determine it for some recommended uses)
- Mixed reviews from consumers
- No clinical trials involving the product
6) Astaxanthin Cost
Astaxanthin is available in bottles of 30 and 90 capsules. The price of the formula is relatively low and similar to products with these ingredients, you may have to pay up to $20 for a month’s supply. There is no mention being made about a money-back guarantee on the official product’s site. The product is available for sale on the manufacturer’s website and numerous other online retailers and stores. Some discounts are offered by retailers with some constraints (free shipping for orders over $25 or 5% off if choosing the AutoShip Option).
7) How to Take Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin formula also contains a Perilla seed extract as an additional support for a faster absorption of Astaxanthin. This formula is recommended for the use of adults in doses of 1 capsule daily. No side effects or precautions are mentioned for the formula.
8) Our Bottom Line
Astaxanthin is a nutritional supplement advertised as an excellent source of the omega-3 fatty acid ALA and Astaxanthin.Astaxanthin is becoming more and more popular within this type of dietary supplements due to its claimed effectiveness (it is advertised as being 65 times more powerful than Vitamin C, 14 times stronger than vitamin E, and 54 times more efficient than beta-carotene). However, these claims are not supported by clinical research or conclusive clinical trial results.
Astaxanthin has not been the subject of scientific research. Although ALA is considered potentially safe when consumed in the recommended doses (only a few mild side effects have been reported), the potential harmful effects of Astaxanthin based supplements are still unknown. We recommend that you consult a healthcare provider and decide together if this is the right formula for you.
Customers Questions and Answers with Astaxanthin
- Recent:
Astaxanthin includes the following ingredients: Zanthin Astaxanthin complex (CO2 extract of Haematococcus Pluvialis Algae), omega-3 (ALA), Perilla Seed Extract, and Non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin O2B Botanical Peroxidation Blocker.
Astaxanthin is a nutritional supplement designed to support the health of the brain and nervous system, eyes, joints, bones and skin. It is distributed under Dr. Mercola brand and offered as an antioxidant based on Astaxanthin and the Omega-3 fatty acid ALA. Astaxanthin is an antioxidant advertised as many times more potent and effective than other antioxidants (Vitamin C, vitamin E or beta-carotene). Astaxanthin may benefit ailments such as Parkinson's disease, high cholesterol, Alzheimer's, dementia, heart attacks, or macular degeneration.
The Effectiveness of Astaxanthin is claimed to be much higher than that of the other known antioxidant nutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E or beta-carotene). Part of these claims is supported by accurate scientific results, while others still need research. Moreover, Astaxanthin has not been the subject of scientific research and is not an FDA-approved product.
The reviews from consumers are positive, but there are some complaints about the taste and the fact that after opening the bottle the product becomes rancid before it can be consumed. We may conclude that the formula will accomplish its purpose for some consumers, while for others it will not work, as it is the case with most medicines. This happens because the Effectiveness of a formula depends on more than one factor.
I tried this because I have heard it is effective in reducing muscle and joint soreness after workouts. I took it before going to gym and I noticed my muscle didn’t hurt as much the next days. I will continue to take it because it is also an excellent source of antioxidants!
I tried this formula after it was recommended to me by a friend. It has had a visible effect on the aspect of my skin from the first month! I actually feel more clear-minded too. I would definitely recommend it!