While we have discussed laying the groundwork for the ultimate victory , protecting and maintaining that victory is also very important. This is another role of one type pf essential fatty acid. It not only plays the important role of providing the fuel to create ATP, it also is a very effective antioxidant. In fact it maybe one of the most effective antioxidants ever discovered. Not only do you have a fuel source with this material, you also have a protector that helps protect the mitochondrion from the damaging effects of ATP production[1].
The name of this amazing material is Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin's molecular structure is similar to beta-carotene, a carotenoid.
Carotenoids are what give plants and fruits their bright colors. Humans are incapable of synthesizing carotenoids. Two examples that come to mind are lobster and salmon. There colors come from carotenoids. The pink color found in wild salmon and the red color of lobster comes from astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is a natural complex of carotenoids including astaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein and canthaxanthin in its own natural oil containing small amounts of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (essential fatty acids). This complex provides a more desirable group of carotenoids than a single dietary ingredient.
But there is more…
Astaxanthin has thirteen conjugated double bonds, which gives it significantly greater antioxidant capacity than beta-carotene's eleven conjugated double bonds.
Astaxanthin molecular structure makes it highly polar. This dramatically enhance its membrane function activity and other mechanisms of action to protect against degenerative conditions that are not found in other antioxidants.
Some of the benefits Astaxanthin has over other antioxidants;
- Spans the cell membrane bilayer (fat/fat) because of its polar end groups near the fat/water surface where free radical attack first occurs
- Inhibits the destruction of the fatty acids and proteins in cell membranes and mitochondrial membranes in cells caused by peroxidation of fats.
- Stabilizes free radicals by adding them to its structure (long double-bond chain) rather than donating an atom or electron
- More resistant to the chain reaction that can occur when a fatty acid is oxidized, thus allowing it to scavenge or quench longer than an antioxidant who cannot stop this chain reaction
- Neutralizes singlet and triplet oxygen by de-charging them
- Traps more types of radicals (alkoxyl, hydroxyl, peroxyl, singlet and triplet oxygen) than any other antioxidant
- Because it binds to a lipid (fat) protein, it travels more readily in the body and is more bioavailable
- Spanning the bilayer with its polar end groups may increase cell membrane rigidity and mechanical strength
- Inhibits reactive oxygen species that cause inflammation to the cells, thus anti-inflammatory capabilities
- Transports alkoxyl radicals along its long chain (like a bridge) to the fat/water interface, where a water-loving antioxidant such as Vitamin C can scavenge it.
- Pre-clinical studies demonstrate that astaxanthin is safe. There are no known side effects.
Astaxanthin has 100-500 times the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E and 10 times the antioxidant capacity of beta-carotene. Many laboratory studies also indicate astaxanthin is a stronger antioxidant than lutein, lycopene and tocotrienols[2].
One study on Astaxanthin really stands out. A double blind study carried out in 1998 on male students at the Karolinska Institute in Gustavstavsberg, Sweden, 1998 showed a 2.8X increase in strength and endurance[3]. That's 2.8 times, not 2.8%.
Astaxanthin has also been shown to have a positive effect on the immune system. It has been shown to stimulate the production of antibodies in spleen cells[4].
Studies have also shown;
- Provides vision support benefits[5] including age-related vision issues. Because astaxanthin freely crosses the blood-brain and blood-retina barriers, astaxanthin can readily neutralize free-radicals and other reactive species in the eye and nervous system. Protection of the eye and brain tissue from oxidative stress could potentially provide valuable support for both eye and brain health.
- UV protection for the skin[6] . W as found to be 1000 times more effective than both beta-carotene and lutein.
- Circulatory support protection[7] .
As you can see astaxanthin is not only the ultimate energy support supplement, it offers you a wide range of antioxidant protective benefits not found in most anti-oxidant supplements.
Astaxanthin's has powerful antioxidant activity that has been demonstrated in numerous studies showing the detrimental effects of free-radical-induced oxidative stress[8] .
Another oil, Cranberry seed oil is highly stable and is considered one of the richest known source of tocotrienols. It can have up to six times higher than palm oil. Tocotrienols are part of the Vitamin E family, but far more potent than the tocopherols.
In addition, the rich, highly unsaturated oils are balanced -- omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids -- exist in approximately a 1:1 ratio. This ratio is considered the idea ratio for essential fatty acid supplementation.
While we have reviewed the best way to set the conditions for optimal ATP production and protection what about ATP supplementation itself?
Is there an easy and safe way to directly supplement, i.e. boost, ATP levels?
Click here for Part 9: Peak ATP - Your Answer for Direct ATP Supplementation
Return to Part 7: Coenzyme Q10 - Laying the Groundwork
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http://www.ebmonline.org/cgi/content/full/227/9/671
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Mike W. 1991. Biological functions and activities of animal carotenoids. Pure and applies Chem. 63: 141-146.
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Lignell, (1999) Medicament for improvement of duration of muscle function or treatment of muscle disorders or diseases, Patent Coorperation Treaty application #9911251. AB, Sweeden.
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Okai Y., K. Higshi-Okai. 1997, Possible immunomodulating activities of carotenoids in in vitro cell culture experiments. Int. J. Immunopharmac. Vol. 18. No. 12.
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Seddon JM et al. 1994, Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C and E, and advanced age related macular degeneration. JAMA 272 (18): 1413-1420.
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Savoure N., et al. Vitamin A status and metabolism of cutaneous plyamines in the hairless mouse after UV irradiation: action of beta-carotene and astaxanthin. Int. journal for vitamin and nutrition research. 1995; 65 (2) 79-86.
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Chisolm GM, Steinberg D. The oxidative modification hypothesis of atherogenesis: an overview. Free Radic Biol Med 2000 june 15;28(12):1815-1826; Carpenter KLH et. al: 1997, The carotenoids beta-carotene, canthaxanthine and zeaxanthin inhibit macrophage-mediated LDL oxidation FEBS Letters 401: 262-266
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2- Papas, A.M. (1999); Antioxidant Status, Diet, Nutrition, and Health. CRC Press. Palozza, P. and Krinsky, N.I. (1992) Astaxanthin and canthaxanthin are potent antioxidants in a membrane model. Arch. Biochem; Biophys. 297: 291–295; Naguib, Y.M.A. (2000). Antioxidant activities of astaxanthin and related carotenoids. J. Agric. Food Chem. 48: 1150–1154.
