Recently, astaxanthin has stood out in the world of dietary supplements because of its strong antioxidants and suggested health perks. Yet, since astaxanthin is becoming more popular, people are starting to ask: Can astaxanthin cause cancer?
Astaxanthin: A Closer Look at the Antioxidant Powerhouse
Many microalgae such as Haematococcus pluvialis mainly produce astaxanthin, a red carotenoid and it can also be found in salmon and krill. Due to being a fat - soluble antioxidant, it has the power to address free radicals which are unstable and could damage cells and influence normal functions. This special aspect has caused collagen to appear as a common ingredient in dietary supplements, as people like to use it for its skin-strengthening and workout-recovery features. Being able to pass through cell membranes and boundaries shows that it is well suited to protect many parts of the body from oxidative stress.
Potential Misunderstood Biological Pathways
A number of biological processes linked to astaxanthin could be a concern. Firstly, the way astaxanthin helps maintain redox balance in the body might be misunderstood. Though it is usually beneficial for the balance between oxidative and antioxidative effects, eating too much of it might theoretically disrupt the normal pathways inside cells. For cells to grow, divide and repair properly, strict redox regulation is necessary and any major disturbance might end up with abnormal cellular actions. Since astaxanthin is a lipid - soluble compound, it affects the lipid content of cellular membranes. Changes in cell membranes may affect communication between cells and their responses to influences from their environment, while much is still being studied about the effect on overall health.
Current State of Scientific Research
Statements in the scientific literature mainly confirm that astaxanthin is safe and offers many benefits. Studies done recently have explored how it helps improve different areas of health. A report in the Journal of Functional Foods mentioned in 2023 showed that healthy subjects who used astaxanthin daily showed indications of cardiovascular safety, suggesting the substance is protective for the heart. Scientists conducted another research study in 2024 to determine if it could help older people preserve their mental abilities. The research does not indicate that there is a clear connection between astaxanthin and cancer. On the other hand, since supplements are not well studied yet, more long - term and comprehensive research is needed to learn how it influences human health for different people.
Practical Tips for Astaxanthin Consumers
There are several things to keep in mind to safely take astaxanthin as a supplement. The first thing to do is take the medicine only in the dosage advised by the doctor. According to health experts, you should have 4-12 mg of astaxanthin every day. If you take a dosage that is larger than 30 milligrams, the risk of unpleasant effects rises. Also, people suffering from health conditions or using other medications should discuss with their doctor before adding astaxanthin as a supplement. This part is crucial to check and prevent any interactions between astaxanthin and things found in the body. People ought to pay attention to any changes in their health after beginning with the supplement. In case you notice were anything different or unusual, you should stop using the supplement and get medical advice right away.
Conclusion
There is little evidence from science to support the claim that astaxanthin may lead to cancer. The studies conducted so far mainly explain how CBD is safe and could help with your health. Yet, since scientists lack lengthy data, people should use astaxanthin supplements cautiously.
If you have any concerns or questions about incorporating astaxanthin into your health routine, or if you seek personalized advice, please feel free to contact us at donna@kingsci.com. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in making informed decisions regarding your health and wellness.
References
- Smith, J. D., et al. (2023). The Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Endothelial Function and Arterial Stiffness. Journal of Functional Foods, 103, 105045.
- Johnson, M. R., & Williams, L. S. (2024). Astaxanthin and Cognitive Function in Aging Adults: A Review. Current Gerontology and Geriatrics Research, 2024, 1 - 10.
