Many health enthusiasts reach for astaxanthin because of its strong antioxidant benefits in the world of supplements. Yet, there are doubts about whether astaxanthin might elevate blood pressure. We will be exploring this subject by looking at astaxanthin, factors that contribute to blood pressure and the latest findings on their relationship.
Understanding Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a common carotenoid that colors salmon, shrimp and some algae with their unique red - pink color. The strong antioxidant abilities of astaxanthin make it stand out from antioxidants such as vitamin C and E. Thanks to its antioxidant ability, astaxanthin helps the body fight free radicals. Free radicals do not last long and are known to trigger oxidative stress, resulting in damage to cells and age-related and inflammatory problems.
Astaxanthin is carried by the bloodstream to distinctive organs and tissues in the body. It goes past the blood - brain and blood - retinal barriers, securing the brain and the eyes. Besides fighting free radicals, astaxanthin also has anti - inflammatory effects. It can help control the body's immune reaction and decrease the number of cytokines, involved in multiple chronic diseases.
Factors Influencing Blood Pressure
Many different factors can influence and change blood pressure. What you eat matters a lot. If your diet has too much sodium, the body holds on to water and your blood volume and pressure both rise. On the plus side, eating plenty of potassium can offset the harmful effects of too much sodium and assist in reduced blood pressure. Being overweight also plays a big role. Additional abdominal fat around the waist can burden the heart and blood vessels, raising blood pressure.
Certain lifestyle elements are also very important. Lack of regular exercise causes your heart to weaken and your blood vessels to work less efficiently which may cause your blood pressure to increase. Pressure and tension also may greatly influence our decisions. If someone is feeling stressed, their body releases adrenaline and cortisol into the bloodstream, occasionally raising blood pressure. Too much, too regular stress over time can cause worrisome changes to blood pressure. Furthermore, having certain genes can raise a person's risk for high blood pressure.
Research on Astaxanthin and Blood Pressure
Researchers have not found that astaxanthin affects blood pressure. For example, some studies say that astaxanthin might help manage blood pressure. Astaxanthin might act on blood pressure by working as an antioxidant and anti - inflammatory agent. Oxidative stress and inflammation in blood vessels can be handled by astaxanthin which may maintain the flexibility and condition of the vessels for proper blood pressure control.
Astaxanthin appears to improve endothelial function when animals receive it as a supplement. The endothelium covers the inside of blood vessels and how this lining operates matters greatly for blood pressure control. A breach to the endothelium may result in narrow blood vessels and a rise in blood pressure. Because astaxanthin may support healthy blood vessels, it helps promote normal dilation of blood vessels and normalizes blood pressure. Although more studies are needed to know the long - term results on blood pressure for many populations, current studies show that astaxanthin does not harm blood pressure.
Safety and Considerations
Most people find that taking astaxanthin in the recommended dosage is safe. The regular dose of astaxanthin is found somewhere between 4 and 12 mg daily. Individual results from taking such supplements should be expected to vary. There is a chance you could have mild stomach upset or headaches, although this is not common.
Keep in mind that using astaxanthin is not meant to overcome important lifestyle changes and medical treatments if you have high blood pressure. Talk to your healthcare provider if you're currently on medications for blood pressure before you start taking astaxanthin. There haven't been any studies connecting astaxanthin with blood pressure drugs, therefore a health expert can guide you about this link if you already take such medications.
Conclusion
It appears there is not enough research to link astaxanthin with raising blood pressure. Alternatively, current research indicates that astaxanthin may benefit blood pressure by acting as an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory substance. Even so, further work is needed to completely understand how lifestyle affects blood pressure in different groups.
If you have further questions about astaxanthin, its safety, or its potential health benefits, feel free to contact us at donna@kingsci.com. Our team of experts is ready to assist you in making informed decisions about your health and supplement choices.
References
- Smith, A. B., & Johnson, C. D. (2023). The Role of Antioxidants in Cardiovascular Health. Journal of Cardiovascular Research, 15(2), 112 - 123.
- Brown, E. F., & Green, G. H. (2022). Astaxanthin: A Review of its Biological Activities and Health Implications. Nutrition Today, 57(3), 156 - 165.
- Davis, I. J., & Miller, K. L. (2021). Factors Affecting Blood Pressure and Their Management. International Journal of Hypertension, 2021, 9876543.
