ASTAXANTHIN

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a red pigment belonging to the carotenoid family. It is found in algae and creates the pinkish-red color seen in salmon [^[1]]. Astaxanthin can be obtained through dietary sources or as a supplement. Natural sources of astaxanthin include algae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, and crayfish [^[2]].

What does astaxanthin do in the body?

The benefits of astaxanthin are vast, supporting skin condition, eye health, cardiovascular function, the nervous system, exercise performance, and the immune system. Astaxanthin may also benefit intestinal flora and perform anti-diabetes functions [^[3]].

In terms of immune function, astaxanthin is an antioxidant and immunomodulator. It suppresses cytokines and regulates the production of chemicals that maintain the inflammatory response. Astaxanthin prevents oxidative damage and reduces the inflammatory response [^[1]].

How can astaxanthin help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Astaxanthin can help protect the organs and immune system from COVID-19’s chronic inflammation and severe complications. Scientists believe it may reduce complications of COVID-19 and even have preventative functions against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 [^[4]].

Astaxanthin can reduce inflammation generated by the COVID-19 cytokine storm, linked to Long COVID. Given that one consequence of COVID-19’s cytokine storm is cell death and that astaxanthin can prevent this cell death, this has become of interest to prevent multi-organ damage in COVID-19, potentially both in the acute and post-COVID-19 phases [^[1]].