Astaxanthin belongs to a group of pigments (coloring agents) called carotenoids. It is the principal pigment that gives salmonids their pink color. It is produced for addition into fish feed in the latter part of the production cycle to ensure a good flesh color. Astaxanthin is in the class of phytonutrients known as carotenoids, the best known carotenoid is beta-carotene. Astaxanthin is similar in structure with beta-carotene. Other carotenoids include lutein and lycopene. Astaxanthin is another significant and potent carotenoid. Astaxanthin isolated from crustacean wastes or produced synthetically. Astaxanthin can also be farmed from unicellular green alga called Haematococcus pluvialis or certain types of yeast and then prepared for commercial use.

Astaxanthin is the major carotenoid responsible for the pink-red pigmentation of fish and shrimps. Asthaxanthin is an important element of the feed chain of wild and farmed salmon and shrimp. This microalgae is part of the diet of fish or crustaceans and is responsible of the pink coloration in their flesh, through the ingestion of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin benefits fish and shellfish in several ways, including protection against oxidation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids, protection against the effects of ultra violet light, enhanced immune response and improved reproduction.

Astaxanthin for Inflammation
Inflammation is our body's response against infection and the mechanism it uses for repairing injured tissue. When a virus attacks cells, the inflammatory system kicks in to fight it off. If you sprain an ankle, your inflammatory system works to repair the damage. Other examples of inflammation include the swelling from arthritis and sunburn.

While occasional inflammation is a normal, healthy process, chronic inflammation can be devastating. Another term used to describe this condition is systemic or "silent" inflammation. This chronic inflammation is now being associated not just with asthma and arthritis, but also with ailments such as atherosclerosis, strokes, ulcers, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, cancer, diabetes and more.
Common treatments for inflammation include aspirin, acetaminophen and the prescription drug Celebrex. All of these, however, have significant and sometimes dangerous side effects. These side effects result in 103,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths per year in the United States, and represent 43% of drug-related emergency visits.

When you add up the pros and cons of the various anti-inflammatory treatments, astaxanthin is the clear choice. It doesn't work as quickly as an drug, but it's completely safe, and is effective for a large percentage of users.

Astaxanthin for Joint Pain
Astaxanthin has been shown to be a very effective remedy for all types of joint pain, including tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, and joint soreness after strenuous exercise. Astaxanthin can help reduce pain and inflammation in tendons, joints and muscles. A health survey of 247 astaxanthin users showed that over 80 percent of those reporting back pain and symptoms from osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis reported an improvement from supplementing with astaxanthin.

Astaxanthin for Serious Athlete's Secret Weapon
The benefits of astaxanthin for serious athletes are significant. Regular users report that supplementing with astaxanthin:

Dosage
The recommended dosage of 4-6 mg per day is similar on a weight basis to current doses for beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol.

Possible Side-Effects / Precautions / Possible Interactions

Side-Effects and Warnings
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, astaxanthin is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used as a color additive in salmon foods. Astaxanthin is likely safe when used as an antioxidant and as adjunctive support in cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease treatment and ocular health promotion. Astaxanthin should be used cautiously in patients with hypertension, asthma, parathyroid disorders, or osteoporosis. Avoid use in patients with known allergies to astaxanthin, hormone-sensitive conditions or immune disorders.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Astaxanthin is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Astaxanthin may be unsafe in pregnant women, as it may affect reproductive hormones. Astaxanthin has been studied as an agent to treat male infertility, although results were not conclusive or of any benefit.