Astaxanthin Helps to Protect DNA

The compound responsible for the pink color of salmon, astaxanthin is a recently identified antioxidant, which has been shown by previous studies to benefit eye and skin health, with new data suggesting its positive effects for joint and central nervous system health as well.  Boon Chew, from Washington State University (Washington, USA), and colleagues enrolled 42 women, average age 21.5 years, and randomly assigned each to one of three groups: The first group received placebo capsules, the second group received supplements providing a daily dose of 2 milligrams, and the third group received astaxanthin supplements providing a daily dose of  8 milligrams.  After eight weeks of supplementation, the researchers observed that astaxanthin levels in the blood increased significantly in both astaxanthin groups, and that 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a marker of DNA damage, was slashed by 32% in the 2-mg astaxanthin group and 43% lower in the 8-mg astaxanthin group, as compared to placebo.  Additionally, C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly lower in both astaxanthin. The researchers conclude that: “Dietary astaxanthin decreases a DNA damage biomarker and acute phase protein, and enhances immune response in young healthy females.”