Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. With its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties, it has a potential ability to both balance and strengthen the immune system and thus improve the body’s defence against external pathogens and chronic inflammation.
Our immune system is comprised of innate and adaptive immunity. Many of the phagocytes involved in the innate immune response generate reactive oxidative species (ROS) in order to defeat common invading bacteria, viruses and microbes. If cells are infected, T-lymphocytes from the adaptive immune system is recruited, which can activate B-lymphocytes to produce antibodies and a cellular memory of the invading microbe. Our immune system is complex and involves many different types of immune cells and production of both free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
The generation of ROS and free radicals are important to keep a well-functioning immune system, but excessive production can lead to oxidative stress and tissue damage. The immune cells themselves are also sensitive to oxidative stress due to the high level of poly unsaturated fatty acids in their plasma membranes. To protect our cells and tissues a redox balance must be maintained. In order to achieve that we have an endogenous production of antioxidants. Those contribute to the scavenging of free radicals, but dietary antioxidants are also needed to avoid oxidative stress. The most commonly used dietary antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, selenium, carotenoids and flavonoids. Astaxanthin belongs to the carotenoids and is a rising star among the available antioxidants.
With age, the activity of the cell-mediated immune response declines, with the most pronounced effect on the proliferation capacity of lymphocytes. Dietary supplementation of natural astaxanthin may enhance the immune response. In a randomized, double-blind study, both cell-mediated and humoral immune response were increased after 8 weeks of astaxanthin supplementation.1 Increased T-lymphocyte count and increased proliferation of B-lymphocytes were observed in those receiving astaxanthin. Furthermore, oxidative DNA damage in blood cells decreased and the natural killer cells (NK-cells) activity increased after supplementation with astaxanthin. This suggests that astaxanthin can protect sensitive immune cells from oxidative damage and enhance the immune response through increased number of T-cells and higher activity of B-cells which can produce antibodies. Astaxanthin may also be of value for athletes as physical activity induces oxidative stress, muscle injury and inflammation, and decreases the immune response. A 90-day intervention study indicates that a daily dose of 4 mg of astaxanthin improves the production of salivary IgA antibodies and mitigate muscle damage in young soccer players.2
Cytokines are important mediators of a normal immune system, both in the innate and adaptive system. These are pro-inflammatory signaling molecules that recruit additional immune cells to destroy microbes and infected cells. Different types of cytokines are needed to activate different types of immune cells. However, acute inflammation signaling should end once the infection has been cleared. In some cases, an immune response may persist, causing chronic inflammation that can attack healthy tissue. Astaxanthin has been shown to inhibit the production of cytokines and pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 both in vitro and in vivo, thus providing possible anti-inflammatory protection in the body.3 Recently, a small clinical trial demonstrated favorable effects on gouty arthritis in patients after astaxanthin supplementation.4 Due to the anti-inflammatory properties, astaxanthin may be a good candidate substance for treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.
In the past, sales of immune health products tended to peak during the traditional cold and flu season. But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nutraceuticals industry has been seeing ongoing demand in this category, as consumers are constantly reflecting on their health. This presents an opportunity for manufacturers to stand out from the crowd with higher quality products offering special ingredients and innovative dosage forms. There is also an opportunity to tap into additional consumer demands, such as plant-based and more sustainable products. Astaxanthin has also been suggested as a complementary therapeutic agent against COVID-19 to manage the cytokine storm.5
Protects immune cells against oxidative stress
Fights inflammation
Strengthens and balances the immune system
May enhance antibody production
May accelerate immune response
