The introduction of astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a very potential antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties and has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. It can neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and increase the risk of age-related diseases, cancer, and heart disease.
Astaxanthin has been associated with protecting lipids and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) from oxidation. Furthermore, research suggests that it might be beneficial for cardiovascular health,because it increases the “good” HDL-cholesterol and lowers triglyceride levels in both animals and humans.
Since studies have demonstrated that increased blood levels of EPA and DHA promote human health and prevent disease, the accumulation of these omega-3 fatty acids in the blood is therefore very important. Recently, two human intervention studies investigated if the molecular form of omega-3 fatty acids is of importance for EPA and DHA levels detected in blood plasma.
In a clinical trial, 76 overweight and obese men and women received either Superba ™ krill oil, fish oil, or olive oil for one month. The daily amount of EPA was similar in the krill oil and fish oil group, but the DHA quantity was approximately half as much in the krill oil group compared to the fish oil group. Nevertheless, after 4 weeks of supplementation the researchers found that the plasma EPA concentrations were higher in the krill oil group compared to the fish oil group, while the average DHA concentrations were similar to the fish oil group.