An antioxidant that reduces free radicals in the body with an added benefit of extra energy
"In the past, I have used BioAstin Astaxanthin for my 98 year old mother and I. For one reason or another, we got away from using it - probably just to cut back on the supplements we were taking. Having rediscovered the benefits of this supplement, I decided to try the NOW brand Astaxanthin. In comparing the ingredients they are exactly the same. With the NOW brand, you get 2 mg less per softgel than the 12 mg BioAstin, but you get 10 more softgels for less with the NOW brand. At this time, you can get the BioAstin brand on subscription, but even with 15% off, the NOW brand costs less when considering the addition of 10 more pills. .
If you have not already researched the benefits of astaxanthin and what it is, I have included some of the information I have found:
• Eye Health – The structure of Astaxanthin is similar to lutein and zeaxanthin, two antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of nuclear cataracts. But, while similar, Astaxanthin has a stronger antioxidant activity and UV-light protection effect, both of which point to it being an excellent supplement for eye health maintenance. Has been found to have protective benefits against vision problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and many others.
• Skin Health – Astaxanthin has been shown to help improve skin moisture levels, elasticity, and smoothness while reducing wrinkles, freckles, and spots, and helps to prevent and repair sun damage to the skin.
• Astaxanthin’ s antioxidant properties have also been shown to help improve heart heath, cellular health, and the body's immune system.
• Joint and tendon support – can help to reduce pain and inflammation in tendons, joints, and muscles, including osteo or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Supports increased energy
• Brain health support, and can cross the blood/brain barrier to protect the brain and nervous system
• Works in every part of the body, organs and skin
• Supports a healthy oxidative balance. It does not oxidize after it does its job like many other antioxidants do.
• Can handle many different types of free radicals simultaneously as most antioxidants can handle one type of free radical at a time and tend to prefer one type.
UPDATE 6/29/18:
Although I do believe that dietary supplements are necessary to provide the nutrients that our foods, grown in depleted soil, can no longer supply, I don't believe that any supplement is an immediate miracle cure for anything. Most often, the effects, if any, for any supplement is seen in the long-term. I am 71 years old with developing cataracts that are very small at this time, but wanted to halt their development. I have also been having the common reduction of close vision related to aging. My 96 year old mother has a pacemaker that her heart is gradually not responding to as well as it used to. I bought this supplement primarily to help my eyes and my mother's heart. I have been taking this supplement for only 3 days, and, of course, have seen no improvement in the areas that I bought it for.
Surprisingly, I am seeing benefits that I didn't expect, especially in such a short time. For quite a while, by the time I get dinner cooked and my mother finished her dinner, I have felt drained. I had to force myself to get everything done to get my mother to bed, and then had no energy left. The last couple of days I have energy after dinner, and have been able to get more done after my mother went to bed without feeling tired or drained. My mother, who has dementia and aphasia, has been staying awake more hours and seems to be more interactive. The only change for both of us has been the addition of this supplement. Now if it can help my eyes and my mother's heart, I will scream praises for this supplement. I'm sure both of these will be long-term effects if they happen."
