Information For Physicians

Information for Physicians

Uvex astaxanthin is a polar di-keto xanthophyll extracted from marine algae that has unique biological properties. It is the only substance studied that combines membrane stabilization and high oxidizing compound quenching rates, along with free radical chain reaction terminating effects. No other carotenoid or xanthophyll class compound has been demonstrated to display these combined properties. (See Lockwood et.al. 2006)

Because of the astaxanthin molecules unique cellular transmembrane (transverse) position, and polar activity, it can terminate free radical chain reactions both with-in the central core of the lipid bi-layer membrane, as well as capture and neutralize high-energy electrons from both the interior and exterior of the cell and cytoplasmic membrane compartments.

Astaxanthin is demonstrated to concentrate in the mitochondrial and nuclear envelope membranes. Nuclear membrane bound astaxanthin has been demonstrated to capture UV photons and thereby protect the enclosed DNA from the type of Ultraviolet Radiation damage that is known to be associated with malignant degeneration, and also, the stimulation of formation of anti-nuclear DNA antibodies seen in Lupus.

Astaxanthin is passively absorbed unchanged in the gut, and is transported without metabolic modification in blood lipids where it is evenly distributed between HDL and LDL fractions. Astaxanthin has been demonstrated to prevent LDL oxidation and its subsequent deposition in vascular endothelium.

Astaxanthin has strong anti-inflammatory activity through multiple mechanisms involving (1) blocking the expression of proinflammatory genes as a consequence of suppressing NF-kB (2) Inhibiting production of NO and PGE2, (3) Inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a and IL-1B, and (4) Inhibiting prostaglandins, arachidonic acid, cyclooxygenase, and lipooxygenase pathways. It has documented therapeutic symptomatic effects in the relief of pain from inflammatory states generated by autoimmune mechanisms (Rheumatoid Arthritis), and chronic mechanical tissue injury (Osteoarthritis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.)

Astaxanthin penetrates all body tissue compartments including the Central Nervous System. Recent work by Lockwood demonstrates significant protection from reperfusion injury in neuro-ischemic and coronary ischemic mammalian models. Stage one clinical trials are pending FDA approval.

Astaxanthin is synthesized in nature by the primitive marine algae Hematococcus pluvalis and is at the basis of the marine food chain. Astaxanthin is the pink pigment that provides reddish coloration to marine organisms particularly crabs, shrimp, and fish. In nature it is found in highest concentration in Salmon where one pound of salmon provides one to two milligrams of astaxanthin. It is an integral part of the human diet.

In human clinical studies astaxanthin has been given chronically in doses ranging from 4-16 mg daily with no metabolic abnormalities demonstrated. Acute single doses of 100 mg likewise did not produce any adverse effects. The usual therapeutic dose is 4-8 mg daily (1-2 gelcaps).

Maximum safe doses in pregnant or nursing women, young children, or individuals with severe liver or kidney disease have not been determined.

The ultraviolet protective effects are apparent within 2 hours of an ingested dose, and will continue to increase until steady state kinetics are reached in 1 to 2 weeks.

Conversion of the sunscreen SPF observed effect with Uvex Astaxanthin correlates to an SPF between 10 and 30 in most individuals, and varies with each persons size, weight, skin type, diet and absorbtive capacity.

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects are slower in onset requiring 24 to 48 hours and plateau at approximately 4 weeks.