The claimEvidence C · limited
Astaxanthin is a strong antioxidant + anti-aging
The evidence
ORAC in-vitro ranking doesn't translate to body endpoints; clinical (CVD / lifespan / skin aging) data is thin.
The mechanism, in brief
Astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione) is a distant cousin in the carotenoid family — same family as β-carotene (vit A precursor) / lycopene / lutein / zeaxanthin, but with a unique structure.
Sources (1)
- Higuera-Ciapara, I., Felix-Valenzuela, L., & Goycoolea, F. M. (2006). Astaxanthin: a review of its chemistry and applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46(2), 185-196.