Better Than Vitamin C?

Axtaxanthin is the most potent antioxidant nature has to offer, says Joseph Mercola.

A little-known carotenoid called astaxanthin is now believed to be the most potent antioxidant nature has to offer. Astaxanthin's benefits are so numerous, I've written several articles to cover its many activities, from UV-radiation protection, to eye- and heart health, to improved athletic performance.

It is one of the very few supplements I recommend to virtually everyone, for its overall health benefits. It's really one of the most profoundly beneficial supplements I've ever encountered.

In terms of antioxidant power or potency, astaxanthin is 550 times stronger than vitamin E, and 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C! Read more

Want to Look Younger and Healthier?

Want to look younger and healthier? Dr. Joseph Mercola gives six reasons astaxanthin, the sunscreen in a pill, works so well.

• Sunscreen in a pill?
• Prevention of wrinkles, dry skin, age spots and freckles?
• Reversing the visible signs of aging?

If you think checking "all of the above" seems too good to be true, you're not alone.

But there just happens to be a natural compound that clinical studies are suggesting does ALL of the above – without a hefty price tag or side effects. This is a little miracle your plastic surgeon won't want you to hear about.

It's a relatively unknown carotenoid called astaxanthin, which is now believed to be the most potent antioxidant nature has to offer. Read more

Astaxanthin Reduces Wrinkles, Inflammation, Supports Eye, Brain, Immune Health

Dr. Mercola and Bob Capelli discuss the many wonders of astaxanthin.

Story at-a-glance

• Astaxanthin is believed to be the most powerful antioxidant found in nature. Research has shown it can benefit your entire body, from preventing sunburn, to boosting athletic performance; preventing cataracts and the most common cause of blindness; preventing dementia, and treating the symptoms of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis
• In one study, male athletes taking 4 mg of astaxanthin a day improved their strength three times faster than those taking a placebo; increasing the number of deep knee bends they were able to perform after six months of training by 62 percent, compared to 22 percent for the placebo group engaged in identical training
• Nine human clinical studies have shown astaxanthin can prevent tired eyes by maintaining optimal motor function and protecting your eyes against damaging UV rays
• While salmon, shrimp, lobster, crab and some other fish are good food sources of astaxanthin, it would be near impossible to reach therapeutic doses through your diet. Furthermore, farm raised varieties should be avoided at all cost, as they contain synthetic rather than natural astaxanthin, which is created from petrochemicals and may have unknown toxicities Read more