All cells have mem-
branes, and these mem-
branes manage most of the
processes important for life. Mitochondria,
the microscopic engines within our cells, have
two membranes crammed with proteins that
specialize in making energy (ATP). In fact, mito-
chondria make over 90% of the body’s energy,
using over 85% of the body’s oxygen supply.
But these oxygen molecules are highly reactive
and a small percentage become oxyradicals.
Some are neutralized by antioxidant enzymes,
but others escape to directly attack the mito-
chondrial membranes or to propagate other
reactive molecules that do damage.
Introducing Best Astaxanthin
Best Astaxanthin featuring BioAstin
®
supplies
astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid nutrient
with unique molecular properties, along with
other naturally occurring carotenoids. Astaxanthin
has a universally protective effect on cell mem-
branes in general and the membranes of mito-
chondria in particular, with potential to improve
the mitochondria’s energy production efficiency.
These benefits of astaxanthin for the body’s
most fundamental life processes seemingly
translate into a broad spectrum of clinical ben-
efits. The body cannot make astaxanthin. It is
made by algae, and moves up the food chain
when the algae are consumed as food. It gives
the red color to seafoods such as salmon, trout,
crab, shrimp, lobster, and krill, but these astax-
anthin foods are not common in most diets.
Doctor’s Best is pleased to offer this
nutrient in its natural form, as a solvent-free
concentrate from the microalgae
Haematococcus
pluvialis
, and at full clinical potency.
How Astaxanthin Works
The molecular character of this natural astaxan-
thin allows it to insert into cell membranes with-
out substantially changing the membrane struc-
ture. Other carotenoids distort the membrane’s
structure, which makes it more vulnerable to
damage from “free radical” or other toxic influ-
ences. Astaxanthin fights free radicals different-
ly from most other antioxidants. Rather than
donate electrons, as most antioxidants do, asta-
xanthin neutralizes radicals by taking electrons
from them. This property gives the astaxanthin
molecule better stability than other antioxidants,
and, therefore, it can remain active longer in the
membrane. Astaxanthin’s membrane presence very
likely provides backup for the more delicate
membrane antioxidants such as tocopherols (vit-
amin E) and ubiquinone (CoQ).
Supports Memory and
Higher Brain Functions
Astaxanthin has shown in a clinical trial to
improve memory and other higher brain func-
tions (cognition). Ten healthy men aged 50-69
who had been complaining of forgetfulness
received astaxanthin at 12 mg per day for 12
weeks. On computerized cognition tests their
attention, memory and other cognitive functions
improved significantly, as did their stimulus
response time. In cultured nerve cells it pro-
tected the mitochondria against oxyradical
attack, and the cell as a whole against attack
from outside toxins.
Astaxanthin also
stimulated cultured
stem cells to
mature into func-
tioning nerve cells.
Supports
Heart Health
Astaxanthin can im-
prove healthy blood
lipid management
in humans. In a double blind, placebo-controlled
trial, astaxanthin significantly elevated HDL (high-
density lipoprotein) cholesterol, an effect suggest-
ing astaxanthin helps maintain cholesterol levels
that are already within the normal range.
Astaxanthin taken at 12 mg per day also signif-
icantly lowered triglycerides. Astaxanthin also
may improve body fat metabolism. In a double
blind trial, overweight or obese subjects received
a beverage providing either 6 mg astaxanthin
per day, or no astaxanthin, for 12 weeks. CT
scanning reported a significant reduction in
abdominal subcutaneous and total fat.
Other Astaxanthin Benefits
Astaxanthin has been extensively researched in
Japan for its support of vision. In several dou-
ble blind and other clinical trials astaxanthin at
6 mg per day significantly improved visual
sharpness in healthy volunteers. Other trials
show astaxanthin also can relieve eye fatigue,
eyestrain, and vision problems related to aging.
Astaxanthin’s capacity
to counter free radi-
cals, and its plethora
of benefits for brain
functions, insulin and
blood sugar manage-
ment, and immunity
all suggest that it is
a premier nutrient for
overall healthy aging.
Astaxanthin provides
profound support for
cell membrane
integrity and the
mitochondria’s crucial energy produc-
tion, both of which are core features of the well-
recognized free radical theory of aging. By pro-
tecting membranes and facilitating mitochondrial
efficiency, astaxanthin promotes health and well-
being at every stage of life.
Always Ask For the Best
Best Astaxanthin featuring BioAstin
®
is a sci-
ence-based formulation, manufactured with
ingredients of unsurpassed quality and purity,
and delivered at clinically-proven potency. To
find out more about Best Astaxanthin, or any
other Doctor’s Best products, call 800-333-6977,
or visit our website at www.drbvitamins.com.
Because you deserve it.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
©2011 Doctor’s Best, Inc.