Keeping social distance, wearing masks and hand sanitiser are some of the measures we adopt in our daily lives to protect ourselves against COVID-19, but some studies have shown that consuming astaxanthin-based supplements boosts the body's defences, destroying invaders and helping recovery from illness and infection.
It is therefore important for the immune system to function properly and this is where astaxanthin comes in, a carotenoid found in the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which has great antioxidant power, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, antibacterial and immunostimulant action.
Another important point relates to its effectiveness: it is 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C and 500 times more powerful than vitamin E.
Astaxanthin in the fight against COVID-19
One of the characteristics that makes the coronavirus so dangerous is its ability to trigger a large formation of cytokines, causing an acute injury that leads to serious illnesses such as ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome).
The body of a person who takes astaxanthin is able to reduce mortality and improve their recovery by developing a greater antioxidant and anti-inflammatory response that prevents the excessive production of cytokines.A study published in 2020 on the Social Science Research Network (SSRN) website entitled "COVID-19: Potential of Microalgae Derived Natural Astaxanthin as Adjunctive Supplement in Allevating Cytokine Storm", mentions that the astaxanthin consumption together with antiviral drugs benefits people with Covid19, improving their health and reducing recovery time.
The power of astaxanthin
As well as being effective in the fight against COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases, the astaxanthin also offers many health benefits. In particular, it can help preserve youthful, UV-resistant skin, promote eye health and increase the activity and number of immune system cells.
Astaxanthin can help improve the lipid profile as well as other metabolic parameters, protecting the cardiovascular system, as well as contributing to glycaemic control and improving exercise performance, protecting against induced muscle and tissue damage, reducing fatigue and shortening recovery time.
Another benefit of astaxanthin is its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a highly selective barrier that is impermeable to most substances. This property allows it to contribute to brain health, maintaining normal functioning of the cognitive system and providing neuronal protection.