Scientists from the Ural Federal University in Russia have found that astaxanthin is helpful in the treatment of diabetes. The research was published in the journal Food Science and Nutrition.

Astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant, is mainly found in marine organisms such as salmon and crustaceans. In recent years, due to its ultra-high antioxidant activity, astaxanthin has attracted attention from other industries, including aquaculture, beauty and health care.

Irina Danilova, director of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics at the Ural Federal University, said that astaxanthin is the strongest natural substance against oxidative stress, and its antioxidant activity is several times higher than that of zeaxanthin, lutein, and horn. Flavin, beta-carotene and lycopene, 100 times more than vitamin E.

Astaxanthin exists both inside and outside the cell membrane. Compared with β-carotene and vitamin C, which can only be located inside the cell membrane, it can better protect the cell membrane. In addition, astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, photoprotective, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antiatherosclerotic effects.

Danilova pointed out that, unlike beta-carotene, astaxanthin is not a provitamin A carotenoid, so excessive intake will not cause hypervitaminosis. But be aware that excessive intake of astaxanthin can cause skin discoloration, and eating a lot of salmon will not help with diabetes.