Why Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis is a powerful antioxidant that supports retinal blood flow, helps reduce oxidative stress and may ease screen-related eye fatigue.
The Science
Astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid found in microalgae and seafood, has antioxidant activity reported to be up to 10 times stronger than lutein or zeaxanthin. It can cross cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, helping protect retinal cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
A 2020 study found that daily supplementation with lutein, zeaxanthin and astaxanthin for 12 months improved visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in patients with AMD (Parisi et al., 2020). (7)
Another trial found improvements in visual acuity and accommodation time in healthy adults over 40, alongside reduced eye strain (Kono et al., 2021). (8)
Astaxanthin has also been studied for its potential role in inhibiting choroidal neovascularisation in AMD by downregulating VEGF, which may support retinal health.