A potent antioxidant has been hailed as a "miracle supplement" after research linked it to the prevention of cell damage in the body.
Astaxanthin - naturally found in some fish and microalgae - is said to "enhance longevity prospects" and even block the development of type 2 diabetes.
Celebrity nutritionist, Gabriela Peacock claims the antioxidant helps "reduce harmful oxidative stress".
Compared to other antioxidants, Astaxanthin is much better absorbed by the body, according to a 2021 review in the Pharmacological Research journal.
A potent antioxidant has been hailed as a 'miracle supplement' after research linked it to the prevention of cell damage in the body (stock image)GettyPeacock told The Times: "Astaxanthin is a strong anti-inflammatory compound that helps to preserve neurones, reduce harmful oxidative stress in the body and support mitochondrial function.
"All of this means it can help to enhance longevity prospects."
Analysts suggest that astaxanthin will become one of the fastest-growing health supplements within the global market.
"It’s a red antioxidant pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids and is essentially the substance that causes the pink-red colour of salmon," Rhiannon Lambert, a registered dietician said.
"Commercial products containing it are sold in the form of tablets, capsules, syrups, oils, soft gels, creams and granulated powders, but you can also get it from food."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Experts say salmon is one of the best sources of astaxanthin, however people would need to decent-sized fillet every day to get a 3.5mg dose - half the amount needed for a health boost.
Now a month's supply - priced at around £20 - are flying off the shelves.
Lambert explained that research is still in its infancy.
"At present the scientific evidence for supplementation of astaxanthin and its potential beneficial effects on the body is limited," she added.
"Studies which have aimed to unpick various health benefits of astaxanthin do exist, but many are small or on animals and so far the findings are too unreliable and unclear for us to promote it for everyone."
Analysts suggest that astaxanthin will become one of the fastest-growing health supplements within the global market (stock image)
PEXELSStudies have so far revealed that astaxanthin can enhance cognitive function and block age-related decline in brain function.
An experiment of 96 middle-aged and older people who had complained of mild forgetfulness saw improvements in cognitive performance and memory after taking 6-12mg of astaxanthin daily for 12 weeks.
A 2021 review of 11 clinical trials, published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements, suggested that astaxanthin supplementation "improved skin texture, appearance (wrinkles), and moisture content".
There is also "encouraging evidence" that it helps to keep eyesight healthy.
One study from Japan, published in the Journal of Traditional Medicine, found that out of 26 people who used screens every day for work, 46 per cent of those taking astaxanthin reported improvements in eye strain.
Taking astaxanthin in combination with regular exercise could enhance metabolic health, according to a 12-week study of 68 overweight or obese men.
