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AstaFactor is a proprietary branded astaxanthin product manufactured by Mera Pharmaceuticals. The formulation includes astaxanthin with natural rice bran oil. AstaFactor is a natural dietary supplement with superior antioxidant capabilities as well as immune-regulating properties.

Astaxanthin is a member of the carotenoid family and is a fat-soluble nutrient with a unique molecular structure that gives it not only superior antioxidant capabilities, but also anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. Because of its small molecular weight, astaxanthin can cross the blood brain barrier to produce beneficial effects in the central nervous system (i.e., brain, spinal cord, and eyes) and peripheral body systems.

AstaFactor brand astaxanthin, derived from the microscopic green algae species called Haematococcus pluvialis, is the most concentrated natural source of astaxanthin in the world.

Studies show that astaxanthin, the active ingredient in AstaFactor, has up to 500 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin E and 10 times more than beta-carotene. Research also indicates that astaxanthin may be up to 10 times more effective than other carotenoids such as canthaxanthin, lutein, lycopene, and zeaxanthin.

Oxidative stress comes from environmental exposure to air pollution, ultraviolet light, and tobacco smoke, as well as from natural body functions such as food digestion and cell respiration. Oxidative stress also occurs when we are sick, fighting an infection, have muscle inflammation, or when we are healing from an injury. This oxidative stress is caused by free radicals and singlet oxygen, which can result in damage to the body by interacting with normal cells to change their chemical structure.

Fortunately, our bodies possess an array of antioxidant defenses against oxidative stress. The antioxidants work together to tackle and neutralize free radicals rendering them harmless and allowing them to be easily eliminated from the body. When these antioxidants are not able to sufficiently protect against oxidative stress, the body may experience accelerated aging and various chronic diseases including cancer; inflammatory and immune disorders such as asthma, Crohn’s disease, gastritis, peptic ulcers, muscle soreness, fibromyalgia, and arthritis; cardiovascular disease; visual disorders including cataracts and macular degeneration;  and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.

The blood brain barrier is a dense network of capillary walls that are wrapped around the brain to prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other substances from entering the brain, while allowing access to neurotransmitters and nutrients that nourish the brain. Astaxanthin, with a molecular weight of 597 Daltons, readily crosses the blood brain barrier to boost the antioxidant level of the central nervous system, including the eyes and the brain.

In a similar way that rust attacks and damages bare metal, oxidative stress can contribute to sore muscles and stiff joints as well as to energy levels and endurance. For example, when we exercise, the body increases its use of oxygen. One of the byproducts of oxygen metabolism–free radicals–can do damage to muscle tissue which results in soreness and fatigue.

In addition, both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis have been linked to oxidative stress. Since all of these conditions–exercise induced muscle damage, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis–possess both inflammatory and oxidative stress components, it would appear that taking a dietary supplement such as AstaFactor® with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties should help reduce the pain associated with them. A recent study has shown that astaxanthin can significantly reduce joint pain and improve physical performance in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Another study has shown that astaxanthin can increase strength and endurance.

• Protects cells from oxidative stress

• Demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties.

• Crosses the blood brain barrier indicating possible beneficial effects in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke

• Enhances the immune system

• May be effective in reducing symptoms associated with asthma, gastritis, fibromyalgia, and arthritis

• Increases strength and endurance

• May prevent the initiation of cancer cells by free radicals.

• May reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by inhibiting free radicals that cause plaque formation

• Protects the eyes and skin from UVA and UVB damage

• A clinical trial using human subjects infected with Helicobacter pylori (pre-ulcer indigestion) showed that astaxanthin significantly reduced gastritis in all subjects.

• A clinical study with healthy human subjects showed that astaxanthin protected low-density lipoprotein (LDL – the bad cholesterol) from oxidation, which suggests that astaxanthin may help maintain healthy LDL cholesterol levels.

• A clinical study using healthy human subjects showed that 4 mg of astaxanthin taken daily for six months increased physical strength and endurance almost three fold.

• Several clinical studies have shown that astaxanthin effectively protects the skin from UVA and UVB damage.

• A clinical study has shown that astaxanthin reduces the symptoms associated with carpel tunnel syndrome.

• A clinical study has shown that astaxanthin reduces the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

• A clinical study has shown that astaxanthin may be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia.

After ingestion, astaxanthin is absorbed in the small intestine and then transported to the liver where it binds to lipoproteins for transport through the body. Its molecular structure enables it to attach to both the outer and inner surfaces of cell membranes, thus strengthening and protecting them from free radical attack. Because astaxanthin is an oxygenated carotenoid, it has superior antioxidant capabilities. It serves as an antioxidant by either scavenging free radicals or quenching singlet oxygen. Although not as well understood, Astaxanthin also exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and immune regulating capabilities. It is also thought that astaxanthin improves the immune defense system by modulating T cell-mediated responses.

Yes. Mera Pharmaceuticals conducted a study specifically to examine the effects of astaxanthin, the active ingredient in

AstaFactor, on healthy humans. After 927 patient/days of taking daily astaxanthin, even at up to 4 times the recommended dose, no ill effects, including no G.I. effects, were reported by any of the subjects taking AstaFactor. Additional studies by others have corroborated our results.

The recommended dosage is 5 mg (2 softgel capsules) per day. Most athletes report using 10 mg per day and many increase dosage to up to 20 mg before heavy exercise or competition.

AstaFactor brand astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant, and can either replace or enhance the antioxidant action of vitamin C and vitamin E. It should not be considered a replacement for a complete balanced regimen of nutritional supplements. AstaFactor is not a pharmaceutical drug or prescription medicine.

For more research on astaxanthin visit www.astaxanthin.org.