Astaxanthin from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis

“I don’t think we should be taking food from whales.”

Charlene

Charlene,

No one is taking food from whales. Where did you get your information?

Almost all if not all supplemental astaxanthin is derived from natural sources, such as the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis (see below) or the pink yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous.

ASTAXANTHIN, a member of the carotenoid family, is a dark-red pigment which is the main carotenoid found in the marine world of algae and aquatic animals. ASTAXANTHIN is present in many types of seafood, including salmon, trout, red sea bream, shrimp and lobster, as well as in birds such as flamingo and quail. This pigment is commercially produced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, the richest known natural source for ASTAXANTHIN.

You can also read my post on astaxanthin, “Astaxanthin – King of the Carotenoids!”

Sincerely,

Dr. Marcus Ettinger, B.Sc., D.C.

Charlene’s response back: “I am glad to hear that thanks.”

Here is the rest of the story:

THE PRODUCTION OF NATURAL ASTAXANTHIN BY HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS

The microalga Haematococcus pluvialis synthesizes and accumulates ASTAXANTHIN to relatively high levels. The commercial production process is based on two distinct cultivation stages. The first is called the “Green Stage,” which starts indoors with a single-cell colony of the microalga, and continues outdoors in solar-powered photobioreactors. The aim of this stage is to produce plenty of viable, unstressed “green” algal cells by normal cell-division process (see Fig. 2). The “Green Stage” provides optimal growth conditions in order to achieve maximal biomass production rate. The second cultivation stage is the “Red Stage” (see Fig. 2), in which the algal cells synthesize and accumulate the pigment ASTAXANTHIN. This stage starts by subjecting the cells to severe stress conditions, mainly high radiation intensity and changes in growth media. As a result, the Haematococcus cells start to form cysts by producing thick cell walls, and to synthesize and accumulate ASTAXANTHIN in its esterified form. Cultivating the algal culture in closed systems allows an environmentally controlled process with less biological and chemical contamination. Following the “Red” process, the level of ASTAXANTHIN in the “red cells” may reach up to ~4% of their dry weight. The ASTAXANTHIN content of the “red cells” is correlated to the severity of the stress conditions, mainly to the light flux through the culture. In due time, the “red” culture is pumped to the down-processing area, where the cells are cracked (to render the pigment bioavailable), dried, and vacuum-packed. Haematococcus oleoresin is produced in an additional step, using the CO2 Supercritical Fluid Extraction process. Increasingly, both consumers and regulatory agencies are requiring extracts that contain no residual solvents. U.S. Nutra of Eustis, FL, has the technology to extract Haematococcus with CO2 and without any co-solvents.

Very few companies commercially produce ASTAXANTHIN from Haematococcus pluvialis. The Hawaiian companies Cyanotech Corporation and Mera Pharmaceuticals cultivate the algae using an open pond system for the “Red Stage.” The Japanese company Fuji Chemicals operates an indoor facility in Sweden and its “dome-shaped” bioreactors in Hawaii.

Algatech uses tubular solar-powered photobioreactors for both the “Green” and “Red” stages in closed, strictly controlled systems (see Figs. 3 and 4). Algatech produces its ASTAXANTHIN from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis according to its patented biocontrolled growing process (1). The plant is located in the southern part of Israel, in the Negev Desert, near the resort city of Eilat, thus exploiting the area’s high solar radiation year-round.

The major parameters used to assess high-quality commercial Haematococcus biomass and oleoresins are high ASTAXANTHIN content in the product, low levels of biological and chemical contamination, and excellent stability of the ASTAXANTHIN in the product. Producing ASTAXANTHIN in a closed system throughout the entire process (“Green” and “Red”) in an area with high solar-radiation intensity year-round, as in the case of Algatech, yields high-quality ASTAXANTHIN products (see Fig. 5). This algal biomass contains ~4% of its dry weight as ASTAXANTHIN. The production of the algal biomass in flake form (as with Algatechnologies’ dry biomass), offers additional clear advantages when an extraction process is required for the production of high-quality oleoresin with ~ 10% ASTAXANTHIN concentration.

Fig. 2. Red stage of Haematococcus pluvialis culture (under the red half of the photo). Green stage of Haematococcus pluvialis culture (under the green half of the photo).

Fig. 3. General view of Algatechnologie’s production plant in the heart of the Negev desert in Israel.

Fig. 4. “Red-stage” solar photobioreactors – general view.

Fig. 5. Cracked and dried Haematococcus pluvialis algal biomass

Normocellular-bone-marrow-with-trilineage-hematopoiesis-including-many-megakaryocytes.-Scattered-hypolobated-forms-are-present-bone-marrow-biopsy-specimen-hematoxylin-eosin-×1000

Dr. Ettinger

Do you have any feedback from any of the patients trying MM?

Secondly – a follow up to that blood work of my dads – he had a bone marrow test and turns out he has the following condition:

“Normocellular bone marrow with progressive trilineage hematopoiesis, erythroid hyperplasia, and no significant immunophenotypic abnormalities.

Peripheral blood with mild macrocytic anemia.”

Then there is the actual bone marrow analysis.

Cellularity …. the normocellular % is 40% which is normal for my age.

Basically something that could be genetic and that he has had for a long time. Conventional treatment is wait and watch… Any thoughts or insight?

W.

W,

I haven’t used “The Miracle Mineral Solution” (chlorine dioxide) it in my practice. I have had a few patients use it on their own, though I’ve never heard any rave testimonials about it. Personally, I’m not going to be using it.

As far as your dad’s diagnosis goes, I have had other patients with similar diagnosis and have referred them out to various integrative medical clinics to receive treatments I can’t perform at my practice.

When you see this type of blood test result you would naturally think leukemia/lymphoma. This would need to be ruled in or out. Another thing I would like to rule in or out is, zinc excess or copper deficiency. Here is a link to what I’m talking about. Hypocupremia (copper deficiency) and bone marrow failure. This is important because if it’s part of the puzzle, resolution can’t occur unless the issue is also addressed.

The common denominator in treatment for all has been monthly sessions of IV vitamin C and ongoing LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) therapy. The patients I’m referring to have all had a diagnosis of leukemia (CLL mainly) or lymphoma (both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkins).

Supplement wise has been: alpha lipoic acid (can be added to the vitamin C drip), CoQ10 (100+ mg’s), astaxanthin (8-12 mg’s), Vitamin D3 (2000-6000 IU’s), NAC w/selenium & molybdenum (Now Foods 1000+ mg’s), folic acid/B12 (400 mcg’s/2000 mcg’s) and betaine HCl (200-600 mg’s, per meal) for proper absorption of iron and other minerals.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) Benefits

Cancer Adjuvant Therapy (including NAC, CoQ10, selenium and alpha lipoic acid)

I hope this helps.

Dr. Marcus Ettinger, B.Sc., D.C.

Pure Antarctic Krill Oil

What is Krill Oil?

Krill are tiny crustaceans that live in the cold, pristine waters of the Antarctic Ocean. Antarctic Krill are so plentiful that they are thought to be one of the most abundant animal species on earth, and are harvested as a renewable resource. Because their habitat is so remote, deep and cold, krill are free from harmful levels of heavy metals and toxins that may be found in some fish oil.  Scientists and doctors have discovered that ingesting this oil can have amazing affects on your body including a stronger heart, pain-free joints, a better mood, lower cholesterol, easier menstruation and overall better health. Krill oil is a miraculous discovery from the deep pure waters of Antarctica that literally beats the pants off fish oil. When tested head to head by an independent laboratory our Krill oil was found to be 48x more powerful in antioxidant activity than fish oil!  Pure krill oil from CAOH

Benefits of Krill Oil:

• Krill oil is incredibly rich in Omega-3s, Phospholipids, and Astaxanthin
• Krill oil contains vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin D and canthaxanthin, which is – like astaxanthin – a potent anti-oxidant. The anti-oxidant potency of krill oil is such that when compared to fish oil in terms of ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorptance Capacity) values, it was found to be 48 times more potent than fish oil.

Why Krill Oil from California Academy of Health?

• Is manufactured under strict quality control standards.
• Individually packed so each softgel is fresh and pure each time you take it.
• Is tested to be free of harmful levels of contaminants such as mercury and lead.

Related Product:

Astaxanthin

Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition

Eczema is a chronic skin condition, characterized by dry, red, flaky patches of skin.  Eczema appears most commonly on the face, neck, elbows, wrists, knees, behind the ears, and on the scalp. During acute episodes, the patches become oozing, inflamed, and itchy.  There are currently two recognized classifications of dermatitis: atopic and contact.  Contact dermatitis is typically aggravated by direct skin contact with allergens, such as chemicals, wool, lanolin, soap, or cosmetics.  Atopic eczema is usually triggered by inhaled or ingested allergens, such as certain foods, pollen, dust, or animal dander.  Some literature discusses a third classification, "dysregulatory microbial eczemas."  This category refers to eczema caused by the introduction of microflora into the horny layer of the skin, and a breakdown in the epidermis, resulting in inflammation.

Food allergies appear to play a significant role in atopic dermatitis.  The presence of severe eczema has been associated with an increased tendency to produce food-specific IgE antibodies.  Although the subject is debated, maternal antigen exposure during pregnancy and lactation may increase the chance of eczema in infancy.  Studies have confirmed that women who avoid antigens during pregnancy and lactation, and exclusively breast feed have reduced occurrence of infants with atopic eczema.

Antioxidant nutrients help support the immune system especially when the body is under stress, thereby, reducing the risk of many illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease and other chronic degenerative diseases.  It is not advisable to take large amounts of one or two antioxidants while excluding the rest.  For optimal protection, a nutritional supplement program should include multiple antioxidants.  The primary antioxidants are vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, coenzyme Q10, and lipoic acid.  Also, there are other powerful antioxidant sources such as selenium, grape seed extract, and green tea.  There are many other nutrients that also function as antioxidants.

AA case-control, population-based study was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition to investigate the link between antioxidant nutrient intake and the risk of atopic dermatitis (AD) in children.  The researchers enrolled 180 children with atopic dermatitis and 242 without AD all being five years old.  Their diets were assessed by using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and fasting blood samples were used to analyze fat-soluble vitamins such as retinol, alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene and vitamin C.  The results were a reduction of AD by 56 percent in children with the highest intake of beta-carotene in comparison to children with the lowest intake.  There was a similar association with vitamin E at 67 percent, folic acid at 63 percent and iron at 61 percent reduction in AD risk.  Highest levels of alpha-tocopherol were associated with a 36 percent reduced risk of AD and retinol was at 26 percent lower risk.  The researchers stated “These findings suggest that higher antioxidant nutritional status reduces the risk of AD and that such risk-reduction effects depend on nutrient type.”

1. Oh SY, Chung J, Kim MK, et al. Antioxidant nutrient intakes and corresponding biomarkers associated with the risk of atopic dermatitis in young children. Eur J Clin Nutr. Jan 2010.

We offer several antioxidant rich supplements, but here are two to choose from:

Kidamins™: Liquid Multi Vitamins for Children age 1 through 12!

Liquid Power Multi-V™: Complex Multi Vitamins for the whole family.

Being troubled by eczema myself – I have found that Noni Juice, Tamanu Oil and Seabuckthorn Oil are quite helpful when my eczema flairs up!

CAOH

Power E Complex

May 17, 2010 — Long-term, regular use of vitamin E supplements (600 IU”s per day) appears to reduce, by 10%, the risk of chronic obstructive lung disease or COPD in women, according to a new study.

The risk reduction for women on vitamin E supplements (Power E Complex) was equal in people who smoked — the primary risk factor for getting COPD — and people who didn’t, says Anne Hermetet Agler, a PhD candidate at Cornell University and lead author of the study involving women.

Besides acting as a powerful antioxidant, vitamin E is involved in immune system functioning and signaling between cells and other processes in the body. Everything you always wanted to know about Vitamin E

Note from Dr. Marcus Ettinger: Absorption and utilization of Vitamin E (d-alpha tocopherol) is both dose dependent (less is actually more – 400-600 IU’s per day)  and dependent on the levels of HDL’s (good cholesterol) in the blood.  Since women naturally have a higher concentration of HDL’s then men, women will naturally receive more protection from vitamin E supplementation then men.  Below is a recommendation of what I have personally done to help raise HDL levels.

In 21 years of practice and running thousands of lipid panels, I have found that the only way to naturally boost HDL levels, in most people, is to increase the level of Omega 3 fatty acids (ALA, EPA and DHA – Omega 3,6,9), along with adding a high concentration of phospholipids (Non GMO – Lecithin Granules – 2 Tbsp per day ) and cardiovascular exercise (30-45 minutes, 3-4 days/week).

Related Products:

Power E Complex
Omega 3,6,9
Non-GMO Lecithin Granules

Question: Hello Dr. Ettinger,

I have used the California Academy of Health Products for many years.  I love them and will continue using them.

However, my question is about another company’s products.  Have you heard of Rain Nutrition?  They are selling products called Soul (antioxidant liquid) and Pure (probiotics with some special patented coating).  I am not sure these products are as great as they say.  They seem kind of expensive too.  I was just hoping that maybe you could tell me your opinion on them.  The website is www.rainnutrition.com

Thank you,

Cathy

Answer: Catherine,

Rain is a multi-level-marketing company.  I don’t need to look at the products because, as far as I am concerned all MLM’s are semi-legal pyramid schemes, with inflated prices and marginal products.  My recommendation is to stay away and tell your friend (just guessing) who recommended you these products, thanks but no thanks. Keep your hard earned money.

Our Liquid Power Multi-V and Probiotic FloraHealth are dynamite products and they’re what I uses in my practice, for a probiotic and liquid antioxidant. I’d stack the above two products up against Pure and Soul any day of the week, in quality, price and effectiveness.  Just my professional opinion from 21 years in the nutrition and holistic medicine business.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Response Back: Thanks Dr. E

I really appreciate your help.

I already use the Liquid Power but I will add the Probiotic FloraHealth.  Is the probiotic something you take on an on-going basis?

My Response: Catherine,

One a day is perfect. Basically, we have two immune systems. One in the intestines and then the rest of the body. If we keep an abundance of healthy flora throughout our life-time, we are less likely to develop any bad condition in the intestines and our overall immunity will be higher. The key to Probiotic FloraHealth is that it’s enteric coated, meaning it opens up in the small intestine rather than the stomach. That way all the good stuff goes exactly where it’s needed and not inactivated in the stomach. There IS no better type coating. Here is What Rain says, “Rain Nutrition’s probiotic, PURE, uses patented BIO-tract® technology which protects our product from the harmful effects of stomach acids so that the good flora and beneficial organisms will survive until they reach the GI tract where they will go to work on cleansing and strengthening.”

Their all hype and price, and it’s exactly what we have at a WAY CHEAPER PRICE. As I said, MLM’s are all hype and no substance. Why else would someone pay $45 for a product that they could buy elsewhere for $15. It’s the 7 levels of down-line commission added in, not that it’s a better or more unique product.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

Many research studies have validated the fact that one of the most powerful ways to extend life is to reduce food intake (calories) while still maintaining nutritional needs. Organisms ranging from yeast to mammals experience a much longer and healthier life if they consume just two-thirds of the calories they normally eat. Experiments with rodents, for instance, have increased life span by 50% through dietary caloric restrictions.

Note: Calorie restriction is great in theory but I have found that the average American is not ready to embrace the concept, at least not at this moment in time. 50% if the American population is either overweight or obese.

Wouldn’t it be great if there were a way to mimic the positive effect of calorie restriction without having to change ones diet, by using a dietary supplement. Well, scientists have found a way to do just that. Researchers discovered that Resveratrol, a natural phytonutrient, can mimic the beneficial effects of calorie restriction. (Resveratrol is a polyphenolic phytonutrient found in the dark, red grape skins, red wine [red grape juice is not as good a source as whole red grapes or wine]. It is also found, in lower quantities, in mulberries and peanuts [especially in boiled peanuts]).

Resveratrol is best known for its suspected role in the “French Paradox”, which is the low incidence of heart disease in the French even though they eat a high fat diet. The “French Paradox” is related to the consumption of red wine.

Resveratrol Biological Activity Direct anti-oxidant activity Estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity. Until more is known about the estrogenic activity of resveratrol in humans, women with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, should avoid resveratrol supplements. Biological Activities Related to Cancer Prevention Biological Activities Related to Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Anti-inflammatory effects Anti-allergic effects Stimulation of beneficial peripheral vasodilator – nitric oxide Platelet aggregation inhibition Caloric restriction mimic of anti-aging, life extending properties.

How Resveratrol Works

In order to understand more clearly Resveratrol’s function and longevity we must understand the calorie restriction connection to longevity. Caloric restriction seems to work by stimulating specific genes, now called “Longevity Genes”. Stimulation of these genes seems to be critical in creating specific beneficial life extension effects. Dr. D.C. Sinclair and Dr. L. Guarente at Harvard Medical School and MIT, respectively, and others have determined that resveratrol seems to act by activating the same genes as calorie restriction. Thus, taking resveratrol seems to do the same thing as caloric restriction and does it under normal calorie intake.

Note: I feel that resveratrol is an amazing dietary supplement but it’s not a justification to eat improperly or consumer too many calories. Eating right and exercising everyday is the hallmark of any anti-aging program.

Marcus Ettinger BSc, DC

I KNOW THAT CAOH HAS SOMETHING BETTER THAN FLOMAX FOR ENLARGED PROSTATE……

Dale,

We actually don’t have a prostate specific formula. Vitamin, Mineral and Antioxidant deficiencies are at the root of BPH. We do make a fantastic all around daily formula called Liquid Power. When combined with our Ultra Supreme Greens and Vitamin E, you have the nutritional foundation that a body can utilize to begin any healing process.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.   

Question: Hello,

I am wondering what is the ORAC value of your Absolute Acai Freeze-Dried Acai Powder?  Your Web site mentions that “It has been found that freeze-dried acai has the highest antioxidant activity (ORAC value), maintaining the nutrient profile of the freshly harvested fruit” but does not give the actual ORAC value.
Thank you,

Valerie

Answer: Valerie,

From our webpage:

“Research has been done by reputable U.S. laboratories to determine which form of açaí maintains the highest level of antioxidants.  It has been found that freeze-dried acai has the highest antioxidant activity (ORAC value), maintaining the nutrient profile of the freshly harvested fruit. “

This is a general statement and not a quote or statement about the specific ORAC value of our product.  It is just a comparison to all forms of the acai. Personally, I am not a promoter of ORAC, it’s internet hype, and don’t use it as my gauge in determining my 950+ nutritional products I carry in my practice. Please read my blog post on ORAC.

In a nutshell; if you want the closest form to fresh, than 100% organic freeze dried acai is it!

I am here to help if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc

Related Products

Acai Max
Absolute Acai

10/12/2007 – The antioxidant capacity of fresh fruit and vegetables does not decrease during storage, and the polyphenol content even increases, suggests new research.

According to Belgian researchers from the University of Liege, storing selected fruit and vegetables at room temperature or under refrigeration did not result in any loss of phenolic compounds, ascorbic acid or flavonols – a trio of chemical classes associated with antioxidant content.

The health benefits of consuming a diet rich in fruit and vegetables are backed up by a multitude of studies, with the Five-a-day message now well engrained in the consumer’s awareness. However, applying this does not seem to be filtering down into everyday life, with recent studies indicating that the average consumption of people in developed countries is three portions a day.

“The new and interesting result of this study was the relative stability of the antioxidant capacity in most fruits and vegetables during storage,” wrote lead author Claire Kevers in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.

“In general, fruits and vegetables visually spoil before any significant antioxidant capacity loss occurs. Nevertheless, it could be stressed that, in general, polyphenolic content increased.”

Kevers and co-workers obtained various fruit and vegetables from Belgian market and, after measuring its initial antioxidant content, stored the produce at room temperature or refrigerated them (four degrees Celsius). The antioxidant levels of the fruit and vegetables were measured at various times until the produce visually spoiled.

The antioxidant capacities were evaluated using three measure: the total phenolic content; the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay; and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC).

According to the researchers, black grapes contained the highest phenolic levels (582 mg of CAE per 100 g), followed by bananas, green grape, lemon, strawberry, and plum. Red and yellow peppers topped the phenolic ranking for vegetables with 296 and 284 mg of CAE per 100 g, respectively.

Similar results were observed in terms of radical scavenging activity, with grapes, bananas, and lemon leading the way with DPPH measures, while the red, yellow and green peppers had DPPH values six times that of the other vegetables.

The ORAC assay ranked strawberry, cherry, plum, and black grape as the top four for the fruit, while peppers again ranked high for the vegetables. These were closely followed by spinach, broccoli, and garlic.

After storage, Kevers and co-workers report that the DPPH values were, in general, relatively stable. However, the phenolic content – particularly the flavonoid content – did increase during storage.

“The preservation of fruit phenolic content has a great impact on the quality of fruits because of the contribution of phenols not only in enzymatic browning reactions but also on nutritional value of the product, as antioxidant capacity,” wrote the researchers.

“The results of this study indicated that in most fruits and vegetables the storage did not affect negatively the antioxidant capacity. In some cases an increase of the antioxidant capacity was observed in the days following their purchase,” they stated.

“A validation of the antioxidant capacity approach is essential for investigating the role of food antioxidants in human health,” they added.

Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Published on-line ahead of print. ASAP Article, doi: 10.1021/jf071736j
“Evolution of Antioxidant Capacity during Storage of Selected Fruits and Vegetables”Authors: Claire Kevers, M. Falkowski, J. Tabart, J.-O. Defraigne, J. Dommes, J. Pincemail

Related Products:

Therapy Juices

Liquid Power

Note: Red and yellow peppers, along with ”raw” spinach and broccolli, are at the top of the list of the most beneficial vegetables that we can consume. Dr. E