Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that gives the reddish pigment to salmon, crab, krill and lobster. It is known for its powerful antioxidant effects and has been shown to be a superior free radical quencher when compared to other antioxidants like vitamin C, coenzyme Q10 and green tea. Astaxanthin’s unique structure includes long chains which allow it to cover the cell membrane and provide antioxidant protection in all layers, whereas other antioxidants are more limited. A growing body of scientific evidence points to a strong link between natural astaxanthin and cardiovascular health. There have been 30 cardiovascular-specific research publications, including 10 clinical studies, investigating possible benefits of astaxanthin on both blood lipid levels and blood vessels. These studies have shown that astaxanthin may help to maintain healthy blood lipids and cholesterol.* Three recent clinical studies support astaxanthin’s ability to help maintain healthy blood vessels. A series of human studies suggest that astaxanthin may help to maintain normal blood pressure* by promoting healthy blood flow and vascular tone.
In addition to its effects on cardiovascular health, astaxanthin promotes healthy visual accommodation and retinal capillary blood flow. The exact mechanism by which astaxanthin supports vision is unknown, though some believe that by promoting blood flow to the ciliary body, it provides nourishment for the ciliary muscles. Astaxanthin is also believed to work by promoting normal NF-kB activation by oxygen radicals, which may explain how it helps to alleviate occasional eye fatigue.

What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid that gives the reddish pigment to salmon, crab, krill and lobster. It is known for its highly powerful antioxidant effects and has been shown to be a superior free radical quencher when compared to many other antioxidants. Astaxanthin’s unique structure includes long chains, which allow it to cover the cell membrane and provide antioxidant protection in all layers, whereas other antioxidants are more limited.

Where is the astaxanthin in Prime Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula sourced from?
This product uses only AstaReal Astaxanthin, which is manufactured from carefully cultivated microalgae ( Haematococcus pluvialis) in state-of-the-art facilities located in Gustavsberg, Sweden. In contrast to generic varieties, AstaReal astaxanthin is unsurpassed for quality control and consistency in manufacture. Guaranteed for high quality and stability, AstaReal astaxanthin is the most frequently selected for clinical research and testing in nutritional applications.

Who should take Prime Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula?
Adults looking for support of their cardiovascular health and normal cholesterol levels, powerful antioxidant defense, the promotion of healthy vision and muscular endurance and performance.

Why is this product placed in the Prime product line?
Astaxanthin is an extremely powerful anti-aging antioxidant in terms of the organs and systems it supports. While the benefits it offers can be enjoyed by anyone, it is more likely to benefit that segment of the population over the age of 40 who are more frequently concerned with issues concerning cardiovascular health and cholesterol, vision and skin, as well as muscular health.

What is the recommended serving of Prime Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula?
The recommended serving for adults over the age of 18 is one 6 mg softgel per day.

Does Prime Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula need to be taken on an empty stomach?
No. In fact, it is recommended that this product be taken along with a meal for optimal absorption.

Which products are best combined with PrimeAstaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula?
Prime Astaxanthin can be combined with products, such as Isotonix ® Multivitamin, Isotonix Resveratrol, Isotonix Vision Formula, Prime Ultimate Longevity Formula, Heart Health™ Advanced Lipitrim Ultra and Heart Health Essential Omega III.

Can Prime Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula be taken by people who are allergic to shellfish?
Yes. Although astaxanthin is present in shellfish, Prime Astaxanthin does not use shellfish as a source of ingredients. Prime Astaxanthin uses only AstaReal astaxanthin, which is extracted from cultivated microalgae within indoor facilities — a carefully controlled environment. Is Prime ™ Astaxanthin Cardio & Visual Vitality Formula safe? Prime Astaxanthin cardio & Visual Vitality Formula is safe and free of harmful agents. The product is made in the United States in FDA-inspected facilities using Good Manufacturing Practices. Customers can have confidence in the quality and safety of this product.

• Aoi, W., et al. Astaxanthin improves muscle lipid metabolism in exercise via inhibitory effect of oxidative CPT I modification. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Com. 366:892–897, 2008.
• Camera, E., et al. Astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and beta-carotene differently affect UVA-induced oxidative damage and expression of oxidative stress-responsive enzymes. Exp Dermatol. 18(3):222-31, 2009.
• Choi et al. Effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in overweight and obese adults. Phytother Research (in-press), 2011.
• Hussein, G., et al. Antihypertensive potential and mechanism of action of astaxanthin: II. Vascular reactivity and hemorheology in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Biol Pharm Bull. 28(6):967-971, 2005.
• Hussein, G., et al. Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals. Biol Pharm Bull. 28(1):47-52, 2005.
• Ikeuchi, M., et al. Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on exercise-induced fatigue in mice. Bio. Pharm. Bull. 29(10):2106-2110, 2006.
• Iwabayashi, et al . Efficacy and safety of eight-week treatment with astaxanthin in individuals screened for increased oxidative stress burden. Journal of Anti-Aging Medicine. 6(4):15-21, 2009.
• Iwamoto, et al . , (2000). Inhibition of low-density lipoprotein oxidation by astaxanthin. Journal of Atherosclerosis Thrombosis. 7(4):216-22, 2000.
• Karppi, et al . Effects of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid peroxidation. Int J Vitam Nutr. Jan; 77 (1): 3-11, 2007.
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• Preuss et al . Astaxanthin lowers blood pressure and lessens the activity of the eroxi-angiotensin system in Zucker Fatty Rats. Journal of Functional Foods. I: 13-22, 2009.
• Ruiz, et al. Astaxanthin-enriched-diet reduces blood pressure and improves cardiovascular parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Pharmacological Research. 63(1):44-50, 2010.
• Santocono, M., et al. Influence of astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, and lutein on DNA damage and repair UVA-irradiated cells. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. 85(3): 205-215, 2006.
• Satoh, et al. Preliminary clinical evaluation of toxicity and efficacy of a new astaxanthin-rich Hameotoccus pluvialis . J. Clin. Biochem. Nutr. 44: 280–284, 2009.
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