Click to read the attached article: Astaxanthin, COVID-19 and immune response: Focus on oxidative stress, apoptosis and autophagy
Immune Support with ValAsta
Research supports that astaxanthin has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to support your immune function. Astaxanthin has additional properties that may be helpful reducing the complications of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses like COVID-19. Astaxanthin is proven to reduce inflammation at its source, without the potentially harmful side effects of common anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. Astaxanthin has undergone extensive safety testing and has a long history of use in human health studies.
Astaxanthin possess antiviral effects by interfering with and stopping how viruses behave and make people sick. Recent analysis indicates that there is a relationship between people’s stress and inflammation levels, related to the triggering of virus infection and its disease complications.
Many scientists and doctors are interested in providing novel treatments with both anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects as a strategy for preventing the progression of viruses such as COVID-19 from developing into a chronic, systemic, or fatal condition.
Oral Antibodies Support with ValAsta
Many pathogens taking advantage of inhalation and ingestion routes of entry into the body will encounter the mucosal immune system as the body’s first line of defense. Mucous membranes secrete saliva in the mouth, and mucous in the gut and lungs, helping to trap debris and pathogens.
The two principal antibody classes present in saliva are secretory IgA (SIgA) and IgG, with the IgA to IgG ratio in saliva being five hundred times greater than that found in serum. SIgA binds to pathogens and blocks them from accessing the epithelial cells lining the mouth. This process is called “immune exclusion." Under certain adverse conditions, such as during chronic stress, SIgA levels may drop and increase susceptibility to inhaled and ingested pathogens.
Astaxanthin has supported SIgA levels in response to varying levels of physical and mental stress. In addition to stress as a mediator of SIgA production, older individuals have reduced SIgA secretion rates compared to their younger counterparts.
Gut Microbes Support with ValAsta
A balanced and healthy gut microbiome helps support immune function. Akkermansia is a beneficial gut bacterium that encourages turnover of the intestinal mucus layer, which helps maintain the gut’s barrier function. Akkermansia also produces short chain fatty acids that help to regulate the gut immune system to further strengthen gut barrier function. Pre-clinical studies showed that astaxanthin increased Akkermansia to a level 11.7 times greater than was found in the control group.
While some gut bacteria are beneficial, others may be less welcome. About two thirds of Americans are infected with H. pylori, which is the causative agent of more than 80% of gastric ulcers, according to the CDC. In a clinical study of 132 individuals with functional dyspepsia, astaxanthin supplementation significantly reduced reflux symptoms after four weeks compared to placebo.
Inflammation markers: CRP and 8-OHdG:
Natural astaxanthin has anti-inflammatory properties that may support a balanced inflammation response. The chronic inflammation marker, C-Reactive Protein CRP), decreased with natural astaxanthin by week four compared to placebo in healthy subjects (p<0.05). Concentration of the oxidative stress marker, 8-OHdG, was lower with natural astaxanthin at week four compared to placebo.
ValAsta for the Win
These studies suggest that Valasta / Astaxanthin support mucosal immunity, which functions as a first line of defense against inhaled and ingested pathogens. Astaxanthin supported immunity even when sIgA levels were challenged by adverse conditions such as mental exercise, physical stress, or athletic training regimen. Also, that astaxanthin increased Akkermansia to protect the gut immune system.
The benefits of astaxanthin extend from oral immune exclusion through to the gut where natural astaxanthin helps support a healthy microbiome. Finally, astaxanthins outstanding antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties support immune function throughout the body, promoting overall wellness.
