An antioxidant found in three products activates the “longevity gene”

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Longevity is determined by a number of factors, but none are more important than lifestyle and genetics.

Natural sources of astaxanthin have been proven to be the most effective for health. One of the many benefits of the antioxidant is its role in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. In recent years, studies have shown that it may also play a role in prolonging life.

The new study evaluated the benefits of astaxanthin from three different sources.

The authors looked at the natural form of the antioxidant, which is a microalgae that grows ubiquitously in freshwater, a synthetic version, and a genetically engineered version.

According to the study, the natural form demonstrated 14-90 times greater antioxidant activity than the synthetic version. Natural sources of astaxanthin include yeast and algae, but microorganisms are also found in some types of fish.

How does astaxanthin affect lifespan?

Astaxanthin activated the FOXO3 gene in mice.

According to the data obtained, the expression of the longevity gene in heart tissue increased by up to 90 percent.

In an experimental study, rodents were fed either regular food or food containing low or high doses of astaxanthin for two weeks. Following the intervention, FOXO3 expression levels were analyzed in brain, skeletal muscle, blood, and heart tissue.

“Animals fed high doses of the astaxanthin compound had a significant increase in FOXO3 gene activation in their heart tissue.”

They added that a similar, but somewhat more modest, activation was also observed in the blood.

Simply put, FOXO3 is a master regulator that increases the production of genes that fight signs of aging. Specifically, it includes the production of genes that fight cellular aging, such as DNA, protein, and lipid damage and loss of stem cell function.