Astaxanthin is a natural carotene antioxidant that protects cell membranes from free radical damage. Cellular integrity is necessary for the host (you) to fight against a viral infection. Astaxanthin modulates signals that regulate autophagy, a process your body performs to clean out cellular debris. Autophagy eats up damaged proteins, mitochondria, and germs, and activates critical enzymes that contribute to energy production. For example, Astaxanthin activates an enzyme called AMPK (adenosine monophosphate kinase), which signals the liver, pancreas, brain, spinal cord, colon, kidneys, skin, mouth, lungs, eyes, cartilage cells, mitochondria and other areas of the body to manage oxidative stress (e.g., germs and heavy metals such as graphene).

Immune Benefits and The Gut Lining

The mucosal layer inside the gut impacts your intestinal flora and entire immune system. This layer acts as a protective barrier between what you consume and the inner intestinal wall. Inside this layer is an immune compound called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA/sIgA) which is critical for healthy intestinal flora; it is an antibody that helps trap foreign substances, preventing them from adhering to the inner gut wall. This process protects the tight junctions inside the gut from oxidative stress caused by germs, heavy metals and other unwanted substances from entering circulation. Astaxanthin activates sigA production.