6 tips for choosing the highest quality supplements

Top Six tips for choosing the highest quality supplements

 by Mike Bundrant

Americans enjoy the fact that they have many choices in their lives. Yet, having too many choices when it comes to one's health can be confusing and daunting.

The $27 Billion U.S. dietary supplement industry provides consumers with hundreds of thousands of products to choose from, and it is growing more and more each year. A booming dietary supplement industry is a good thing, but how does someone really know what the best choice is?

Before you spend your hard-earned dollars, here are six simple things to look for that might help you in making your next dietary supplement purchase.

1. Choose additive-free supplements

First, try to find a dietary supplement that is additive-free. Why is this important, and what does it mean to you? It is important because many supplement manufacturers use additives like magnesium stearate and stearic acid during the manufacturing process. These additives help speed up the manufacturing process and production volume (i.e. profit).

While these additives may be helpful in speeding up production, they have absolutely no health benefits to you, and they are, in fact, potentially harmful to both the immune system and the cardiovascular system. Try to find a brand that leaves out additives. You can always ask someone in the health food store/market to assist you, as they are typically aware of which products are additive free and which products are not additive free.

2. Choose supplement formulas that have been tested

One should choose supplements with formulas and dosages that are based in human clinical trials or testing. A human clinical trial is considered the gold standard to measure the effectiveness of any dietary supplement. Don't just choose a supplement that you think will help you. Choose one with a formula or ingredients based on real clinical data.

There are products created and used in nutritional and medical clinics of doctors who actually follow these studies and choose formulas that benefit their patients. Follow the data of formulas and ingredients, and if they are shown to be effective, then you have a product that you can consider as one of your choices.

3. Choose a manufacturer that only uses the highest quality ingredients

It is important to choose a product whose manufacturer spares no expense in sourcing and testing the raw materials and ingredients for their product. The highest quality ingredients are usually sourced from the United States, Europe, and South America.

A good manufacturer will test all of their ingredients in a laboratory for identity, strength, purity, and composition before they use them in their formulations. A product that simply says "pure" or "high quality" is not good enough without documented testing to back it up.

4. Search for a brand that is sold by the manufacturer

Did you know that many supplement companies do not make their own products? Many dietary supplements are actually produced and manufactured by a third-party. It is worth it to search for a brand or product that is manufactured by the same company that is selling it to you. More importantly, a brand or product that is being produced in a G.M.P. (Good Manufacturing Practices) certified facility as outlined by the F.D.A.

This process is governed by more than 140 standard operating procedures that are reviewed by the U.S. F.D.A. with an actual site inspection of the manufacturing facility. The bottom line is, try to find a dietary supplement that has a manufacturer that controls every aspect of the quality of the product, as this will set them apart from the rest. A brand or product that is being sold to you by the same company that is manufacturing it will have a higher commitment to quality, as it is their integrity and very name that is at risk, not some third-party.

5. Choose supplements that reveal the source of ingredients

Notice how the ingredients are listed in the Supplement Facts panel of the product and make sure each ingredient is stating its source. The "source" is the information that is listed within the parenthesis after the ingredient.

For example, if you are searching for a multivitamin, see if the vitamins and minerals listed are co-enzymated or not. Generally, co-enzymated ingredients have a much higher absorption rate than non-co-enzymated.

6. Choose clearly focused formulas

Superior brands and products that are out in the market will include brands that feature formulas designed to provide nutritional benefits with a clear focus. For example, a complete multivitamin that is specifically designed for men or for women is preferred as different genders have different nutritional needs.

Superior brands will also have condition-specific formulas to help their customers deal with specific problems like cardiovascular issues and joint pain. A superior brand or product will not make it complicated for you to understand what you are buying. A clear formula, stating its exact benefits is what you want to be looking for.

Walking down the vitamin aisle shouldn't be a scary thing. There are a lot of choices, but you can put yourself at ease by knowing what to look for. With a little bit of knowledge, you can insure that your choice of supplements will get you the results you are looking for.

Brain Boosting Supplements

 Supplements that give your brain the boost it needs

The brain depends upon specific nutrients in order to function with peak capacity. There are certain nutrients that are challenging to get from our diet and lifestyles. These nutrients can be supplemented through whole food based sources. These are some the most specific nutritional supplements for healthy brain function.

Vitamin D3

This is extremely critical for brain development and maturity throughout life. Lowered vitamin D3 levels are associated with autism, dyslexia and ADHD in children and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's in adults.

The optimal source of vitamin D3 is through the sun. Most of our ancestors were able to derive optimal vitamin D3 levels through regular sun exposure. In the Northern climates, they would get a lot in the summer and then their diet of fatty fish, organ meat and raw milk that naturally contain little bits to keep them going in the winter.

Researchers have found that the optimal vitamin D3 levels are between 70-100ng/ml. Over 95 percent of society is well under these levels. Taking 10,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily is a great way to ensure your levels are optimized and your brain development is at its peak.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and astaxanthin reduce inflammation. Omega-3s help provide better cell membrane receptor activity while astaxanthin has the unique ability to cross the blood brain barrier as well as the blood-retinal barrier while most carotenoids do not. This helps protect the brain and eyes from inflammatory damage and reduces the risk for blindness, cataracts, macular degeneration, dementia, Alzheimer's Disease and other neurological disorders.

Astaxanthin works particularly well against peroxyl radicals that damage cell membranes. This is particularly important because all essential fats, in-particular, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA are very fragile and susceptible to free radical damage. Astaxanthin is the most powerful antioxidant at inhibiting the oxidation of these essential fats. Take one to two grams of EPA/DHA daily with four to eight milligrams of astaxanthin.

Probiotics

Gut health is extremely critical to brain health. Children with neurodevelopmental problems like Autism, dyslexia and ADHD are known to have leaky gut syndromes and often have very profound food allergies. When the gut is damaged, it allows food particles to cross into the blood stream where the immune system creates an inflammatory attack. This inflammation passes into the brain and screws up neurological processing.

Many individuals have dysbiosis or bad bacterial balance in their gut and parasites like Candida. The parasites and opportunistic bacteria release toxins into the blood stream that get into the brain and cause inflammation leading to poor memory, brain fog and advanced states of brain degeneration.

Supplement with a high quality probiotic that has diverse strains (at least 20 different strains) and over 50 billion colony forming units. This is the probiotic that will deliver results and you will feel the difference after a week.

B-complex vitamins

Methylation is a key biochemical process that happens billions of times every second to repair the DNA in the body. B vitamins are the key components to healthy methylation processes. Take a whole food-based multivitamin and/or B complex supplement and improve your gut health to absorb these nutrients more effectively. It is also key to eat lots of dark, green leafy vegetables and organic animal products to get these nutrients.

The key methylators include vitamin B6, folate and B12. Research has shown that lowered levels of these nutrients all result in a significantly increased risk of dementia, mood and anxiety disorders and neurodegenerative processes. Niacin which is B3 also has been shown to be important for cognitive function.

MSM

MSM: The Sulfur-Rich Supplement With Anti-inflammatory and Joint Cartilage Healing Properties

MSM is one of the supplements I like to add to my smoothies...especially after workouts:)

 

Scientific And Historical Considerations

Methyl Sulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring sulfur compound, which first arose from a complex series of reactions in the surface waters of the ocean, according our present scientific understanding. (1) One of the products of oceanic phytoplankton production is the compound DMS

(dimethylsulfide). DMS is a volatile liquid that easily finds its way into the upper layers of the atmosphere, where it becomes oxidized (photochemically) to form a variety of sulfur compounds, including MSM and DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide). (2) Rain of marine origin is the dominant carrier of atmospheric MSM, which provides much of the sulfur used to make biologically important sulfur –containing nutrients that we derive from plant and animal foods. 

MSM’s hexavalent sulfur atom is abstracted by living organisms and is primarily used for the biochemical synthesis of many divalent sulfur-containing products. When MSM is broken apart by plants and animals, a portion of the sulfur is used to synthesize sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine and cystine) and another portion is used directly to produce many other biologically important organo-sulfur molecules (e.g., isothiocyanates, allicin, allyl propyl disulfide, diallyl disulfide). (3) Yet, many foods contain unadulterated MSM in its native form that has been absorbed from the soil by plants and passed up the food chain. As such, MSM in its native form is a common nutrient found in small amounts in grains, green vegetables, fish, meat and cow’s milk. (4,5) In this native form MSM is well absorbed and shows up in human urine with an excretion rate ranging from 4–11mg per day. (6) Maintenance levels of MSM in humans has been shown to be as low as 0.5–1.0 mg/kg of body weight per day. (7) Thus, a person weighing 70 kg would require 35–70 mg per day of MSM, which primarily acts as a sulfur donor to repair and restore damaged covalent disulfide bonds and the sulfhydral groups of many enzymes. (8) In this capacity, MSM is considered to be an integral part of maintaining the structural integrity of connective tissues, cartilage, nails, skin, hair, and certain enzymes, hormones, and immunoglobulins. (3)

From a therapeutic standpoint, MSM supplementation, at levels that exceed those attainable from food alone, is emerging as significant intervention in the treatment and prevention of a number of common conditions. Thus, many holistically minded practitioners are showing a high level of interest in MSM supplementation for use as a preventive and therapeutic agent. In regards to stability, MSM is very volatile and considerable amounts are destroyed during modern day food processing.

From a historical perspective it has been argued that MSM is a chemical that has been present on earth for a very long time. During the development of higher life forms on this planet three nutrients were always present: water, sodium chloride and MSM. As such, MSM has been shown to be a factor in the diets of our ancestors, which serves to strengthen the notion that MSM may be an overlooked and vital nutrient that is required for health maintenance. (3)

MSM In Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Conditions

For many years the compound DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) has been used as a topical agent in veterinary medicine due to its well established anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. (9) DMSO has also been used by athletes for topical treatment of sports-related injuries involving inflammation of muscles, tendons, ligaments and bursitis problems. (10) Unfortunately, toxicity studies related to DMSO revealed that it causes damage to the lens of the eye in animals, which was reversed when DMSO was withdrawn. Although this effect has not been demonstrated in humans, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was reluctant to approve its use as a therapeutic compound for humans. However, in 1978, DMSO was approved by the FDA for its use as an effective treatment for interstitial cystitis. (11, 12)

An additional drawback to the use of DMSO is the strong garlic-breath one is left with after its application. This occurs due to the fact that the body metabolizes much of DMSO to DMS. (10) Approximately, 15% of DMSO is metabolized by the body into MSM, which does not produce the garlic-breath effect generated by DMS. (13) Unlike DMSO, MSM can be taken orally for therapeutic purposes. It is very soluble in water and is readily absorbed from the GI tract. (1, 14, 15, 16)

Animal studies have demonstrated that MSM has potent anti-inflammatory properties and can help to halt the further destruction of joint cartilage in osteoarthritis. These studies also revealed improvement in joint mobility. (17, 18, 27)

More recently, a number of human trials have been undertaken to establish the efficacy of MSM in musculoskeletal disorders. Drs. Jacob and Lawrence have conducted controlled studies using MSM in cases of arthritis. Dr. Jacob compared MSM to the over-the-counter, nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, Motrin. Subjects in both groups reported the same degree of pain relief after one month of follow up. (19) Dr. Lawrence compared MSM to a placebo in a double-blind study. Results demonstrated that pain relief was significantly greater in patients given the MSM. Eighty-two percent of patients given the MSM reported significant pain reduction versus 18% in the placebo group. (20) Both Drs. Jacob and Lawrence indicate that the efficacy of MSM is further enhanced by combining it with glucosamine sulfate. (19) Both of these clinicians also use MSM supplementation in the treatment of back pain. For the treatment of a broad spectrum of pain and inflammatory conditions (non-migraine headache, fibromyalgia, tendinitis, carpal-tunnel syndrome) the authors cite figures of up to 70% of patients reporting marked relief of symptoms when MSM was added to the treatment regime. Other conditions that may benefit from MSM supplementation include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and interstitial cystitis. (19) Dr. Jacobs has used MSM in the treatment of more than 18,000 patients suffering from osteoarthritis and a variety of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. It is generally accepted that MSM acts to support the structural integrity of joint cartilage, provides an anti-inflammatory effect to some degree and may have mild analgesic properties as well. The combination of these effects is thought to account for the results seen in clinical studies involving arthritic patients and patients presenting with other musculoskeletal and inflammatory conditions. (19)

Dosage and Toxicity

When administered as a single treatment agent a dose as low as 250 mg per day has been shown to be effective. Other studies have used doses as high as 2,000-6,000 mg per day. As indicated by Drs Jacob and Lawrence, it is likely best to use MSM in conjunction with glucosamine sulfate, and possibly other natural anti-inflammatory agents, to assist in the management of arthritis and other musculoskeletal disorders. (19, 20, 21)

As for toxicity, there are naturally occurring concentrations of MSM in the human system of approximately 0.2–0.25 ppm, presumably originating from food. (22) The LD-50 in rats has been determined in excess of 20g/kg BM/d, indicating that MSM is an extremely non-toxic compound. (23) Other animal studies of toxicity have provided similar evidence, reporting no or very low toxicity at extremely high doses. (23) In humans, MSM has been established as a safe supplement. At high doses (2-8 gms per day), some gastric upset or diarrhea may occur. (24,25) There are no well-known drug-nutrient interactions at this time in regards to MSM supplementation. This implies that MSM can be taken concurrently with other drugs and supplements. (26)

New Frontiers OF MSM Research

In animal studies MSM supplementation has been shown to prevent and delay the development of colon and breast cancer in rats treated with known chemical carcinogens. (13, 28) This may be due to its ability to support methionine levels (helping to prevent hypomethylation of DNA, which results in fragile chromosomal linkages leading to mutations) or related more to its anti-proliferative action. (29,30) How this applies to humans at this time is not known.

Practical Application

In recent years a growing number of anecdotal reports have suggested that MSM supplementation is an effective, natural agent in the treatment of cartilage injury, arthritic symptoms, and other conditions. These reports prompted a number of investigators to examine the physiological properties of MSM that may account for these beneficial outcomes, as well as safety and toxicity issues pertaining to its oral administration. Based upon reports of clinical trials and extensive experimental studies, the risk to benefit ratio regarding the use of MSM strongly favors the inclusion of MSM into the treatment regime aimed at managing a number of musculoskeletal conditions. Thus, MSM, in conjunction with other proven bioactive agents, is a viable treatment option for health practitioners to consider in these cases.

REFERENCES: http://www.meschinohealth.com

Why Supplements & My Supplements

Here is a great video to touch on why, even on a raw food diet, it may be necessary to supplement. 

And another reason to grow your own food!

I actually have been taking several supplements before this month.  In May, this month, since most of my meals are fruit and veggies I don't take them all daily (apart from B-12 and D if I don't go outside). I do have rules I follow though, I read labels Very carefully and make sure they are always natural and top quality. I seek out ones without additives like soy, milk, lactose, gluten, wheat, and vegetarian when possible (apart from ones like krill and fish oils). Health research is my hobby and obsession, and the decisions I made to choose what supplements to include in my daily routine were not decided upon lightly, but they contain ones that I truly believe to significantly enhance my health and well being. 

 The first one being an organic cold process vegan multivitamin for women, by Earth Shift products.  I adore all their products, they're top quality at whole sale prices.  Like Don mentioned in the short video above, I also don't take it daily, if one day I decide I don't need it, I don't take it. My diet is very healthy, so I'm happy doing so, this prolongs my supply as well. I've barely taken it at all this month. I've been tracking all my nutrients with CRON-O_Meter, and I pretty much go over in vitamins and nutrients, so I have been basing my intake on that, on a need to take basis. 

Another vitamin I take is B-12.  Since I don't eat meat I wanted to make sure my B-12 intake is sufficient, so I take Dr. Mercola's Vitamin B-12 booster, that comes in a spray form. I like the spray because I can choose how much to take daily, and it's a quick absorption method of taking this vitamin. It comes in a 30 servings spray bottle, and a serving is 6 sprays, that delivers 1.2mg, which is 20,000% of the %DV.  

 The next essential vitamin I take, which I consider the most important one is Vitamin D, also a spray from Dr. Mercola.  In its 6 spray serving it delivers 6,000IU, which is 1,5000% of the %DV. It was a daily essential for me in the winter, but now that the weather is warming up, if I get to spend efficient time in the sun, I just skip that day. I can't stress enough how important Vitamin D is to your overall health and in preventing disease...so get some sunshine!

 Next I take Milk Thistle to protect my liver and CoQ10 which is the compound that gives your mitochondria the power to energize every cell in your body. This is crucial to the aging process, because when your cells are starved of energy, they age faster.  The best natural source of CoQ10 is red meat, especially organ meat...and since I don't eat meat I take the pill form. You also need to take into consideration that even if you are a big meat and organ eater that you could still be deficient in CoQ10 if your missing other nutrients – Your body needs vitamins to use CoQ10. If you’re missing vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, vitamin C, folic acid, or pantothenic acid, you may not get the benefits of CoQ10. Also Drugs can interfere with it – Statins, beta blockers, diabetic medications or other drugs rob your body of CoQ10.  Other factors can burn up your CoQ10 – Having excess body fat, repeatedly exercising for too long or chronic inflammation can use your CoQ10 stores. So taking a holistic approach to your health, be mindful of All the things you do to better your health and stay balanced for optimal health. One pill (of any kind) will rarely take you from unhealthy to thriving until you address all aspects of your health. CoQ10 is turned into ubiquuinol in your body, and this process gets harder to accomplish with age, so it's recommended that those over a certain age take Ubiquinol (CoQ10 already transformed). I take a high absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine (an herbal extract derived from black pepper fruit that is proven to help in absorption of nutrients the CoQ10,  in the GI tract).

 Another wonderful supplement I take is astaxanthin to help delay the shortening of my telemeres (these are what cap the ends of your chromosomes and keep your DNA strands from fraying). Each time your cells divide, your telomeres get shorter, and your cells act older. Short telomeres dramatically boost your risk of serious diseases.  I believe once you get down to 70 telomers you are basically dead...so lets preserve them! Scientists have learned that you can delay the shortening of the telomere by activating an enzyme that rebuilds them. The discovery of this substance, called telomerase, was such a breakthrough that it won the 2009 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Over the past several years, astaxanthin has earned a reputation as one of the most potent and powerful nutritional supplements ever made. It naturally prevents sunburn, prevents heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer's dementia, and is a top natural anti-inflamatory. It's what gives the flamingo its pink. I could do a whole post on astaxanthin (and already have) but just to sum it up, I recommend everyone consider taking it. I get mine from BioAstin Supreme which is a 100% vegetarian formula. It has been shown to be 550 times stronger than Vitamin E and 800 times stronger than CoQ10. BioAstin supports joint health, healthy tendons, eye health, healthy immune function, healthy cardiovascular system, anti-aging through cellular health, healthy skin, skin protection during sun exposure, healthy oxidative balance, and increased energy levels.  It's the miracle antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient that is age and disease defying miracle nutrient from microalgae. 

 I then take 100% Pure NKO Neptune Krill Oil with the highest levels of EPA, DHA and Astaxanthin in Krill Oils. Nutrigold's Neptune Krill Oil is NOT mixed with other cheaper fish oils. It offers a significant source of Omega-3 (EPA & DHA), Phospholipids, and Antioxidants (Astaxanthin, Vitamin A & E). I also like the Carlson's lemon cod liver oil, but pretty much switched to krill oil to get my omagas.  This extract of Krill Oil is a superior form of Omega-3 that provides better absorption and utilization of the EPA & DHA by the cells, making it more bioeffective than fish oil.

Apart from daily vitamins and minerals mentioned above, I also take a few herbs or superfoods in pill form. One I take along with my daily vitamins is a Ginseng complex with royal jelly. The capsule contains American Ginseng extract, Red Chinese Ginseng extract, Panax Ginseng extract, Eleuthro Siberian Foot and Royal Jelly.  The capsule can also be opened and consumed in a tea form, but I find it easier to just swallow the capsule with water. I also have bee pollen in powder form, but rarely take this, although the health properties I find to be very good, the smell alone is not something to be desired, so I often don't like to put the powder in anything I consume, so I make it a rare occasion. 

 Another powder I take pretty much daily is Resvertatrol.  This is another amazing antioxitand that can protect you from the damages of aging while helping to “switch on” your anti-aging genes. Resveratrol is a type of phytoalexin containing a key enzyme called stilbene synthase.  It activates certain proteins called “sirtuins,” which your body produces naturally to extend life under conditions of stress (like starvation). Sirtuins transmit signals to every cell in your body that cancel out the effects of aging. I get a packages with 250 servings. Each serving is only a small 1/4 tsp that I put in my smoothies or raw chia meal. It's pretty much tasteless so I'm happy to be able to get this antioxidant without having to drink red wine! Which is the more widely known place to get a concentrated dose...however along with that benefit you get the harmful effects of the alcohol as well. Other foods with resveratrol include grapes and vaccinium berries like blueberries, bilberries and cranberries.

A superfood, that I've mentioned in several blog posts that I take daily is my my Chlorella/Spirulina tablets.  I have the spirulina in powder form too, and used to crush the cholorella tablets with it an put both in smoothies (but I don't like the taste, or prefer my smoothies without, so now I consume the 50/50 chlorella/spirulina tabs by just swallowing a serving each morning with water. So much easier! I can't say enough good things about these 2 algae. The Spirulina is more nutritional and the Chlorella is more medicinal (for detox). I like the Chlorella because it gets rid of all the mercury and heavy  metals in the body, and very unfortunate for me I have half an amalgam crown on a tooth (that I had put in against my will so to speak, as the dentist informed me the white part when making the crown chipped so half of it was white and the chipped half was replaced with the metal...which I now learned to be made mostly of mercury...I was very angry at the time but didn't make a fuss because he showed it to me informing me of it as he was putting it in! I couldn't exactly say no and walk out with half the process started.  If I knew what I did now, then, I actually would have insisted and said "No"). But enough with that rant. Since it's in there and I can't afford to get it removed (Yet!) I take chlorella to expel the heavy metals that seep into my body. Both Chlorella and Spirulina are very high in vegetable protein as well. You can view my other blogs for more information on these wonder superfoods.

A spice that is a must to mention is Turmeric.  I'm not s Huge fan of the taste, but would have it in Indian curries growing up (however I don't eat cooked foods at this time, so I switched to having it in teas. Since I don't like the taste too much I then switched to taking it in pill form. It's a super spice that shouldn't be ignored! If you want to take just ONE spice for your health this is the one to take.  In addition, ayurvedic and Chinese medicines utilize turmeric to clear infections and inflammations on the inside and outside of the body. But beyond the holistic health community, Western medical practitioners have only recently come on board in recognizing the benefits of turmeric. It blocks cancer and is a powerful antioxidanve and anti-inflammatory. And since it's best raw, I like having it in the pill form to get a good dose with a simple glass of water.

I'd like to mention probiotics as well.  An essential for digestion health. I take mine in pill form because I don't enjoy any fermented foods really, which is a great way to get in those probiotics.

I also take digestive enzymes. It's so important to have a healthy gut, and when you need help digesting foods, it's a good idea to find a good digestive enzymes supplement to have with meals...especially if you choose to eat heavy meals such as meats. 

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin: A “Deep Sea” Antioxidant Powerhouse…

 A great short 10 minute video to tell you all about this amazing health nutrient

Across all alternative health channels, experts are claiming that astaxanthin provides a wide range of health benefits, including:

• Reducing inflammation,
• Suppressing free radical damage,
• Protecting against LDL cholesterol oxidation,
• Prevents UVB-related sun damage,
• Increasing immune function,
• Increasing HDL cholesterol,
• Preventing eye disease (cataracts and macular degeneration),
• Reducing cancer risk,
• Stabilizing blood sugar levels,
• Improving fertility in men, and
• Easing symptoms from a wide range of neurodegenerative diseases.

According to a meta-analysis of several astaxanthin studies, there is definitely merit to the claims regarding this incredible nutrient’s wide-reaching benefits.  Researchers looked at more than 100 studies and concurred that astaxanthin has health potential in a number of areas.  This is due to its “potent bioactivities” as an:

• Antioxidant,
• Anticancer,
• Antidiabetic, and
• Anti-inflammatory agent.

They also found that astaxanthin had research that supported its protective effect on a variety of systems, including:

• Gastrointestinal,
• Liver,
• Nerves,
• Cardiovascular,
• Ocular (eyes), and
• Skin.

 I currently get astaxanthin in the krill oil I take every morning, along with a supplement called BioAstin, that gives me 6mg a day.