Immunity
Ways that astaxanthin supports immune cell function and helps maintain a balanced inflammation response.
Pet Immune Benefits of Astaxanthin
- Provides antioxidant support
- Supports a healthy inflammation response
- Promotes healthy immune function
Understanding Pet Immune Health
The immune system is designed to protect the body against infectious invaders and eliminate any foreign matter or cells that try to gain entrance into the body. Without a functioning immune system, our dogs would fall prey to every hostile organism. Stress, poor nutrition, and hormonal fluctuations are some of the other factors which contribute to a weakened immune system.
The immune system keeps a check and balance as to when the body needs to gear up to fight and when the body is fit again. A balanced immune system will help dogs stay healthy and support their resilience to daily immune challenges.
Astaxanthin to the Rescue
Dietary antioxidants like natural astaxanthin, vitamin E and beta carotene can boost a dog’s antioxidant capacity to address ROS and help control oxidative stress. The antioxidant activity of natural astaxanthin is reported to be higher than that of beta carotene, lutein and vitamin E. As much as 50% of natural astaxanthin is known to localize in the mitochondria, where astaxanthin is in the best position to neutralize ROS and protect mitochondria against oxidative stress.
Natural astaxanthin supports immune cell mitochondria, which produce energy for immune cell activity. Natural astaxanthin also helps support adaptive and innate immunity, antioxidant balance, and a healthy inflammation response for healthy immune function.
Study Highlight
In a study where beagle dogs were fed natural astaxanthin, researchers noted improved response to a vaccine, better protection of white blood cells from free radical damage, and support for cells involved in innate immunity.1
Products
What’s Next
Krill oil is often used to help support canine immune health because it contains health fats, known as omega-3s, in a form that is readily absorbed in the gut. Krill oil also contains trace amounts of astaxanthin, which is why it has an orange color. Salmon oil also contains trace amounts of astaxanthin. However, to get the full benefits of astaxanthin in these oils, they need to be fortified with astaxanthin made by algae.
References
- Chew, B.P. et al. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 2011. 140(3-4)199-206.