Globally, consumers are looking for ways to improve their overall health, including their mental wellbeing. Many of us live a stressful life, juggling a demanding work environment, family, relationships and many more responsibilities. To reach our full potential for happiness, we must boost our emotional resilience.
Stress can be reduced by exercising, getting enough sleep, and practicing mindfulness techniques. Our brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative stress caused by an imbalance of reactive oxygen molecules (free radicals) production and the body’s ability to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects via antioxidants.1 Long term exposure to these free radicals can damage cells in our body. Although the brain metabolizes 20% of the total oxygen in the body, it has a limited amount of antioxidant capacity, and therefore it is vulnerable to the reactive oxygen molecules production.2
Findings from human and animals studies show that there is a connection between oxidative stress-related mechanisms, the brain and emotional wellbeing and various disorders such as stress, anxiety and depression.3 Psychological stress has been shown to result in the production of reactive oxygen molecules inside cells.4
Astaxanthin, a dark red carotenoid naturally produced by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, is one of the most powerful antioxidants known in nature. It is much more potent than other carotenoid and its unique structure protects cells from both internal and external oxidative stressors. It can cross the blood brain barrier and has been shown to reach the brain and have an antioxidant effect.
AstaPure® Arava, by Solabia-Algaetch Nutrition, is a whole algae Heamatococcus pluvialis and a unique source of minimally processed and unrefined natural astaxanthin that contains the vital nutrients naturally occurring in microalgae.
The whole algae are made up of a unique composition that supports resilience: antioxidants, polysaccharides and dietary fibers, essential fatty acids and vitamins and minerals.
Results of a recently published clinical study demonstrated that AstaPure® Arava can have a beneficial effect on the immune system and global well-being.5 A key function revealed in the research was significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, coupled with positive changes in the gut microbiome, interacting along the full continuum of what is known as the gut-immune-brain axis.
Imbalance in the composition of the gut microbiome has been shown to increase the risk of a number of diseases and dysfunctions throughout the body and can even alter mood and the ability to cope with stress. More than half of the Heamatococcus pluvialis is made up of polysaccharides which have a role in the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.
In double-blind placebo-controlled study, the effects of 8 mg supplementation of AstaPure Arava for four weeks was examined on upper-respiratory tract complaints (URTCs) and psychological mood state of fit adult male and female recreational runners experienced in training and competing for half-marathon to marathon-distance. Since highly extensive physical activity puts specific stressors on the immune system, muscles, internal organs, brain and mind, athletes and similarly active adults are especially good models for showing the beneficial effects of dietary supplements on the immune system and stress.
Study results shows a reduction of 78% in the number of URTC symptoms reported in the supplement group. Cortisol – the primary stress hormone related to both mood and immune function – was reduced post-supplementation by 25% in the supplement group compared to a slight elevation in the Placebo group. The Global Mood State (e.g. ‘overall well-being’) was improved by 14% compared to no change in the placebo group.
Following supplementation, the levels of Streptococcus thermophilus – a beneficial bacteria in the gut – were 72% higher in the Supplement group, suggesting improved immune system regulation.
At SupplySide West, Solabia-Algatech Nutrition will showcase its natural and innovative products that include microalgae based and active ingredients. Among the newest additions to the portfolio are AstaPure® Arava gummies. Containing 4 mg astaxanthin and 50 mg vitamin C and available as a delicious cherry flavored chewy treat and contains no preservatives or synthetic colors, they are an excellent and tasty source of powerful antioxidants for daily wellness.
About Solabia-Algatech Nutrition
Solabia-Algatech Nutrition is a renowned powerhouse for microalgae cultivation and a leading manufacturer of unique active ingredients shown to support wellbeing. Solabia-Algatech Nutrition is one of the few companies worldwide that produces high-grade, consistent quality microalgae-sourced products on a commercial scale.
Environmentally friendly and sustainable components are not just a trend but a way of life and a vision of the company. The microalgae-based production incorporates a closed system that recycles 80% of processed water and harnesses solar energy through photosynthesis. The only water used for microalgae cultivation is brackish water, locally sourced and desalinated and purified.
Visit Solabia-Algatech at SupplySide West 2022 in Las Vegas, NV, at booth #3640.
References
1. Maes et al., 2011A review on the oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS) pathways in major depression and their possible contribution to the (neuro)degenerative processes in that illness. Prog. Neuropsychopharmacol. Biol. Psychiatry, 35 (2011), pp. 676-692.
2. Halliwell B., et al., 'Oxidative stress and neurodegeneration: where are we now?' Journal of Neurochemistry, vol. 97, no. 6, pp. 1634–1658, 2006.
3. Yi, C., Jun-Feng, W, L., Shao, L., Trevor, Y. Oxidative damage to RNA but not DNA in the hippocampus of patients with major mental illness. J. Psychiatry Neurosci., 2010, 35(5), 296–302.
4. Pandya et al., 2013 Antioxidants as potential therapeutics for neuropsychiatric disorders Prog. Neuropsychopharmacol. Biol. Psychiatry, 46 (2013), pp. 214-223.
5. Shawn M Talbott AstaPure® Arava Natural Astaxanthin Whole Algae Product Supports Immune Function and Improves Subjective Well-Being EC Nutrition 17.8 (2022): 19-28.
