What is AstaFactor®?

Astafactor® is a proprietary branded astaxanthin product by Mera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The formulation include astaxanthin with natural rice bran oil. AstaFactor® is a natural dietary supplement with superior antioxidant capabilities as well as immune-regulating properties.

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a a member of the carotenoid family and is a fat-soluble nutrient with a unique molecular structure that gives it not only superior antioxidant capabilities, but also anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties. Because of its small molecular weight, astaxanthin can cross the blood brain barrier to produce beneficial effects in the central nervous system (i.e., brain, spinal cord and eyes) and peripheral body systems.

What is the source of the ingredient astaxanthin?

AstaFactor® brand astaxanthin, derived from the microscopic green algae species called Haematococcus pluvialis, is the most concentrated natural source of astaxanthin in the world.

How does AstaFactor® compare to other antioxidants?

Studies show that astaxanthin, the active ingredient in Astafactor®, has up to 500 times more antioxidant activity than vitamin E and 10 times more than beta-carotene. Research also indicates that astaxanthin may be up to 10 times more effective that other carotenoids such as canthaxanthin, lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin.

What are the major health benefits of AstaFactor®?

• Provides significantly more antioxidant activity than other carotenoids and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and vitamin E.

• Inhibits inflammation associated with sore muscles and stiff joints.

• Enhances immune system function by modulating T cell-mediated immune responses (e.g. increases production of antibody-secreting cells and Interleukin 2 and suppresses production of Interferon-gamma.)

• Crosses the blood brain barrier making it available to the central nervous system including the eyes and brain.

• Protects cells from damage associated with ultraviolet light, providing protection from sunburn.

• Enhances the antioxidant actions of vitamin E and vitamin C.

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress comes from environmental exposure to air pollution, ultraviolet light and tobacco smoke, as well as from natural body functions such as food digestion and cell respiration. Oxidative stress also occurs when we are sick, fighting an infection, have muscle inflammation or when we are healing from an injury. This oxidative stress is caused by free radicals and singlet oxygen, which can result in damage to the body by interacting with normal cells to change their chemical structure.

How does oxidative stress relate to health?

Fortunately, our bodies possess an array of antioxidant defensives against oxidative stress. The antioxidants work together to tackle and neutralize free radicals rendering them harmless and allowing them to be easily eliminated from the body. When these antioxidants are not able to sufficiently protect against oxidative stress, the body may experience accelerated aging and various chronic diseases including cancer; inflammatory and immune disorders such as asthma, Crohn's disease, gastritis, peptic ulcers, muscle soreness, fibromyalgia and arthritis; cardio vascular disease; visual disorders including cataracts and macular degeneration; and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease, stroke and Parkinson's disease.

What is the importance of crossing the blood brain barrier?

The blood brain barrier is a dense network of capillary walls that are wrapped around the brain to prevent harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi and other substances from entering the brain, while allowing access to neurotransmitters and nutrients that nourish the brain. Astaxanthin, which a molecular weight of 597 Daltons, readily crosses the blood brain barrier to boost the antioxidant level of the central nervous system, including the eye and brain.

How does oxidative stress affect out joints and muscles?

In a similar way that rust attacks and damages bare metal, oxidative stress can contribute to sore muscles and stiff joints as well as to energy levels and endurance. For example, when we exercise, the body increases its use of oxygen. One of the byproducts of oxygen metabolism-free radicals-can do damage to muscle tissue which results in soreness and fatigue.

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