In related news, a recent study investigated the effects of astaxanthin on oxidative stress in smokers. Astaxanthin is produced by the microalgae Haematoccous pluvialis, and is currently thought to be the most powerful antioxidant found in nature. You can also get it from sea creatures that consume the algae, such as salmon, shellfish, and krill.
Free radicals induced by cigarette smoking have been strongly linked to oxidative stress, which contributes to the pathobiology of various diseases, the most well-known of which is lung cancer. In this study, 39 heavy smokers and an equal number of non-smokers were enrolled. The smokers were divided into three dosage groups, receiving either 5, 20, or 40 mg of astaxanthin per day for three weeks. Oxidative stress biomarkers were measured at the outset and each week thereafter for the length of the study.
The total antioxidant capacity increased in all three dosage groups over the three-week period. In particular, isoprostane levels (one of the oxidative stress biomarkers measured) showed a significant dose-dependent decrease.
In conclusion, the authors stated that:
"The results suggest that [astaxanthin] supplementation might prevent oxidative damage in smokers by suppressing lipid peroxidation and stimulating the activity of the antioxidant system in smokers."
http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2011/09/23/the-exercise-that-will-double-ability-to-successfully-quit-smoking.aspx?np=true
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