The color pink is historically associated with breast cancer, and maybe it was meant to be a forecast for the future of medicine: Astaxanthin. It’s a vibrant PINK pigment that has the potential to be one of the secrets to healing breast cancer. Recent research on astaxanthin has made big splashes in the medical world, so let’s dive into the research together. 

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll, a natural compound generated by microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis), and a subclass of oxygen-containing carotenoids. It is a common food that gives many marine animals their color. Salmon, shrimp, lobster, and flamingos are all naturally reddish pink because of Astaxanthin. 

Astaxanthin is commercially produced through natural extraction from H. pluvialis, which is then turned into capsules, tablets, and beverages for easy consumption. The cosmetics industry also incorporates astaxanthin into skincare products for its anti-aging and photoprotective benefits.

What Antioxidants Does Astaxanthin Provide?

Astaxanthin is renowned for its potent antioxidant capabilities, which are made possible by its unique molecular structure. This structure allows it to quench free radicals effectively and protect cells from oxidative stress. Astaxanthin’s antioxidant activity is several times stronger than that of other carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and lutein, and even more potent than that of vitamin E. All three are extremely important to breast cancer healing, so let’s dig into each.

• Beta-carotene is found in leafy green vegetables, sweet potatoes, carrots, and other vegetables. This study found that women with the lowest levels of beta-carotene were twice as likely to develop breast cancer compared to those with the highest levels! Another study found that beta-carotene inhibited cancer cells from proliferating and increased cancer cell death.
• Lutein is an antioxidant found in sweet peppers, peas, spinach, and zucchini (zucchini recipes). Studies have found that eating lutein decreased premenopausal breast cancer risk by a massive 53%! Lutein’s antioxidant properties can induce apoptosis (cell death) in breast cancer cells while keeping healthy cells safe and intact.
• Vitamin E boosts your immune system, protects cellular membranes, reduces inflammation, and prevents free radical damage. Please learn more from the world’s foremost expert on vitamin E, Dr. Tan, on my podcast.

Four Reasons Why Astaxanthin May Help Heal Breast Cancer

As of May 2024, there are no reported human clinical trials that assess the effectiveness of astaxanthin in treating cancer. However, studies done in vitro (in a test tube or other culture media) and lab animals have shown promising initial findings, so I hope that human applications will soon be confirmed.

Reduces Oxidative Stress.

Oxidative stress fuels cancer cells. Studies have found that astaxanthin stops the production of reactive oxygen species in a human lymphoma cell line and leukemia cells. This blog post provides more information about oxidative stress and a helpful device that provides relief.

Supports apoptosis.

Tumors develop when cancer cells rapidly proliferate, invade, migrate, and stick to healthy tissues and organs. A healthy body removes damaged or dysfunctional cells (which can turn into cancer cells). Several studies have shown astaxanthin promotes cell death of damaged and dysfunctional cells—and only targeted cancer cells, not healthy ones.

Additionally, this study concluded, “We found that application of ASX significantly reduced proliferation rates and inhibited breast cancer cell migration compared to control normal breast epithelial cells. Based on these results, further investigation of the effects of ASX on not only breast cancer cells, but other forms of tumor cells, should be carried out.”

Lowers inflammation.

About 95% of ALL cancers have inflammation in common, impacting all stages of tumor development, including initiation, progression, and metastasis. Chronic inflammation also creates an inviting environment for cancer (and most major dis-eases) to develop and grow due to immunosuppression. Inflammation is also something you DO have control over. It comes from a bad diet, stress, pathogens, chemicals, autoimmune diseases, lack of sleep, etc. Please read this blog post to learn more about the relationship between inflammation and breast cancer, as well as this study on astaxanthin.

Prevents Cancer Cells From Spreading.

Astaxanthin prevents the spread of cancer by inhibiting MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). These are the enzymes that allow tumor cells to migrate to another organ. 

ValAsta

ValAsta is a potent superfood with a powerful creation story. Here’s the short version:

Samuel Shepherd is a prominent physicist, inventor, and engineer with 42 patents. He has garnered international recognition for his expertise and contributions in several fields of science, including Biochemical and Medical engineering, physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Tragically, in 2003, Samuel was diagnosed with a rare type of bone marrow cancer, and conventional treatments did not lead to healing. The inventor in him decided to figure out a path to health instead of accepting his fate. His experimentations led him to patent ValAsta, the only astaxanthin supplement patented to treat inflammatory conditions. 

How you can take ValAsta:

• ValAsta Chocolate: Yep, what a dream—you can consume a breast cancer-healing superfood via delicious dark chocolate. Try a sample here.
• Liquid version with olive oil: An easy way to consume it and has a slight seaweed taste.
• Pet Food Topper: Give your fur babies a superfood to help them live strong, long, and healthy lives.

ValAsta is a superfood that can be beneficial for everyone. It’s a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, prevents free radical damage (a major cause of ailments and dis-eases), provides anti-aging support, and so much more. Like Samuel, YOU can take control of your health and heal with education and a strategy aligned with evidence-based therapies and supplements. My online program, “HOW TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE”—Conquering Breast Cancer with Conventional Treatments and Natural Medicine, provides a step-by-step guide and realistic action steps to move you forward.

Vibrant health IS for you. Let’s make it happen.

Author: Dr. Veronique Desaulniers, better known as  Dr. V, is a Doctor of Chiropractic & has 44 years of experience in the wellness industry. For personalized support, please partner with a trained Breast Cancer Conqueror Coach.