Astaxanthin: A Powerful Antioxidant for Eye, Brain, Skin, and Total Body Health

Astaxanthin—often called the “king of the carotenoids”—is one of the most potent natural antioxidants ever discovered. Derived mainly from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin protects cells from oxidative stress and inflammation at a level significantly higher than vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, or zeaxanthin.

For more than 20 years, Dr. Michael Lange and the doctors at the Lange Eye Institute have been among the earliest eye-care professionals to integrate AstaReal® astaxanthin into evidence-based clinical nutrition for ocular, neurological, skin, and systemic support.

Dr. Lange personally takes 6–12 mg of AstaReal astaxanthin daily through Fortifeye Focus or Fortifeye Focus & Brain and credits long-term astaxanthin use as one reason he continues to read without glasses at age 64. Thousands of patients at the Lange Eye Institute have benefited from astaxanthin-based protocols for over two decades.

1. Astaxanthin for Eye Health

Reduces Digital Eye Strain and Fatigue

Clinical studies show astaxanthin improves accommodative function, helping the eyes focus more efficiently. This leads to reductions in:

• eye fatigue
• blurred vision
• headaches
• symptoms associated with heavy digital device use

Supports Retinal & Macular Health

Astaxanthin supports retinal and macular integrity through:

• potent antioxidant activity
• improved retinal blood flow
• mitochondrial protection
• decreased inflammatory markers
• enhanced cellular energy

These mechanisms make astaxanthin a key nutrient for long-term retinal wellness.

Synergy with Omega-3 (Especially TG/rTG Forms)

Astaxanthin’s benefits are amplified when combined with high-quality omega-3 fatty acids. However, the form of omega-3 matters greatly.

Dr. Lange strongly advises against the ethyl ester (EE) form of fish oil due to its:

• inferior absorption
• increased risk of oxidation
• need for enzymatic conversion
• unpleasant taste and poor stability

The triglyceride (TG) and re-esterified triglyceride (rTG) forms offer:

• superior absorption
• greater stability
• improved freshness
• enhanced bioavailability
• better cellular membrane integration

This is why Fortifeye Super Omega and Fortifeye Super Omega-3 Max exclusively use TG and rTG omega-3 oils—to ensure the highest purity, stability, taste, and absorption possible.

Together, astaxanthin + rTG omega-3 create a powerful combination for ocular, cardiovascular, neurological, and total-body wellness.

2. Astaxanthin for Brain and Neurological Support

Astaxanthin crosses the blood–brain barrier, giving it rare neuroprotective capabilities.

Research-supported neurological benefits include:

• enhanced blood flow to brain tissue
• reduction of oxidative and inflammatory stress
• improved mitochondrial function in neurons
• support for memory, focus, and cognitive clarity

For patients who also want advanced cognitive support, Dr. Lange recommends Fortifeye Focus & Brain, combining AstaReal astaxanthin with lutein, zeaxanthin isomers, and Cognizin® citicoline.

3. Astaxanthin for Muscle Endurance, Performance & Recovery

Athletic individuals benefit from astaxanthin due to its ability to:

• reduce lactic acid buildup
• improve endurance and stamina
• enhance fat metabolism
• reduce exercise-induced inflammation
• speed recovery after training

Dr. Lange often incorporates astaxanthin alongside Creapure® creatine, myHMB®, Peak ATP®, vitamin D, and TG/rTG omega-3 oils as part of the Fortifeye Fit Pro performance and recovery system.

4. Astaxanthin for Skin Health

One of the most clinically supported natural nutrients for internal skin rejuvenation

Astaxanthin delivers exceptional skin health benefits validated in multiple human clinical trials.

✓ Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Protects collagen networks, reduces collagen breakdown, and improves dermal density.

✓ Improves Skin Elasticity

Protects elastin fibers and reduces advanced glycation end-products (AGEs).

✓ Enhances Hydration & Moisture Retention

Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

✓ Provides Internal UV Protection

Astaxanthin helps defend the skin from:

• UV-induced DNA damage
• photoaging
• inflammation
• hyperpigmentation changes

✓ Reduces Age Spots & Hyperpigmentation

Supports balanced melanin production and protects melanocytes from oxidative damage.

✓ Improves Overall Skin Smoothness & Radiance

Enhanced microcirculation and mitochondrial efficiency improve texture and glow.

Why Astaxanthin Works So Well for Skin

Astaxanthin uniquely spans the full width of the cell membrane, protecting both the inner and outer sides of skin cells. It also:

• neutralizes singlet oxygen (one of the most destructive oxidative molecules)
• reduces inflammatory cytokines
• protects lipids in skin membranes from peroxidation

These actions give astaxanthin a significant advantage over most other antioxidants.

5. Synergy: Astaxanthin + rTG Omega-3 + Fortifeye Rejuvenate

Dr. Lange integrates astaxanthin primarily through Fortifeye Focus and Fortifeye Focus & Brain, the two formulas that contain AstaReal® astaxanthin. While Fortifeye Rejuvenate does not contain astaxanthin, it synergizes beautifully when combined with Focus or Focus & Brain and with Fortifeye Super Omega (TG/rTG).

This combination supports:

Skin Health:

Rejuvenate provides:

• Morikol® marine collagen tripeptides
• hyaluronic acid
• rice ceramides
• Dermaval®
• PureWay-C®
• biotin and supportive micronutrients

Focus / Focus & Brain provide astaxanthin for:

• UV protection
• collagen preservation
• anti-inflammatory benefits

Omega-3 adds:

• membrane stability
• improved hydration
• reduced overall inflammation

Eye Health:

• carotenoids + astaxanthin support retina, macula, and ciliary function
• omega-3 improves tear film, meibomian gland function, and retinal cell membranes

Brain & Total Body Health:

• astaxanthin crosses the BBB
• omega-3 enhances neuron membrane fluidity
• Rejuvenate supports cellular repair and reduces oxidative burden

This trio forms one of the most effective anti-aging and wellness protocols used at the Lange Eye Institute.

6. Total Body Anti-Inflammatory & Cardiovascular Support

Astaxanthin protects the entire body by:

• reducing systemic inflammation
• enhancing immune balance
• protecting mitochondria
• supporting cardiovascular integrity
• improving endothelial function
• reducing oxidative stress across all major organs

Its broad protective effects make it a foundational nutrient for long-term wellness.

7. Dr. Michael Lange’s Experience with Astaxanthin

For more than two decades, Dr. Lange and the Lange Eye Institute have utilized AstaReal® astaxanthin clinically. Patients have reported improvements in:

• focusing ability
• digital eye strain
• skin hydration and texture
• energy levels
• endurance and recovery

Dr. Lange himself continues to take astaxanthin daily and remains one of the most vocal advocates for evidence-based carotenoid therapy in ocular and full-body wellness.

Conclusion

Astaxanthin stands among the most powerful natural antioxidants ever studied. Its benefits span the eyes, brain, skin, cardiovascular system, muscles, immune system, and entire body. When combined with high-quality TG or rTG omega-3 oils and the restorative nutrients found in Fortifeye Rejuvenate, the result is a clinically powerful synergy for anti-aging, ocular wellness, skin rejuvenation, cognitive support, and total-body health.

This comprehensive approach reflects Dr. Lange’s long-standing philosophy:

“Right Ingredients, Right Science, Right for You.”