Skin cancer, what you can do to reduce the risk

[HysteryDiagnosis]

Video at link: I wish they wouldn't refer to it as a "drug"... since it is not.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/videos/2007/1108-sunscreen_in_a_pill.htm

“We are understanding how tissue damage occurs in the body at the molecular level that’s where the Bio Astin appears to work,” Robert Childs, M.D., anesthesiologist in Honolulu, Hawaii, told Ivanhoe.

UV rays can damage skin's DNA, increasing its risk of developing skin cancer. But dermatologists say that Bio Astin, also know as Astaxanthin, acts like a sponge absorbing UV rays. It also reduces pain and inflammation from sunburn. It's a powerful antioxidant, more than 500 times stronger than vitamin E and 10 times stronger than vitamin A.

"Astaxanthin exists primarily in the oceans," Dr. Childs explained.

It’'s commonly found in red ocean plants and animals, including salmon. But you'’d have to eat one to three pounds of salmon a day to get the same effect. Which for Marr wouldn'’t leave much time for training.

"I want to be as good as I can, we’re given one chance ... right now is the time for me,” Marr said.

The drug is not a cure all. Doctors say to be completely safe from the sun, it should be used with other sun protective measures such as sun glasses, hats, protective clothing, and sunscreen. There are no known side effects and it can be found at local vitamin stores or on the Internet.

[DavidDvorkin]

1. Stay out of the sun

Especially if you're in a risk category (skin color, exposure history).

If you can't avoid exposure, keep as much of your skin covered as possible.

[supernova]

2. I generally avoid midday sun

from about 11am - 2pm

Especially if I'm near water, otherwise I turn lobster red, then peel, and get white again. :P

[HysteryDiagnosis]

3. Funny name for someone who reacts that badly to sunlight... some more

data to fill this out...

Astaxanthin has 100-500 times the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E and 10 times the antioxidant capacity of beta-carotene. Many laboratory studies also indicate astaxanthin is a stronger antioxidant than lutein, lycopene and tocotrienols.

Dosage: The recommended dosage of 1 mg twice per day is similar on a weight basis to current doses for beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol.

Side Effects: There are no known side effects.

(Source: http://www.beta-glucan-info.com/astaxanthin-questions-answers.htm)

Research Overview

1. Interferes with proinflammatory substances
2. Blocks nitric oxide enzyme activity
3. Is a powerful antioxidant
4. Astaxanthin bioavailability is increased by some long chain triglycerides
5. Protects beta-cell function in diabetes
6. Reduces glucose toxicity
7. Limits exercise-induced cardiac and skeletal damage in mice
8. Protects against DNA damage from UVA rays
9. Reduces stress-induced lipid peroxidation
10. Helps prevent atherosclerosis
11. Slows growth of H pylori infection
12. Inhibits tumor growth
13. Controls cancer cell proliferation in colon cancer
14. Controls cancer cell proliferation in bladder cancer

[cosmik debris]

4. You cite the sales pitch of a vendor.

And the statement that there are no know side effects indicates that it has never been through clinical trials.

Did you read the fine print at the bottom of the page?

[supernova]

5. Doesn't he though?

:D

[cosmik debris]

6. Just $34.95

And it comes with no proof of efficacy or safety.

:tinfoilhat:

[HysteryDiagnosis]

8. Gotta watch them Irish...

1: J Dermatol Sci. 2002 Oct;30(1):73-84.Click here to read Links
Modulatory effects of an algal extract containing astaxanthin on UVA-irradiated cells in culture.
Lyons NM, O'Brien NM.

Department of Food Science, Food Technology and Nutrition, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. [e-mail]

UV radiation from sunlight is the most potent environmental risk factor in skin cancer pathogenesis. In the present study the ability of an algal extract to protect against UVA-induced DNA alterations was examined in human skin fibroblasts (1BR-3), human melanocytes (HEMAc) and human intestinal CaCo-2 cells. The protective effects of the proprietary algal extract, which contained a high level of the carotenoid astaxanthin, were compared with synthetic astaxanthin. DNA damage was assessed using the single cell gel electrophoresis or comet assay.

In 1BR-3 cells, synthetic astaxanthin prevented UVA-induced DNA damage at all concentrations (10 nM, 100 nM, 10 microM) tested. In addition, the synthetic carotenoid also prevented DNA damage in both the HEMAc and CaCo-2 cells. The algal extract displayed protection against UVA-induced DNA damage when the equivalent of 10 microM astaxanthin was added to all three-cell types, however, at the lower concentrations (10 and 100 nM) no significant protection was evident.

There was a 4.6-fold increase in astaxanthin content of CaCo-2 cells exposed to the synthetic compound and a 2.5-fold increase in cells exposed to algal extract. In 1BR-3 cells, exposure to UVA for 2 h resulted in a significant induction of cellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, coupled with a marked decrease in cellular glutathione (GSH) content. However pre-incubation (18 h) with 10 microM of the either the synthetic astaxanthin or the algal extract prevented UVA-induced alterations in SOD activity and GSH content.

Similarly, in CaCo-2 cells a significant depletion of GSH was observed following UVA-irradiation which was prevented by simultaneously incubating with 10 microM of either synthetic astaxanthin or the algal extract. SOD activity was unchanged following UVA exposure in the intestinal cell line. This work suggests a role for the algal extract as a potentially beneficial antioxidant.

PMID: 12354422

[cosmik debris]

12. That was a test on cells in culture.

Has it ever been tested on live humans in clinical trials to determine efficacy and safety? Has there ever been any investigation of possible side effects? Your salesman said that there are no side effects. How does he know that?

Even the salesman's pitch says:

"These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease."

If the salesman says it doesn't prevent any disease, why would you believe otherwise?

[HysteryDiagnosis]

10. I cannot read. n/t

[BuddhaGirl]

7. Interesting info!

Thanks for posting. I have been taking axtaxanthin by NOW for several months now.

[HysteryDiagnosis]

9. Other than being "more protected" from UV rays, have you noticed

any other beneficial effects or did you start taking it for a particular reason, (If not too personal)

[BuddhaGirl]

11. mainly I have been taking it for it's antioxidant properties

my eye doctor actually suggested it - I have macular degeneration in my family so I take an eye supplement daily.

I also read some months ago that it can help protect from sunburn; I am pretty fair and am leaving for a tropical vacation on Thursday, so I was interested in trying it out :-)

[Palermojohnson]

13. light skin people are more likely to get it

I'm scared.