What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is part of the carotenoids group. These organic fat-soluble nutrients and dyes can be found in nature.  The substance is found in algae and in some fish and seafood that eat algae, including salmon, crabs, krill and lobster. Astaxanthin presents a strong red colour.

At AstaReal, we produce astaxanthin by cultivating the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, the richest source found in nature. AstaReal produces astaxanthin naturally by exposing the algae to nutritional deficiencies. As a result, the algae produce astaxanthin to protect the fats they store against oxidation, and to protect their DNA from UV radiation. This is how the algae manages to survive long periods in the wild.  At this point, algae are harvested and added in a capsule together with vitamins C and E. Vitamin C also contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and to reducing fatigue and exhaustion.

Properties of astaxanthin

There are numerous studies on the properties of astaxanthin. However, the research conducted so far on the properties of astaxanthin is not comprehensive enough to be approved by the EU as a basis for a so-called health claim, that is, a claim about the substance’s properties. Today, AstaReal is a leader in astaxanthin research. Our goal is to present studies that are approved by the EU as the basis for health claims.