What is Astaxanthin

Astanxanthin is one of the best antioxidants in the world, effectively quenching oxygen radicals and singlet oxygen. In addition, it acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, protects the eyes and brain, naturally improves performance for athletes, enhances the condition of the skin, and increases one’s potency. Astaxanthin is sensitive to heat, light and oxygen so precautions have to be taken to protect it from oxidation.   

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid - pigments responsible for the broad variety of colours in nature, most notably the brilliant yellow, orange and red colours of fruits, leaves and aquatic animals. Among all the classes of natural colours, carotenoids are the most widespread and structurally diverse pigmenting agents. Some fish such as koi and various crustaceans have mechanisms to convert carotenoids into other forms like astaxanthin, which are deposited into the exoskeleton of crustaceans.  

Beyond its role in pigmentation, Astaxanthin has been found to benefit various aspects of animal production and animal health. It is approximately 10 times stronger than other carotenoids, including beta-carotene, in terms of antioxidant activity and 100times greater than vitamin E. Furthermore, it is a strong inhibitor of lipid peroxidation mediated by active forms of oxygen, and has been touted “super vitamin E”.