Astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a red keto-carotenoid. For supplements it comes mainly from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which is grown and then stressed until its cells turn red; the biomass is harvested, its cells are broken open and it is dried, then usually extracted with supercritical CO2 or solvent to an oleoresin in which astaxanthin is mostly esterified. Synthetic astaxanthin is used mainly in fish feed. Brands buy oleoresin for softgels or beadlets and powders.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Algal extract in oil at a stated astaxanthin percentage, mostly as esters, used to fill softgels.
Oleoresin encapsulated in a matrix for tablets, capsules and drink mixes, at a lower astaxanthin percentage.
Cracked, dried Haematococcus cells, used mainly in feed or as a starting material for extraction.
Made by chemical synthesis as free astaxanthin with a different stereoisomer mix; used mostly for salmonid fish feed.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Astaxanthin breaks down with oxygen, light and heat, so keep it in sealed, nitrogen-flushed, opaque containers and follow the supplier's temperature instructions, which often call for refrigeration. Oleoresin can thicken when cold, so warm it gently before use if the supplier allows. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and confirmed by assay retest.
Record astaxanthin content for each lot and the method used, and dose against the actual figure. Content declines over shelf life, so plan overage from the supplier's stability data and rotate stock first-expired, first-out.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 73.35 lists astaxanthin as a color additive that may be used in the feed of salmonid fish.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 73.185 lists haematococcus algae meal as a color additive that may be used in the feed of salmonid fish.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)GRN 294, for Haematococcus pluvialis extract containing astaxanthin esters from Fuji Chemical Industry, closed in January 2010 with FDA having no questions, noting that some uses may require a color additive listing.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Manufacturer · Kailua-Kona, HI
Sells it as BioAstin
Cyanotech grows microalgae on a farm in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and sells astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis) and spirulina in bulk to supplement and food makers.
Manufacturer
Carotenoid producer that grows its own tomato varieties for lycopene and also supplies lutein from marigold, astaxanthin from algae and beta-carotene from fungal fermentation, as nutrients and food colors.
Manufacturer · Eustis, FL
Sells it as Zanthin
Florida producer of CO2-extracted botanical and algae ingredients, including natural astaxanthin, saw palmetto extract, and organic spirulina and chlorella.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include haematococcus oleoresin, beadlets and dispersible powders, dried algae meal and synthetic astaxanthin. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect astaxanthin assay, ester and carotenoid profile, residual solvents, heavy metals, microbiology and peroxide value, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Astaxanthin breaks down with oxygen, light and heat, so keep it in sealed, nitrogen-flushed, opaque containers and follow the supplier's temperature instructions, which often call for refrigeration. Oleoresin can thicken when cold, so warm it gently before use if the supplier allows. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification and confirmed by assay retest.
21 CFR 73.35 lists astaxanthin as a color additive that may be used in the feed of salmonid fish. 21 CFR 73.185 lists haematococcus algae meal as a color additive that may be used in the feed of salmonid fish. GRN 294, for Haematococcus pluvialis extract containing astaxanthin esters from Fuji Chemical Industry, closed in January 2010 with FDA having no questions, noting that some uses may require a color additive listing.
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