Astaxanthin (Ketocarotenoid · Haematococcus Extract · Antioxidant Carotenoid)
| CAS No. | 472-61-7 |
| Class | Carotenoid · Xanthophyll · Ketocarotenoid |
| Source | Haematococcus pluvialis (microalgae) — whole cell (primary commercial source) |
| Claim strength | High |
| Buy from Herbuno | Astaxanthin 10% Powder → |
Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid — the red-orange pigment responsible for the colour of salmon, shrimp, and flamingos. Commercial astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae is the dominant form in premium nutraceutical formulations globally. Astaxanthin's unique structural property — its keto and hydroxyl groups span both the polar exterior and non-polar interior of cell membranes — gives it the ability to quench reactive oxygen species across the full thickness of the lipid bilayer, making it exceptionally potent as a membrane antioxidant.
Astaxanthin for Eye Health, Skin Photoprotection & Exercise Recovery — Evidence
Eye health — accommodation and fatigue: Multiple RCTs document improvements in eye accommodation, reduction in eye fatigue, and improvements in retinal blood flow with astaxanthin at 6–12mg per day. Claim strength: High.
Skin photoprotection and hydration: Multiple RCTs document reductions in UV-induced skin damage markers, improvements in skin moisture content, and reductions in wrinkle depth at 4–6mg per day over 8–12 weeks. Claim strength: High.
Exercise recovery and endurance: Controlled trials in athletes document reductions in exercise-induced oxidative stress markers and improvements in time to exhaustion at 4–12mg per day. Claim strength: Moderate–High.
Cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory: Preliminary RCT data documents reductions in LDL oxidation and inflammatory markers. Claim strength: Moderate.
Astaxanthin Dosage, Source & Formulator Specification
Clinically referenced dose: 4–12mg per day. Most RCTs use 6mg/day. At 10% astaxanthin content, 6mg requires 60mg of extract — highly capsule-compatible. Softgel format with lipid co-delivery is preferred for bioavailability.
Natural vs synthetic: Natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis is predominantly the 3S,3'S stereoisomer. Synthetic is a racemic mixture with different biological activity. Confirm source organism and stereoisomer profile on the CoA.
Stability: Astaxanthin is susceptible to oxidative degradation. Oil-filled softgels with antioxidant co-stabilisers is the industry standard. Powder formats require opaque, oxygen-barrier packaging.
Pairs with: Lutein and zeaxanthin (eye health formulations), Vitamin E (membrane antioxidant synergy), CoQ10 (mitochondrial antioxidant stack), omega-3 DHA.
Frequently Asked Questions — Astaxanthin
What makes astaxanthin a more potent antioxidant than other carotenoids?
Astaxanthin's keto and hydroxyl groups allow it to span the full thickness of cell membranes — quenching reactive oxygen species in both the polar surface and non-polar interior simultaneously. Beta-carotene and lycopene are confined to the hydrophobic membrane interior only.
Is natural astaxanthin the same as synthetic astaxanthin?
No. Natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis is predominantly the 3S,3'S stereoisomer with stronger antioxidant activity. Synthetic is a racemic mixture. Always specify source organism and confirm stereoisomer profile on the CoA.
What is the best format for astaxanthin supplementation?
Oil-filled softgel is preferred. Astaxanthin is fat-soluble with significantly better bioavailability in a lipid matrix. Softgels also provide physical protection from oxygen and light.
What dose is needed for eye health benefits?
Most RCTs for eye accommodation and fatigue reduction used 6mg of natural astaxanthin per day over 4–8 weeks. At 10% extract, 6mg requires only 60mg of extract — achievable in a single softgel.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human studies; Moderate = a few trials; Emerging = early lab data.
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