Description
A red xanthophyll carotenoid produced principally from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Used as a high-potency antioxidant in premium dietary supplements, eye-health products, sports nutrition, and as a colorant and growth supplement in aquaculture feeds (the largest global volume application).
Dark red to brownish-red powder, oleoresin, or microencapsulated beadlet. Highly oxidation-sensitive; supplied with antioxidant stabilization in protected packaging.
We supply food-grade Astaxanthin from manufacturers in China holding ISO, Halal, Kosher and other certifications relevant to the product and production.
Common market grades include Astaxanthin 2 percent Powder (the cost-effective supplement grade), Astaxanthin 2.5 percent Beadlet (cold-water-soluble premium format), Astaxanthin 5 percent Oleoresin (the supplement workhorse), Astaxanthin 10 percent Oleoresin (premium grade), and Astaxanthin 1.5 to 2 percent Aquafeed-Grade Powder (for salmon and trout feed pigmentation).
Bulk and reduced-MOQ shipments. Batch-level COA covering astaxanthin content (HPLC), total carotenoids, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbiology.
Introduction
Astaxanthin is the carotenoid responsible for the red coloration of salmon flesh, lobster and crab shells, and flamingo feathers. The compound is among the most potent natural antioxidants known by in-vitro radical-scavenging measures, with reported activity many times higher than Vitamin E and beta-carotene.
Industrial production for premium grades proceeds by cultivation of the green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis under stress conditions (high light, nutrient deprivation) that trigger astaxanthin accumulation at up to 4 to 5 percent of dry biomass, followed by cell rupture, supercritical-CO2 extraction, and formulation into oleoresin, beadlet, or powder formats. Synthetic astaxanthin (predominantly used in aquaculture feed) is produced by chemical synthesis from precursor isophorone and is regulated separately from natural astaxanthin in many supplement markets.
Classified as Generally Recognized as Safe by the U.S. FDA (natural source), approved as a Novel Food in the EU, and approved for use in dietary supplements and aquaculture feed in major markets worldwide.
Clinical evidence supports applications in skin aging, exercise recovery, eye fatigue, and cardiovascular markers at typical doses of 4 to 12 mg per day. The compound has been the subject of more clinical research than most premium carotenoid ingredients.
Strategic positioning combines premium dietary supplements and cosmetic skincare (the high-unit-value applications) with aquaculture feed pigmentation (the largest volume application).
Where it is used
- Premium antioxidant dietary supplements: the dominant supplement application
- Eye-health and vision-support formulations
- Sports nutrition: recovery, endurance, and joint-support positioning
- Cosmetic skincare: premium anti-aging serums and UV-protection formulations
- Beauty-from-within supplements and gummies
- Aquaculture feed: salmon and trout flesh pigmentation (the largest global volume application)
- Functional beverages: premium wellness shots and antioxidant drinks
- Premium pet supplements positioned for skin, coat, and immune health
Technical data
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark red to brownish-red powder, oleoresin, or beadlet |
| Astaxanthin content (HPLC) | 2% / 2.5% / 5% / 10% (grade dependent) |
| Total carotenoids | typically 1.05 times astaxanthin content |
| Loss on drying | ≤ 8.0% |
| Heavy metals (as Pb) | ≤ 2 mg/kg |
| Residual solvents | Within ICH Q3C limits |
| Total plate count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g |
| Source | Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae |
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