Antioxidant power of microalgae

A healthy lifestyle has become the new baseline in society. Consumers, especially younger ones, are increasingly searching for ways to safeguard their health and well-being throughout life and into old age. To help achieve this goal, many consider dietary supplements essential and are seeking plant-based options with full traceability.

This trend reflects growing market interest in natural astaxanthin, a carotenoid which lends its reddish colour and antioxidant power to microalgae and a range of marine animals. Astaxanthin has carved out a special place for itself in the supplement market as a result of its unique molecular structure. This helps target free radicals in the inner and outer layers of cell membranes, thus protecting cells and their powerhouses mitochondria from oxidative stress.

Its antioxidant capacity is the foundation for astaxanthin’s multiple human health benefits. Just one astaxanthin-based supplement can provide support for eye and skin health, immune defence, athletic performance and cognitive function. As clinical studies increasingly zoom in on these numerous beneficial effects, the scientific evidence is growing.

Algae processing using bioreactors
Image credit: AstaReal

Backed by strong science

Studies show, for instance, how astaxanthin can protect vision: Eyesight is one of the most valuable of our five senses, yet it is the most vulnerable to damage of oxidative stress. The antioxidant power of astaxanthin can protect the eyes in numerous ways, with supplementation improving eye fatigue, focus and depth perception by supporting the elasticity of the ciliary muscle, which is vital for the lens function. Another benefit is better eye accommodation and, thus, improved ability to focus on an object as its distances vary. In addition, astaxanthin has been proven to help counteract mental fatigue, support mental clarity and promote focus. Moreover, long-term prophylactic astaxanthin supplementation may inhibit age-related skin deterioration thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Natural astaxanthin also plays a vital role in supporting muscle endurance, strength and mobility, thus combatting the effects of debilitating conditions such as sarcopenia. This means that astaxanthin can make a significant contribution to the quality of a person’s healthspan – the portion of life during which we are generally in good health.

Many of these studies were conducted with astaxanthin from AstaReal. The company was first to introduce the antioxidant to the supplement market, with its scientific commitment, dating back to its roots as a spin-off from the University of Uppsala.

Derived from a planet-friendly source

Natural astaxanthin comes from a microalgae called Haematoccocus pluvialis. The final quality of the algal product is affected by the environment in which the algae is cultivated, which can be done in a variety of ways. Outdoor cultivation may require acres of land and, in some cases, involve the loss of water through evaporation, as well as the risk of contamination of heavy metals or other pollutants. Therefore, AstaReal processes its algae indoors using specially designed photobioreactors, which means it can fully control the environment and optimise the conditions for algae growth and astaxanthin synthesis. This results in a safe, stable product without any impurities.

As an algal ingredient, astaxanthin perfectly addresses growing sustainability requirements. Algae are planet-friendly as they are easy to cultivate, fast to regrow, maintain biodiversity and require significantly less energy and nutrients to be kept alive than conventional crops. Moreover, as many consumers are switching to flexitarian, vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, algae are becoming more accepted.

AstaReal meets the increasing trend for vegan-compliant supplements with its recent launch of Astaxin Vegan, an antioxidant formula in a vegan softgel made of carrageenan and modified starch instead of gelatin. In addition, AstaReal’s main astaxanthin bulk products are registered with the Vegan Society and suitable for various supplement dosage forms, making it easier for manufacturers to certify their retail products in accordance with vegan standards.