Vitabiotics
Ingredients
Astaxanthin
Haematococcus pluvialis extract · Natural astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid, a fat-soluble red‑orange pigment that occurs naturally in certain microalgae and then enters the marine food chain. In supplements it is most commonly used as natural astaxanthin sourced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, typically supplied as an oleoresin extract rich in astaxanthin, where a portion is present as fatty‑acid esters. Because it is oil‑soluble, it is frequently formulated in softgels with carrier oils (such as olive or sunflower/safflower oil) or as a standardised powder for capsules and tablets. On labels it may appear as “astaxanthin (from Haematococcus pluvialis extract)” or as a standardised algae extract with a declared astaxanthin percentage. In cosmetics it can be found in lipophilic formulas such as serums or creams, often encapsulated or dissolved into the oil phase to improve stability. As a carotenoid pigment it is sensitive to light and oxidation, so formulations commonly include technological antioxidants for protection.
Approved claims
Approved claims
No approved claims yet.
Safety notes
EFSA has not set a tolerable upper intake level (UL) for astaxanthin as a vitamin/mineral; instead, EFSA has assessed it as a novel food and evaluated its use in supplements at levels up to 8 mg/day in the context of total intake from all sources. Astaxanthin may interact with certain medicines that affect blood clotting or platelet function; consult a doctor before use. Astaxanthin may interact with medicines that affect blood pressure or blood glucose; consult a doctor before use. During pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children, consult a doctor before use.
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