Astaxanthin is the strongest known antioxidant and a naturally occurring carotenoid that gives red colour to marine organisms like crabs, shrimps and salmons. In natural environment, astaxanthin appears in photosynthetic organisms like bacteria, algae and yeasts. The highest concentration of natural astaxanthin with optimum bioavailability can be found in the freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis.
Due to its unique molecular structure, astaxanthin has lipophilic as well as hydrophilic properties, can permeate entire cell membranes and protect the cell from inside and outside.
In direct comparison to other known antioxidants, natural astaxanthin is much stronger in eliminating free radicals. In neutralising singlet oxygen, astaxanthin is
- 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C
- 770 times stronger than CoQ10
- 110 times stronger than vitamin E.
Therefore, astaxanthin is also known as the “red diamond” amongst antioxidants.
The red diamond is used to great effect in the established brands ASTAFIT® for the nutritional supplement industry, and ASTACOS® for the cosmetics industry.
The microalgaHaematococcus pluvialis
The alga Haematococcus pluvialis is a genuine survivor. Under harsh living conditions, e.g., intensive UV radiation, high temperatures, nutrient deficit or other environmental stressors, the alga starts storing astaxanthin in its cells and turns from green to red. This protective mechanism enables the alga to survive even under the most adverse circumstances for years until the living conditions improve again.
This natural process is simulated by BDI-BioLife Science in a controlled process in closed photobioreactors. We combine nature’s power with innovative technology and are Austria's leading natural astaxanthin manufacturer.
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