Astaxanthin 15mg | Natural Antioxidant from Haematococcus pluvialis Microalgae | Extra Strength | 60 Vegan Capsules

Each capsule contains 15mg of natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis (whole), the microalgae recognized as the richest natural source of astaxanthin on Earth. Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid and one of the most potent naturally occurring antioxidants known, with a unique molecular structure that allows it to span the entire lipid bilayer of cell membranes, providing antioxidant protection across the full thickness of the membrane. At 15mg per capsule, this is a high-potency astaxanthin formula at the upper end of commonly available supplemental doses. Antioxidant. Helps reduce oxidative stress. Health Canada approved (NPN 80144587). 100% vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free. Made in Canada in a quality-controlled facility. 60 vegan capsules (60-day supply at 1 capsule per day).

Key Benefits

• Antioxidant
• Helps reduce oxidative stress
• 15mg natural astaxanthin per capsule from Haematococcus pluvialis
• Richest natural source of astaxanthin (microalgae)
• Natural S,S' stereoisomer for superior biological activity
• Unique membrane-spanning antioxidant structure
• Extra strength: 15mg per capsule
• 60 vegan capsules (60-day supply at 1 capsule per day)
• Health Canada approved (NPN 80144587)
• Made in Canada in a quality-controlled facility
• 100% vegan and non-GMO
• Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free

What Is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid, a member of the carotenoid family of pigments that includes beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. It is the pigment responsible for the pink and red coloration of salmon, shrimp, lobster, crab, and flamingos, all of which obtain astaxanthin through their diet. In nature, astaxanthin is produced primarily by microalgae, particularly Haematococcus pluvialis, which synthesizes and accumulates astaxanthin as a protective response to environmental stress such as intense UV radiation, nutrient deprivation, and high salinity. The astaxanthin acts as a powerful antioxidant shield, protecting the algae's cellular components from oxidative damage under these extreme conditions.

Xanthophyll vs. Carotene: Carotenoids are divided into two main classes: carotenes (such as beta-carotene and lycopene), which contain only carbon and hydrogen, and xanthophylls (such as astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin), which also contain oxygen atoms. The oxygen-containing functional groups (keto and hydroxyl groups) at both ends of the astaxanthin molecule are what give it its unique antioxidant properties and distinguish it from carotenes.

Keto-Carotenoid: Astaxanthin is specifically classified as a keto-carotenoid because it contains ketone groups (C=O) at the 4 and 4' positions of its ionone ring ends. These keto groups, combined with hydroxyl groups at the 3 and 3' positions, create the polar end groups that are central to astaxanthin's unique membrane-spanning antioxidant mechanism.

Why Haematococcus pluvialis Is the Gold Standard Source

Astaxanthin can be obtained from several sources, but Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae is universally recognized as the premier natural source for supplementation:

Highest Natural Concentration: Haematococcus pluvialis accumulates astaxanthin to concentrations of up to 4 to 5% of its dry weight under stress conditions, making it by far the richest natural source of astaxanthin. By comparison, wild Pacific salmon contains approximately 40mg of astaxanthin per kilogram of flesh, meaning a single 15mg capsule of this formula provides the astaxanthin equivalent of approximately 375 grams of wild salmon.

Natural S,S' Stereoisomer: Astaxanthin has three possible stereoisomeric forms: S,S' (also written 3S,3'S), R,R' (3R,3'R), and the meso form (3R,3'S). Haematococcus pluvialis produces predominantly the S,S' stereoisomer, which is the form found in nature and the form with the highest biological activity in the human body. Synthetic astaxanthin, produced from petrochemical precursors, is a racemic mixture of all three stereoisomers, with only approximately 25% being the biologically preferred S,S' form. Natural astaxanthin from H. pluvialis is therefore significantly more biologically active per milligram than synthetic astaxanthin.

Esterified Form: In Haematococcus pluvialis, astaxanthin is found primarily in esterified form, bound to fatty acids. This esterified form is more stable than free astaxanthin and is hydrolyzed to free astaxanthin during digestion. The esterified form found in natural microalgae astaxanthin is associated with superior stability and bioavailability compared to free synthetic astaxanthin.

Astaxanthin's Unique Membrane-Spanning Antioxidant Mechanism

What distinguishes astaxanthin from most other antioxidants, including other carotenoids, is its unique molecular geometry and the resulting ability to span the entire lipid bilayer of cell membranes:

The Lipid Bilayer Problem: Cell membranes are composed of a lipid bilayer approximately 7 to 8 nanometers thick. Most antioxidants are either water-soluble (such as vitamin C and glutathione), which limits them to the aqueous environment outside and inside cells, or fat-soluble but positioned only within the interior of the lipid bilayer (such as beta-carotene and vitamin E). Neither type provides antioxidant protection across the full thickness of the membrane.

Astaxanthin's Solution: Astaxanthin's elongated molecular structure (approximately 3.4 nanometers long) combined with its polar keto-hydroxyl end groups creates a unique orientation within the lipid bilayer. The polar end groups anchor at both surfaces of the membrane (the hydrophilic outer and inner surfaces), while the non-polar polyene chain spans the hydrophobic interior of the bilayer. This orientation allows a single astaxanthin molecule to provide antioxidant protection across the entire thickness of the cell membrane, from one surface to the other.

Contrast with Beta-Carotene and Vitamin E: Beta-carotene, lacking polar end groups, is positioned entirely within the hydrophobic interior of the lipid bilayer and cannot reach the membrane surfaces. Vitamin E is anchored at one surface of the membrane but does not span the full bilayer. Astaxanthin's membrane-spanning orientation is unique among commonly supplemented antioxidants and is a key reason for its exceptional antioxidant potency in biological systems.

Singlet Oxygen Quenching: Astaxanthin is one of the most potent singlet oxygen quenchers known. Singlet oxygen is a highly reactive form of oxygen generated by UV radiation and other oxidative processes that can damage lipids, proteins, and DNA. Astaxanthin's extended conjugated polyene chain (11 conjugated double bonds) is highly effective at absorbing and dissipating the energy of singlet oxygen, converting it to harmless ground-state oxygen. Astaxanthin's singlet oxygen quenching capacity is approximately 6,000 times greater than vitamin C, 800 times greater than CoQ10, 550 times greater than vitamin E, and 40 times greater than beta-carotene.

Antioxidant and Oxidative Stress Support

Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) exceeds the body's antioxidant defense capacity. Chronic oxidative stress is associated with cellular damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA. Astaxanthin supports the body's antioxidant defense through multiple mechanisms:

• Direct quenching of singlet oxygen and neutralization of free radicals across the full cell membrane
• Protection of membrane lipids from lipid peroxidation, a chain reaction that can damage cell membranes
• Support for endogenous antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase
• Protection of mitochondrial membranes, which are particularly vulnerable to oxidative damage due to their proximity to the electron transport chain
• Crosses the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier, providing antioxidant support in the brain and eyes

Understanding the Dosage

Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis, whole): 15mg per capsule
Suggested Use: Adults: 1 capsule, 1 time per day
Daily Intake: 15mg
Total Capsules: 60 (60-day supply)
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose

Astaxanthin is fat-soluble and is best absorbed when taken with a meal containing dietary fat. Taking with food also helps minimize the possibility of gastrointestinal discomfort. Ask a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 12 weeks.

Who May Consider This Product

• Individuals seeking antioxidant support and help reducing oxidative stress
• Those wanting the most potent natural antioxidant carotenoid from microalgae
• People wanting natural S,S' stereoisomer astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis
• Those wanting a high-potency 15mg astaxanthin formula
• Individuals interested in membrane-spanning antioxidant protection
• Those wanting antioxidant support that crosses the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers
• Those wanting a Health Canada approved astaxanthin supplement
• Vegans and vegetarians (microalgae source, not from seafood)
• Those seeking Canadian-made antioxidant supplements

Quality and Purity

• Health Canada approved (NPN 80144587)
• 15mg natural astaxanthin per capsule (Haematococcus pluvialis, whole)
• Natural S,S' stereoisomer from microalgae
• Vegan capsules (hypromellose)
• 60 capsules (60-day supply)
• Made in Canada in a quality-controlled facility
• 100% vegan and non-GMO
• Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly sealed. Astaxanthin is sensitive to light and oxidation. Protecting from light and air exposure preserves potency throughout the shelf life of the product. Refrigeration is not required but storing in a cool environment helps preserve the carotenoid content.

Safety Information

Ask a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 12 weeks. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking medications (particularly blood thinners or medications that affect blood pressure), or have a medical condition. Astaxanthin may have mild blood pressure lowering effects and may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications. May cause a reddish coloration of stool, which is normal and harmless due to the pigment nature of astaxanthin. Take with a meal containing fat for optimal absorption. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Keep out of reach of children.

This product is approved by Health Canada (NPN 80144587).

About Astaxanthin 15mg | Natural Antioxidant from Haematococcus pluvialis

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll keto-carotenoid and one of the most potent naturally occurring antioxidants known, produced by Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae as a protective response to environmental stress. Its unique membrane-spanning molecular geometry allows a single astaxanthin molecule to provide antioxidant protection across the entire thickness of the cell membrane, a capability not shared by other commonly supplemented antioxidants including beta-carotene and vitamin E. Natural astaxanthin from H. pluvialis provides the biologically preferred S,S' stereoisomer with superior activity compared to synthetic astaxanthin. At 15mg per capsule, this extra-strength formula provides a high-potency daily dose of natural astaxanthin. Health Canada approved (NPN 80144587), 100% vegan, and made in Canada in a quality-controlled facility.