Astaxanthin 15mg | Haematococcus pluvialis | Antioxidant | 60 Vcaps x 2 | NPN 80144587

Each capsule delivers 15mg of natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis (Whole). Antioxidant. Helps reduce oxidative stress. Health Canada approved (NPN 80144587). Vegan, non GMO, gluten free, dairy free, soy free. Made in Canada. This listing is a 2-pack: 2 x 60 capsules = 120 capsules total (60 day supply per bottle at 1 capsule per day; 120 days total).

Duration of use: Ask a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 12 weeks (84 days). This 2-pack provides 120 days of supply at 1 capsule per day. Consult a healthcare practitioner before beginning the second bottle.

Why Choose This Formula

• 15mg natural astaxanthin per capsule from Haematococcus pluvialis, the richest natural source
• Natural (3S,3'S) stereoisomer from H. pluvialis, not synthetic racemic astaxanthin
• Antioxidant and oxidative stress reduction (Health Canada approved, NPN 80144587)
• Amphipathic structure: spans the entire cell membrane lipid bilayer for dual-phase antioxidant protection
• Exceptional singlet oxygen quenching without being consumed in the process
• 1 capsule per day with a fat-containing meal for optimal absorption
• 2-pack: 120 capsules total, 60 day supply per bottle
• Health Canada approved (NPN 80144587), vegan, made in Canada

Who Should Use This

• Adults seeking a high-dose (15mg) natural astaxanthin antioxidant from Haematococcus pluvialis
• Those who want the natural (3S,3'S) stereoisomer rather than synthetic racemic astaxanthin
• Those seeking antioxidant support and help reducing oxidative stress from a Health Canada approved formula
• Those who want a vegan, non GMO astaxanthin capsule made in Canada
• Those who take astaxanthin consistently and want the value of a 2-pack

Not recommended without healthcare practitioner guidance for use beyond 12 weeks. Consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding, taking blood thinners or blood pressure medications, or have a medical condition. See full safety information below.

What This Product Does

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant and helps reduce oxidative stress. Those are the Health Canada approved uses (NPN 80144587). Oxidative stress occurs when the production of reactive oxygen species (free radicals and singlet oxygen) exceeds the body's antioxidant defenses, leading to oxidative damage to cells, proteins, lipids, and DNA. Astaxanthin neutralizes reactive oxygen species through two primary mechanisms: direct free radical scavenging and exceptionally efficient singlet oxygen quenching.

What Is Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid: a subclass of carotenoids that contain oxygen atoms in their molecular structure (unlike carotenes such as beta-carotene, which are pure hydrocarbons). It is the pigment responsible for the pink-red coloration of salmon, shrimp, lobster, crab, and flamingos. These animals do not produce astaxanthin themselves; they obtain it by consuming astaxanthin-producing organisms in the food chain.

In nature, astaxanthin is produced primarily by the freshwater green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Under normal conditions, H. pluvialis is green (chlorophyll dominant). Under environmental stress conditions (high light intensity, UV radiation, nutrient deprivation, high salinity, or temperature extremes), the alga encysts and accumulates massive amounts of astaxanthin (up to 4 to 5% of dry weight) as a photoprotective mechanism. The astaxanthin acts as a biological sunscreen, absorbing and dissipating excess light energy to protect the alga's photosynthetic machinery from oxidative damage. This stress-induced accumulation is why H. pluvialis is the richest natural source of astaxanthin.

Natural vs. Synthetic Astaxanthin: The Stereoisomer Difference

Astaxanthin has two chiral centers (at the 3 and 3' positions of the molecule), giving rise to three possible stereoisomers: (3S,3'S), (3R,3'R), and (3R,3'S) (the meso form). Natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis is predominantly the (3S,3'S) stereoisomer. Synthetic astaxanthin (produced petrochemically and used primarily in aquaculture feed to color farmed salmon) is a racemic mixture of all three stereoisomers in approximately equal proportions.

The natural (3S,3'S) stereoisomer from H. pluvialis is considered to have superior antioxidant activity and bioavailability compared to the synthetic racemic mixture. This is the primary reason natural astaxanthin from H. pluvialis commands a premium over synthetic astaxanthin in human supplement applications.

How Astaxanthin Works as an Antioxidant

Amphipathic Membrane Spanning: Astaxanthin's unique molecular structure sets it apart from other antioxidants. Its long conjugated polyene chain (with 13 conjugated double bonds) spans the entire length of the cell membrane lipid bilayer, while its polar hydroxyl and keto end groups anchor at both the inner and outer surfaces of the membrane. This amphipathic orientation allows astaxanthin to provide antioxidant protection at both membrane surfaces simultaneously. By contrast, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is embedded within the hydrophobic core of the membrane and protects only the lipid phase, while vitamin C is water-soluble and protects only the aqueous phase. Astaxanthin bridges both phases.

Singlet Oxygen Quenching: Astaxanthin is one of the most efficient natural singlet oxygen quenchers known. Singlet oxygen (1O2) is a highly reactive, electronically excited form of molecular oxygen generated by UV radiation, photosensitizers, and other processes. It is distinct from free radicals and is not quenched efficiently by most conventional antioxidants. Astaxanthin quenches singlet oxygen primarily by physical energy transfer: the excitation energy from singlet oxygen is transferred to astaxanthin, which then dissipates the energy as heat and returns to its ground state. Critically, astaxanthin is not chemically consumed in this process and can quench multiple singlet oxygen molecules before being degraded. This physical quenching mechanism is significantly more efficient than the chemical quenching mechanisms of most other antioxidants.

Free Radical Scavenging: Astaxanthin also directly scavenges free radicals (reactive oxygen species including superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxyl radicals) through electron donation and hydrogen atom transfer, similar to other carotenoid antioxidants.

Fat Absorption: Why to Take With a Meal

Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid. Its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is significantly enhanced when taken with dietary fat. Dietary fat stimulates bile secretion and the formation of mixed micelles in the small intestine, which are required for the solubilization and absorption of fat-soluble compounds including carotenoids. Without dietary fat, astaxanthin absorption can be substantially reduced. For this reason, the recommended dose specifies taking with a meal containing dietary fat. A meal containing any source of fat (including plant-based fats such as nuts, avocado, or olive oil) is sufficient to enhance absorption.

The 2-Pack and the 12-Week Duration of Use Guidance

This 2-pack provides 120 capsules (2 x 60), equivalent to 120 days of supply at 1 capsule per day. The Health Canada approved duration of use guidance for this product is to ask a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 12 weeks (approximately 84 days). This means the 2-pack supply extends beyond the 12-week guidance period. Consult a healthcare practitioner before beginning the second bottle if you have not already done so. The 2-pack is suited to those who have already consulted a healthcare practitioner and have been advised that continued use is appropriate for their individual needs.

Dosage and Supply

Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis, Whole): 15mg per capsule
Suggested Use: Adults: 1 capsule, 1 time per day, with a meal containing dietary fat
Capsules per bottle: 60
Bottles in this listing: 2 (120 capsules total)
Supply per bottle: 60 days at 1 capsule per day
Total supply (2-pack): 120 days at 1 capsule per day
Duration of use: Ask a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 12 weeks (84 days)
Non Medicinal Ingredients: Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Microcrystalline Cellulose

Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and duration of use for your individual needs.

Quality and Purity

• Health Canada approved (NPN 80144587)
• 15mg natural astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis, Whole) per capsule
• Natural (3S,3'S) stereoisomer
• Vegan hypromellose capsule
• Vegan, non GMO, gluten free, dairy free, soy free
• 2 x 60 capsules (120 total)
• Made in Canada

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Astaxanthin is sensitive to light and heat; avoid storing in warm or brightly lit conditions. Keep bottle tightly sealed after each use.

Safety Information and Cautions

Duration of use: 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.

May cause a reddish coloration of stool, which is normal and harmless due to the pigment nature of astaxanthin.

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).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is astaxanthin and where does it come from?
Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid and the pigment responsible for the pink-red color of salmon, shrimp, and flamingos. This formula uses natural astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater green microalga that is the richest natural source of astaxanthin. Under stress conditions, H. pluvialis accumulates astaxanthin (up to 4 to 5% of dry weight) as a photoprotective mechanism.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic astaxanthin?
Natural astaxanthin from H. pluvialis is predominantly the (3S,3'S) stereoisomer. Synthetic astaxanthin is a racemic mixture of (3S,3'S), (3R,3'R), and (3R,3'S) stereoisomers. The natural (3S,3'S) form is considered to have superior antioxidant activity and bioavailability compared to the synthetic racemic mixture.

Why must astaxanthin be taken with a fat-containing meal?
Astaxanthin is fat-soluble. Dietary fat stimulates bile secretion and micelle formation in the small intestine, which are required for absorption of fat-soluble compounds. Without dietary fat, astaxanthin absorption is substantially reduced. Any source of fat (nuts, avocado, olive oil, or a regular meal) is sufficient.

Why does astaxanthin cause reddish stool?
Astaxanthin is an intensely pigmented red-orange compound. At 15mg per day, some of the pigment passes through the gastrointestinal tract and can impart a reddish coloration to stool. This is normal, harmless, and expected at higher doses. It is not a sign of bleeding or any adverse effect.

How long can I take this product?
Ask a healthcare practitioner for use beyond 12 weeks (84 days). This 2-pack provides 120 days of supply, which exceeds the 12-week guidance. Consult a healthcare practitioner before beginning the second bottle.