ORIGIN OF ASTAXANTHIN

Astaxanthin is found within the cells of micro-algae in fresh and saltwater and is part of the natural feedstock of plankton. Plankton in turn is eaten by larger crustaceans such as krill and shrimp. These are subsequently eaten by fish such as tuna, salmon and trout. The astaxanthin contained in the algae cells accumulates in the shells of shrimp as well as the flesh of fish that eat them, giving them the rich pink appearance that we know. 

Astaxanthin can be extracted at low levels from the shells of krill and shrimp, however, this is a very intensive process, and exposure to marine  as well as process contaminants can be of concern.

We grow our specific strain of Haematococcus pluvialis micro algae within our proprietary bioreactors such that we can control all the environmental growth parameters, prevent exposure to harmful chemicals and contaminants, and maximize the production of astaxanthin from each cell.  

This results in a total absence of contaminants in our final products and of course avoids any impact on marine wildlife such as krill, shrimp and salmon. Our extraction technique uses no harmful chemicals or enzymes and is highly efficient, resulting in much better extraction ratios than can be achieved from animal sources. Indeed, each Synergy softgel contains the same amount of astaxanthin as 100g of salmon or 130g of shrimp... all this without any risk of marine contaminants. 

Astaxanthin is recognized as the most potent antioxidant compound on the market. Its properties are due to its unique structure that allows it to efficiently absorb free radicals. This allows astaxanthin to stop oxidativee reactions directly within the cells of our body. In addition, astaxanthin can act as a membrane transporter to expel free radicals out of our cells.

Several scientific studies have shown the impact of astaxanthin supplementation in reducing oxidative stress biomarkers as well as increasing the body's natural defenses against free radicals. (Image from: Pashkow et al., Astaxanthin: a novel potential treatment for oxidative stress and inflammation in cardiovascular disease)

Several studies have demonstrated the role of astaxanthin supplementation in reducing inflammatory reactions. Though normal inflammatory response occurs when our body reacts to injury, an abnormal or continuous inflammatory reaction can be detrimental to our health. This occurs daily in our body since we are constantly exposed to ever increasing environmental stress and pollutants.

Astaxanthin reduces the production of cellular pro-inflammatory signals by preventing NF-kB activation. This molecule is a central modulator responsible for the control of inflammatory responses. Astaxanthin therefore limits chronic inflammatory responses in the entire body as well as increases the efficiency of our immune system. (Image from : Yang et al., Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Different Astaxanthin Isomers and the Roles of Lipid Transporters in the cellular transport of Astaxanthin isomers in Caco-2 cell monolayers)

Astaxanthin has demonstrated a superior capacity to absorb oxygen radicals (ORAC) compared to other carotenoids. 

Indeed, natural astaxanthin such as ours is substantially better on the ORAC scale compared to lycopene, lutein, beta-carotene, tocotrienols and tocopherols. It is even better than synthetically produced astaxanthin!

In controlled laboratory testing, natural astaxanthin showed superior oxygen singlet (highly damaging free radical) deactivation compared to all popular antioxydants available on the market.

Indeed, astaxanthin is 500 times better at oxygen singlet quenching than Vitamin E, 800 times better than CoQ-10 and 6000 times better than Vitamin C!