What is Astaxanthin?

Small but Mighty!

“Haematococcus pluvialis” is a tiny alga, so small that we cannot see it with the naked eye. It belongs to the group of green algae and thrives in freshwater. It is also known as the “blood rain algae” because it gives its water habitat a spectacular blood-red color when exposed to too much sunlight.

This phenomenon is caused by the natural pigment Astaxanthin, which the algae produce as a protection against excessive UV radiation. Astaxanthin is one of the secondary plant compounds from the carotenoid group, whose daily intake is now recommended by societies such as the German Nutrition Society (DGE), based on numerous study results.

Astaxanthin is not only found in plants but also in animals, as it enters the food chain through consumption. Astaxanthin gives salmon, crabs, shrimp, and flamingos their pink color by being embedded in their cell membranes. Did you know that this is how our krill oil gets its red color? The green algae are one of the main food sources for small crustaceans called Euphausia superba, from which our krill oil is sourced.

Do secondary plant compounds only benefit plants?

For some time now, it has been scientifically proven that secondary plant compounds not only offer various benefits to the plant. They also have a positive effect on our well-being by complementing the essential micronutrients we absorb from food. Therefore, they are also referred to as bioactive substances. Their importance has been recognized by numerous professional societies, which include them in their dietary recommendations.

Secondary plant compounds are not essential for humans, meaning they are not vital for survival, but we can still benefit from them. Depending on their structure and function, they can be categorized into different groups. The total number of secondary plant compounds in nature has not yet been fully discovered. So far, around 100,000 different compounds are known, and it is estimated that 5,000 to 10,000 are found in our food. Depending on the diet, we consume about 1 to 1.5 grams of secondary plant compounds daily.

The term “secondary” should not be misunderstood to mean that these plant compounds are of minor importance. Rather, it refers to the fact that these substances arise from the plant's secondary metabolism, which, unlike primary metabolism, is not essential for the plant's survival. They give plant-based foods their color and aroma, help defend against pests and diseases, and regulate plant growth.

Astaxanthin, as already explained, belongs to the carotenoids and, therefore, also to the secondary plant compounds. The microalga releases this compound in stressful situations, such as during prolonged droughts, extreme cold, or food shortages. To ensure its survival, it reduces its metabolic activity to a minimum. Once environmental conditions improve, the tiny green algae come out of dormancy, and its metabolism resumes normal activities. Astaxanthin gives it immense resilience to extreme environmental influences.

This protective mechanism is unique and, in a way, enviable because we regularly experience firsthand that a day rarely goes by without stress, hectic moments, or inner restlessness. But even though we cannot entirely avoid unpleasant stress, we can at least mitigate its effects. Our health, well-being, and the resilience of our body benefit most from a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. With high-quality supplements, you can further complement this and optimize your daily nutrient intake.

What makes our Astaxanthin capsules special?

Astaxanthin for supplements is predominantly grown in countries such as Israel, Hawaii, or New Zealand, where the perfect climatic conditions prevail. However, this means long transportation routes for us, resulting in a high CO₂ footprint.

To meet our sustainability standards, we source our Astaxanthin from Austria. There, the microalga is cultivated using renewable energy under controlled conditions in a closed system. This guarantees ideal living conditions, a high-quality product, and, as a bonus, a lower CO₂ footprint.

Astaxanthin 8 mg

• 60 plant-based capsules
• 8 mg natural Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis
• Sustainably produced in Austria
• Enriched with natural vitamin E to protect cells from oxidative stress

To the product

Each capsule of Astaxanthin contains 8 mg of natural Astaxanthin as an extract from the green algae “Haematococcus pluvialis,” dissolved in virgin olive oil.

Vitamin E perfectly complements the active ingredient and has been scientifically proven to protect our cells from oxidative stress as an antioxidant. Each capsule contains 6 mg of vitamin E, covering 50% of your daily requirement. The use of plant-based capsules makes Astaxanthin ideal for vegetarians and vegans.