Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin grades and forms

Astaxanthin is a red xanthophyll carotenoid. Manufacturers buy it in three physical forms: oleoresin in oil, encapsulated astaxanthin powder, and dried algal biomass. The finished format and the source your regulatory file supports decide which one you need. All forms are sensitive to oxygen and light, so the form also sets how much protection the formulation needs.

Content is normally stated as free astaxanthin. Esters weigh more than the free molecule, so the basis and test method on the certificate matter when you compare offers. SoleChem sends the specification sheet and certificate of analysis with its quote, stating content, basis, method, carrier and antioxidant. Material sold for aquaculture feed is not a food-supplement raw material, so state food use when you ask for the form you need in the quote form.

EU regulatory status

Directive 2002/46/EC harmonises only vitamins and minerals in its Annexes I and II. Astaxanthin is not a vitamin or mineral, so it counts as an “other substance”. Member states apply national rules to these, and may require notification of a supplement placed on their market.

Astaxanthin is also governed by the novel-food framework, Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The Union list includes astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis algae. Its entry sets a specification, conditions of use in food supplements and specific labelling requirements. Material from other sources, such as synthetic or microbial astaxanthin, is not covered by this entry; check its novel-food status and any Union list entry before use. The novel food guide explains how to read an entry.

The technical table shows an E number. An E number alone does not make a substance an authorised food colour. Colouring use requires listing in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008, so check that annex before any such use.

For claim wording, consult the EU Register of nutrition and health claims and the health claims guide.

Formulation notes

• Solubility. Astaxanthin is lipophilic and practically insoluble in water. Use oleoresin in oil formats and cold-water-dispersible beadlets in powders and drinks.
• Stability. Oxygen, light and heat degrade it, which shows as colour fading and content loss. Nitrogen flushing, opaque packaging and short heat exposure reduce losses. Base any overage on stability data; the overage calculator handles the arithmetic.
• Softgels. Oleoresin is diluted in a carrier oil to the target fill. It combines readily with other lipophilic actives such as coenzyme Q10 or beta carotene. See ingredients for softgels.
• Capsules and tablets. Beadlets give a free-flowing powder for capsules. In tablets, high compression can rupture beads and expose the astaxanthin to oxygen. Confirm the beadlet grade is suitable for compression, and consider a light-protective coating.
• Handling. The intense red colour stains equipment and can carry over into the next batch. Plan cleaning validation accordingly.

Label-claim arithmetic uses the content on the certificate, on the same basis as the label. Material per serving (mg) = declared astaxanthin (mg) ÷ (stated content in % ÷ 100). Add your overage to this figure. Other members of the carotenoids category follow the same calculation.