What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a keto carotenoid with chemical name of 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,4'-diketone-β, β'-carotene, which is a red solid powder, fat-soluble, insoluble in water and soluble in organic solvents. It widely exists in the biological world, especially in the feathers of aquatic animals such as shrimp, crab, fish and birds, and plays a role in color development.

Astaxanthin is a chain-breaking antioxidant. It has strong oxidation resistance and can remove nitrogen dioxide, sulfide, disulfide and so on. It can also reduce lipid peroxidation and effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation caused by free radicals.

Application of astaxanthin: Astaxanthin has been used as a food additive in food coloring, preservation and nutrition abroad. Astaxanthin is fat-soluble, bright red in color and strong in oxidation resistance. It has both coloring and fresh-keeping effects on foods, especially foods containing more lipids.

In Japan, the application of red oil containing astaxanthin in pickled vegetables, seaweed and fruits has been patented, and it has also been reported in the patents of coloring beverages, noodles and seasonings. The research on the synthesis of human health products from astaxanthin has been carried out for a long time abroad.

In view of its efficacy in enhancing immune system function, anti-cancer, protecting retina from ultraviolet radiation and photooxidation, anti-inflammation and preventing oxidative damage of blood low density lipoprotein (LDL)- cholesterol, a health care product containing astaxanthin was developed.

Refer to the above content: Baidu Encyclopedia-Astaxanthin