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Natural astaxanthin nutrition for better health and profitability Patricio Hidalgo, Atacama Bio Natural Products S.A.
Current trends in the aquaculture feed industry are generating an increasing demand for natural and organic products due to new regulations, shifting market preferences, and consumer demands. One product that has seen a surge in interest is natural Astaxanthin from microalgae, particularly among premium brands and consumers (Guerin, 2019). Natural astaxanthin has struggled to position itself in the market because of unawareness of its superior antioxidant characteristics and health benefits and the lack of suppliers capable of satisfying demand in a timely and permanent manner. RedMeal is a whole meal rich in microalgal astaxanthin available for large-scale aquaculture that provides natural nutrition for increased health and better pigmentation.
A natural and potent antioxidant Astaxanthin from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis (Hp) is part of the natural pigments known as carotenoids, and it exhibits superior antioxidant properties to any known natural antioxidant. As a
carotenoid, it can be used as a colorant while providing a wide range of health benefits. Hp astaxanthin is what gives salmon, crabs, shrimp, and flamingos their characteristic reddish color. This extraordinary molecule is the only type of Astaxanthin that has been present in the human and animal food chain for millennia. Astaxanthin is the only antioxidant protecting the cells from within, unlike other molecules such as B-Carotene, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. This molecule spans the phospholipid bilayer creating a shield that attaches to the cellular membrane, protecting it against oxidative damage. Hundreds of scientific studies and tests using Hp astaxanthin support its benefits and safety in animals in general and humans alike. Aquaculture is the following promising field where Hp astaxanthin can take over as the to-go choice for premium, all-natural nutrition.
Astaxanthin sources are not equal Hp astaxanthin is, in many ways, a unique molecule as a result of three main factors.
Figure 1. Astaxanthin permeates and spans the cellular membrane.
Aquafeed: Advances in Processing & Formulation Vol 14 Issue 2 2022
