Astaxanthin /æstəˈzænθɨn/ is a carotenoid. It belongs to alarger class of phytochemicals known as terpenes, which are built from fivecarbon precursors; isopentenyl diphosphate (or IPP) and dimethylallyldiphosphate (or DMAPP). Astaxanthin is classified as a xanthophyll, butcurrently employed to describe carotenoid compounds that have oxygen-containingmoities, hydroxyl (-OH) or ketone (C=O), such as zeaxanthin and canthaxanthin.Indeed, astaxanthin is a metabolite of zeaxanthin and/or canthaxanthin,containing both hydroxyl and ketone functional groups. Like many carotenoids,astaxanthin is a colorful, lipid-soluble pigment. This colour is due to theextended chain of conjugated (alternating double and single) double bonds atthe centre of the compound. This chain of conjugated double bonds is alsoresponsible for the antioxidant function of astaxanthin (as well as othercarotenoids) as it results in a region of decentralized electrons that can bedonated to reduce a reactive oxidizing molecule.

Astaxanthin is found in microalgae, yeast,salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, crustaceans, and the feathers of somebirds. It provides the red color of salmon meat and the red color of cookedshellfish.

Astaxanthin, unlike several carotenes andone other known carotenoid, is not converted to vitamin A (retinol) in thehuman body. Like other carotenoids, astaxanthin has self-limited absorptionorally and such low toxicity by mouth that no toxic syndrome is known. It is anantioxidant with a slightly lower antioxidant activity in some model systemsthan other carotenoids. However, in living organisms the free-radicalterminating effectiveness of each carotenoid is heavily modified by its lipidsolubility, and thus varies with the type of system being protected.

While astaxanthin is a natural dietarycomponent, it can also be used as a food supplement. The supplement is intendedfor human, animal, and aquaculture consumption. The commercial production ofastaxanthin comes from both natural and synthetic sources.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)has approved astaxanthin as a food coloring (or color additive) for specificuses in animal and fish foods. The European Commission considers it food dyeand it is given the E number E161j.Natural astaxanthin is considered generallyrecognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA, but as a food coloring in the UnitedStates it is restricted to use in animal food.

Astaxanthin is used as a feed supplement forsalmon, crabs, shrimp, chickens and egg production.

For seafood and animals

The primary use of synthetic astaxanthintoday is as an animal feed additive to impart coloration, including farm-raisedsalmon and egg yolks. Synthetic carotenoid pigments colored yellow, red ororange represent about 15–25% of the cost of production of commercial salmonfeed. Today, almost all commercial astaxanthin for aquaculture is producedsynthetically from petrochemical sources. While it constitutes a tiny portion of salmon feed (50 to 100 parts permillion), astaxanthin represents a major share of the cost, up to 20%.

Class action lawsuits have been filedagainst some major grocery store chains for not clearly labeling the salmon"color added". The chains followed up quickly by labeling all suchsalmon as "color added". "...law-firm Smith & Lowneypersisted with the suit for damages, but a Seattle judge dismissed [the case], rulingthat enforcement of the applicable food laws was up to government and notindividuals."

For humans

The primary use for humans is as a foodsupplement. Research shows that, due to astaxanthin's potent antioxidantactivity, it may be beneficial in cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory andneurodegenerative diseases. Some research supports the assumption that it mayprotect body tissues from oxidative and ultraviolet damage through itssuppression of NF-κB activation.

1, What kinds of certificates can you offer?

Foodchem is an ISO2008 9001 certified company, as for Astaxanthin (AXT), we can offer HAPPC, KOSHER, HALAL Certificates, ect.

2, Is Foodchem a manufacturer or just a trading company?

Foodchem is both manufacturer and trading company, we are Astaxanthin (AXT) distributor, at the same time, we are manufacturer of other products.

3, What is the Min Order Quantity of Astaxanthin (AXT)?

Different products have different MOQ, for Astaxanthin (AXT), the MOQ is 500kg.

4, What is the price of Astaxanthin (AXT)?

Foodchem is a famous supplier and manufacturer of Astaxanthin (AXT) in China, and has been corporate with many Astaxanthin (AXT) suppliers for several years, we can provide you with cost-effective Astaxanthin (AXT).

5, How long shall we wait for your reply?

We can guarantee to reply your inquiries of Astaxanthin (AXT) in less than 24 hours in working days.

6, What kinds of transportation types can you provide?

Our main transportation methods include air transportation, land transportation and water transportation.

7, What kinds of payment terms can you accept?

The most commonly used payment terms are T/T, L/C, D/P, D/A, etc.

8, How long will I receive my good?

Foodchem has its own EDC warehouse in Shanghai, when your purchase order has been confirmed, inventory products will deliver within 1 week, other products delivery in 2 weeks.