Astaxanthin (as-tuh-zan-thin) is the red-orange pigment that gives wild salmon its vivid hue.

Vital Choice Astaxanthin is extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae using carbon dioxide ... a solvent-free process that's better for people and the environment.

And ours is the world's first astaxanthin supplement to deliver this healthful marine-source antioxidant in a base of omega-3-rich wild Alaskan sockeye salmon oil.

Our supplement is lab-tested to ensure potency, and compliance with U.S. and international standards for purity and safety.

What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin belongs to the family of carotenoid compounds known as xanthophylls, which includes lutein and zeaxanthin.

Astaxanthin is produced by algae, which is consumed by crustaceans such as krill, which in turn are eaten by wild salmon.

Wild salmon varies in astaxanthin content: Per 6-oz. serving, sockeye has 6.78mg, silver has 2.37mg, and king has 1.49mg.

Why take astaxanthin?
Growing lab and clinical evidence suggests that astaxanthin offers unique health-promoting potential, related to effects on the eyes, brain, hormones (insulin), and immune system.

In test tube experiments, astaxanthin exhibits greater antioxidant capacity than other carotenoids, vitamin E, or vitamin C.

However, it's unlikely that astaxanthin exerts similarly strong direct antioxidant effects in people.

Instead, preliminary evidence indicates that natural astaxanthin may offer these benefits, via its influence on cellular gene "switches":

• Support eye health
• Support joint health
• Support brain health
• Support energy levels
• Support immune function
• Support cardiovascular health
• Support skin health and protect skin against UV sunrays

Our supplement provides 4mg of astaxanthin per 350mg softgel. This is widely considered a daily "maintenance" dose, intended to help support and promote optimal health.

Most clinical studies that showed measurable effects from astaxanthin involved daily doses of 12 mg or more. To reach that level of intake for specific health needs, simply take three of our 350 mg softgel capsules daily.

Should I take astaxanthin if also take salmon or krill oil?
Yes, it makes good sense to add Vital Choice Astaxanthin to daily wild salmon or krill oil.

Salmon and krill oils naturally contain a few micrograms (mcg) of astaxanthin ... 36mcg and 100mcg per gram, respectively.

While these levels are high enough to protect the oils' omega-3s from oxidation, they're 1,000 times lower than the milligram (mg) doses used in lab and human studies.

In contrast, each of our 350mg softgels provides a very substantial 4 milligrams of pure or "free" astaxanthin, known scientifically as astaxanthin diol.

Truth in labeling: astaxanthin buyer beware
Many astaxanthin brands advertise misleading doses per serving.

Their claimed amounts of astaxanthin are based on either (or both) of two misleading measures called "esterified astaxanthin" and "astaxanthin complex".

The weight of esterified astaxanthin is typically double the weight of the pure astaxanthin (called "astaxanthin diol") in a supplement, because it includes all the fatty acids to which it is bound.

And the misleading term "astaxanthin complex" covers all carotenoids in algae, so label claims based on that measure overstate the amount of pure astaxanthin diol by about 18 percent.

In contrast, the amount of astaxanthin claimed on our supplement label — 4mg per softgel — is pure astaxanthin diol.