Astaxanthin, a carotenoid, is one of the world's strongest natural antioxidants. It is a naturally occurring ketocarotenoid that is widely present in the biological world, especially in the feathers of aquatic animals such as shrimp, crabs, fish and birds.
Among the biological sources of natural astaxanthin, the content of astaxanthin in Haematococcus pluvialis is very high, which has high economic value and utilization value.
Physiological function of astaxanthin
1. Significant antioxidant effect
An important property of astaxanthin is its antioxidant properties. Astaxanthin can provide electrons to react with free radicals, thereby achieving the purpose of scavenging free radicals (antioxidant).
2.Enhance immunity
The scientists studied the immunomodulatory effects of astaxanthin and β-carotene on the in vitro tissue culture system of mouse lymphocytes, and the results showed that the immunomodulatory effects were independent of the presence or absence of VA activity, while astaxanthin had a stronger immunomodulatory effect.
In the presence of antigens, astaxanthin can significantly promote spleen cells to produce antibodies, stimulate the body to produce immunoglobulins, enhance the effect of T cells, and regulate the body's immunity.
3.Significant coloring effect
Astaxanthin is the endpoint of carotenoid synthesis. Once inside the animal, it can be directly stored in tissues without modification or biochemical transformation, giving the skin and muscles of some aquatic animals a healthy and bright color. Astaxanthin imparts healthy color to eggs and poultry feathers, skin, feet and neck. In addition, astaxanthin is also the pigment of choice for feeding fish.
4.Promote growth and reproduction
The eggs of aquatic animals contain a large amount of astaxanthin. This high content of astaxanthin can weaken the sensitivity of fish to light and promote the growth and reproduction of fish. As a hormone, astaxanthin promotes fertilization of fish eggs, reduces embryo mortality, accelerates individual growth, and improves maturity and fertility. Studies have shown that adding 50 mg/kg of astaxanthin to the diet of unicorn shrimp can significantly improve the survival rate, weight gain and feed conversion rate of shrimp. In addition, astaxanthin can increase egg production in poultry.
Relying on advanced technology, HSF Biotech provides customers with a variety of astaxanthin products, including astaxanthin oil suspension, astaxanthin powder, and micro-encapsulated astaxanthin powder.