The Astounding Pigment, Astaxanthin - Unlocking Nature's Secret:!!
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Dr.Girish B. Mahajan, PhD, FSAB, FMBSI. Senior Vice President-Microbiology Division. HiMedia Laboratories Pvt. Ltd.
As we delve into the tantalizing world of shrimp and salmon delicacies at restaurants, it is the vibrant, enchanting pink-red hues that instantly captivate our senses and awaken our appetites. However, when we try to recreate these dishes in the comfort of our own kitchens, that same mesmerizing color eludes us. We are left pondering the mystery behind this disparity, questioning why our homemade creations appear so different. But by now, you have already guessed the answer. Yes, you are right, in the restaurants they use bright red-pink colored natural nutritive pigment. In addition to the natural vibrant colors of food items, over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in health awareness, which continues to accelerate. Consumers are now shifting their focus towards healthier alternatives rather than relying solely on traditional sources of health support. In the expansive sphere of healthier & natural pigments, there exists a gem that not only captivates with its vibrant hues but also intrigues with its myriad of health benefits. Meet astaxanthin, often hailed as the "king of carotenoids," a naturally occurring and oil soluble pigment that belongs to the vibrant colored pigment’s family titled as xanthophyll family. Its vibrant red coloration manages the distinctive hues seen in salmon, shrimp, flamingos, and other food items. As we delve into its fascinating world, we uncover a story of discovery, a spectrum of sources, and a promising future in various fields of application.
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment celebrated for its unique molecular structure, characterized by a distinctive arrangement of carbon and oxygen atoms, along with conjugated double bonds. At the heart of astaxanthin's efficacy lies its molecular structure, a masterpiece of nature's design. Its extended conjugated double bond system, combined with the presence of keto and hydroxyl groups, grants astaxanthin unparalleled stability and antioxidant potency. This unique arrangement allows it to neutralize multiple free radicals simultaneously, offering superior protection against oxidative damage compared to other antioxidants. It is a small molecule of molecular weight 596.84 Daltons & molecular formula making up of forty carbon, fifty-two hydrogen and four oxygen atoms (C40H52O4). Due to the presence of eleven carbon-carbon double bonds along with presence of hydroxy and keto moiety together, it can easily get added by other chemical groups. These features contribute to its potent antioxidant properties, setting it apart from other carotenoids. This makes it one of the powerful antiaging agents.
History of Discovery
The discovery of astaxanthin is a testament to the marvels of nature. Astaxanthin was first discovered in lobsters by the Nobel laureate Richard Kuhn in 1938. The structure of astaxanthin by synthesis was described in 1975 by Professor Basil Weedon. He first isolated it from the flesh of salmon and then followed the synthetic work. Its potential as a nutritional supplement gained recognition in the 1980s following research by Japanese scientists. Since then, astaxanthin has garnered increasing attention from both the scientific community and consumers.
Astaxanthin types
Astaxanthin exists in two main forms: synthetic and natural. While synthetic astaxanthin is chemically produced and commonly used in commercial applications, natural astaxanthin is derived from biological sources such as microalgae, yeast, crustaceans, and certain fish species. The natural form is preferred for its superior bioavailability and efficacy in human consumption. Synthetic Astaxanthin is often used as feed for aquaculture while natural astaxanthin is ideal for food, dietary supplements, cosmetics & aquaculture feed too. Due to biologically superior quality of natural source, it is often up to 7-8 times costlier compared to its synthetic counterpart.
Sources of Astaxanthin
Though several kinds of algae and yeasts synthesize this pigment. Microalgae, particularly Haematococcus pluvialis, is a primary natural source of astaxanthin. Known for its remarkable ability to produce and accumulate astaxanthin in response to environmental stressors like intense sunlight, this microalga serves as the foundation of the aquatic food chain. In these microalgae it accumulates up to 3.8g per 100-gram dry powder of this algae. Astaxanthin-rich microalgae help organisms higher up, including crustaceans like shrimp and krill, as well as fish such as salmon and trout.
Importance of Astaxanthin
The global astaxanthin market size was worth ~USD 2179 million in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 7,536 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 16.78% during the forecast period (2024–2031). The demand for natural antioxidants and nutraceuticals is expected to rise due to reasons such as increased preference for dietary supplements due to the high expense of hospitalization and rising awareness about nutrition for a healthy lifestyle. This fuels the demand for the global market. Beyond its role as a pigment, astaxanthin's exceptional antioxidant properties make it a potent defender against oxidative stress and inflammation within the body. Studies have highlighted its wide range of health benefits, including cardiovascular support, immune system modulation, skin protection from UV damage, and even cognitive enhancement.
Applications
Astaxanthin's versatility extends to various industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feed, and aquaculture. In pharmaceuticals, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were explored for potential treatments against conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and neurodegenerative diseases. In cosmetics, it is sought after for its ability to scavenge free radicals and improve skin elasticity, making it a key ingredient in anti-aging skincare products. Astaxanthin can be used topically to promote healthy skin. Other claims include the notion that astaxanthin can prevent heart disease and help lower cholesterol. Few studies show that astaxanthin may be able to reduce inflammation and pain symptoms related to arthritis. The researchers saw improvements in sperm parameters, like count and motility, and improved fertility in the group who received a strong dosage of astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin in Products
Astaxanthin is primarily found in marine organisms and is particularly abundant in certain seafood. Wild-caught salmon, shrimp, krill, lobster, and crab are among the commonly consumed foods that hold astaxanthin. Additionally, astaxanthin supplements derived from marine sources like krill oil are embraced by those seeking antioxidant benefits. Astaxanthin is commonly found in various foods and cosmetic products. A few popular astaxanthin-related brands include Nutrex Hawaii, Solgar, Now Foods, Jarrow Formulas, and more. These brands incorporate astaxanthin into supplements, skincare, and other formulations, harnessing its antioxidant prowess for consumer benefit.
In India, astaxanthin brands such as AstaSupreme, AstaReal, Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin, and Now Foods Astaxanthin are gaining popularity. Factors contributing to their fame include health benefits, marketing efforts, availability, word of mouth, and media coverage.
Future Scope
As research into astaxanthin continues, the future holds promising prospects for this remarkable pigment. Ongoing studies explore its applications in areas such as cancer prevention, sports nutrition, and environmental protection. Astaxanthin is poised to appear as a key player in the quest for holistic health and sustainable solutions.
Astaxanthin stands as a shining example of nature's brilliance, captivating with its vibrant hues and extraordinary health-promoting properties. From its humble origins in microalgae to its diverse applications across industries, astaxanthin continues to amaze and inspire, offering a glimpse into the boundless wonders hidden within the natural world. As we unlock the secrets of astaxanthin, we embark on a journey of discovery and innovation, paving the way for a healthier, brighter future.
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Sachin Gadekar
Apr 26 2024
Sachin Gadekar
May 13 2024
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