Astaxanthin

Mechanism

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid obtained primarily from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. In cell and human studies it shows a pronounced antioxidant capacity and protects cells, among other things, from oxidative stress; natural, ester-containing extracts act more strongly than synthetic astaxanthin. In the horse the data on clinical endpoints (e.g. exercise stress, recovery) are thin, and use is based predominantly on transfer from other species. Products differ markedly in source (natural vs. synthetic), content and bioavailability (formulation with oil).

Cautions

• · Equine endpoint evidence is thin — transfer from human/in-vitro data
• · Product quality strongly fluctuating (natural vs. synthetic, content, bioavailability)
• · Demand the declared active content and a batch CoA

Sources