Astaxanthin

Haematococcus pluvialis

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

PMID:25962124Régnier et al. 2015 (Mar Drugs) — Astaxanthin aus Haematococcus pluvialis, antioxidativer Schutz (Zellstudie)

ReviewBioactive properties of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis (Antioxidans-Review)

EFSA AstaxanthinEFSA — Bewertung von Astaxanthin/Haematococcus als Futtermittelzusatz

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageproduct-specific; pay attention to the declared astaxanthin content and natural source (Haematococcus)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidenceemerging

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

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Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.