Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin

sunrise - 2 mg
Written by: Jess Barlow
Head of Nutrition & Science
Astaxanthin

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a red-orange carotenoid pigment produced by microalgae (Haematococcus pluvialis) and found in marine animals like salmon, krill, and shrimp (1). It’s one of the most powerful natural antioxidants out there and is even more effective than vitamin C, beta-carotene, or CoQ10 at fighting off damage from things like stress, pollution, and a not-so-perfect diet. (2).

It’s used in the diet of farmed salmon to both give a healthy orange hue to the flesh of the fish, and to boost natural astaxanthin content (15).

The astaxanthin in Optiventure’s Sunrise Formula is standardized to 2%, delivering 2mg per dose, a clinically relevant amount shown to support cellular resilience and mitochondrial health (1). Unlike many carotenoids, astaxanthin crosses both the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier, offering benefits that go beyond surface-level antioxidant effects (3).

Why Do Outdoor Adventurers Need Astaxanthin?

Adventurers spend so much time exposed to the elements and pushing themselves to their limits, and UV radiation, exertion, cold winds, and high-altitude oxidative stress all place increased demands on the body’s natural antioxidant systems.

Astaxanthin is especially useful for:

  • Supporting skin resilience and UV protection during long days in the sun (7)
  • Reducing exercise-induced inflammation and oxidative muscle damage (1,3,4,7)
  • Enhancing visual acuity and eye fatigue from sun glare and trail focus (3,5,12)
  • Promoting cellular energy output and mitochondrial function (6,12)

For hikers, trail runners, and paddlers pushing physical boundaries, astaxanthin helps buffer oxidative wear-and-tear so recovery can keep pace with adventure.

Dietary Sources of Astaxanthin?

You’ll find natural astaxanthin in wild-caught salmon, krill oil, red trout, and crustaceans (1,7). But unless you’re packing seafood on a multi-day bushwalk, it’s unlikely you’re getting meaningful quantities.

And while some synthetic versions exist, natural algae-derived astaxanthin has demonstrated significantly superior antioxidant potency and bioavailability (8). That’s why we use the real stuff.

What’s the Best Form of Astaxanthin For Hikers?

Astaxanthin works best when paired with fats to aid absorption:

  • Synthetic astaxanthin: Cheaper, lower activity, and not approved as a dietary supplement in some regions (8,9)
  • Natural Haematococcus pluvialis extract: Rich in 3S stereoisomer and is the most bioactive form (1,14)

We pair our natural astaxanthin with a lipid-containing capsule to maximise uptake.

Key Information About Astaxanthin

Solubility

Fat-soluble (1,3)

Optimal Intake

The FDA hasn’t established a safe RDI for astaxanthin (16). Limited research conducted in humans has found doses up to 12mg/day appear to be safe (1,11,13,17)

Best Dietary Sources

Wild salmon, krill, red trout, algae, crayfish (1)

Best Form for Hikers

Haematococcus pluvialis (1)

Time of Day

Morning, supports energy and oxidative defence

Dietary Considerations

Best taken with meals containing a fat source – walnuts and almonds are a great on trail choice (1)

Deficiency Stats

Astaxanthin is not classified as essential, so deficiency isn't tracked. However, antioxidant burden is higher in athletes and outdoor explorers, and supplemental astaxanthin has been shown to increase visual acuity and reduce DNA damage, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers in endurance athletes (12).

Why Optiventure Has 2mg of Astaxanthin

Clinical trials show benefits with doses as low as 2mg, especially when taken daily (1,13). Higher doses are used in therapeutic contexts, but research is ongoing, and we’re chasing results, not rumours. 2mg per day offers:

  • Excellent skin and eye antioxidant support
  • Improved post-exercise recovery
  • Support for energy-producing mitochondria

Our goal? Provide subtle but powerful protection from first light to sunset.

References

  1. Ambati, R. R., Moi, P. S., Ravi, S., & Aswathanarayana, R. G. (2014). Astaxanthin: Sources, extraction, stability, biological activities and its commercial applications—A review. Marine Drugs, 12(1), 128–152. https://doi.org/10.3390/md12010128
  2. Fassett, R. G., & Coombes, J. S. (2012). Astaxanthin in cardiovascular health and disease. Molecules, 17(2), 2030–2048. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules17022030
  3. Kidd, P. (2011). Astaxanthin, cell membrane nutrient with diverse clinical benefits and anti-aging potential. Alternative Medicine Review, 16(4), 355–364.
  4. Baralic, I., Djordjevic, B., Dikic, N., Kotur-Stevuljevic, J., Spasic, S., Jelic-Ivanovic, Z., & Radivojevic, N. (2015). Effect of astaxanthin supplementation on muscle damage and oxidative stress markers in elite young soccer players. Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, 55(7–8), 698–704.
  5. Nagaki, Y., Hayasaka, S., Yamada, T., Hayasaka, Y., Sanada, M., & Ueno, H. (2002). Effects of astaxanthin on accommodative function in eyestrain. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines, 18(1), 73–78.
  6. Hussein, G., Nakamura, M., Zhao, Q., Goto, H., Sankawa, U., & Watanabe, H. (2006). Antihypertensive and neuroprotective effects of astaxanthin in experimental animals. Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 29(4), 684–688. https://doi.org/10.1248/bpb.29.684
  7. Guerin, M., Huntley, M. E., & Olaizola, M. (2003). Haematococcus astaxanthin: Applications for human health and nutrition. Trends in Biotechnology, 21(5), 210–216. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0167-7799(03)00078-7
  8. Capelli, B., Bagchi, D., & Cysewski, G. R. (2013). Synthetic astaxanthin is significantly inferior to algal-based astaxanthin as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Nutrafoods, 12(4), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13749-013-0051-5
  9. EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP). (2014). Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of synthetic astaxanthin as feed additive for salmonids, crustaceans, and other fish. EFSA Journal, 12(6), 3724.
  10. Choubert, G., & Heinrich, O. (1993). Digestibility of synthetic and natural carotenoids in rainbow trout. Aquaculture, 112(4), 371–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/0044-8486(93)90456-B
  11. Miyawaki, H., Takahashi, J., Tsukahara, H., & Takehara, I. (2008). Effects of astaxanthin on human blood rheology. Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 43(2), 69–74. https://doi.org/10.3164/jcbn.2008021
  12. Sawaki, K., Yoshigi, H., Aoki, K., Koikawa, N., & Azumane, A. (2002). Sports performance benefit of astaxanthin supplementation in athletes. Journal of Clinical Therapeutics & Medicines, 18(9), 1143–1154.
  13. Park, J. S., Chyun, J. H., Kim, Y. K., Line, L. L., & Chew, B. P. (2010). Astaxanthin decreased oxidative stress and inflammation and enhanced immune response in humans. Nutrition & Metabolism, 7(1), 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-7075-7-18
  14. Ranga Rao, A., Raghunath Reddy, R. L., Baskaran, V., Sarada, R., & Ravishankar, G. A. (2010). Characterization of microalgal carotenoids by mass spectrometry and their bioavailability and antioxidant properties elucidated in rat model. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58(13), 8553–8559. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf101187k
  15. Higuera-Ciapara, I., Felix-Valenzuela, L., & Goycoolea, F. M. (2006). Astaxanthin: A review of its chemistry and applications. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 46(2), 185–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408690590957188
  16. Brendler, T., & Williamson, E. M. (2019). Astaxanthin: How much is too much? A safety review. Phytotherapy Research, 33(12), 3090–3111. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6514
  17. National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration. (2020, August 30). New dietary ingredient (NDI) safety information of Lemnared® Astaxanthin Crystal [Safety information]. Lemnaceae Fermentation Inc. https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2020-S-0023-0106/content.pdf