Astamax 6 mg, 60 softgel capsules

High dose of astaxanthin per capsule

Carotenoids are yellow to reddish pigments that occur naturally in plants and certain microorganisms. They are important for the transfer of energy during photosynthesis. In addition, they provide these organisms with protection against the harmful effects of sunlight. Astaxanthin, an exceptional carotenoid with a distinctive red colour, is produced in nature by plankton, algae as well as some plants, fungi and bacteria. The highest concentration of astaxanthin is found in the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis (which is also the source of Astamax from Vitals).

Astaxanthin, which enters the food chain via algae and plankton, provides the pink pigment in aquatic animals such as salmon, trout, shrimp, crab, lobster and crayfish as well as in some birds such as the flamingo. For these animals astaxanthin is a vitamin-like substance. Due to its special properties, astaxanthin can assume the optimal hydrophilic and hydrophobic position in the lipid bilayer of cell membranes and mitochondrial membranes.

The astaxanthin selected by Vitals is AstaReal® from the Swedish manufacturer AstaReal, a pioneer and expert in natural astaxanthin. AstaReal was the first company worldwide to develop and produce astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis. AstaReal® has been investigated in over 40 clinical studies in humans. AstaReal uses a unique manufacturing method that guarantees pure, natural astaxanthin with the highest concentrations and best quality. AstaReal® is not an ingredient with a concentrated effect, but a whole food (a so‑called "Whole Food"). This is because the algae containing astaxanthin are harvested at the optimal time and utilised in full. In contrast, with other (Hawaiian) production methods where the algae are cultivated in open tanks, the astaxanthin must be extracted from the algae to prevent contamination with unwanted microorganisms.

High dose

Based on research findings that often use higher dosages than are generally recommended, Astamax contains at least 6 mg astaxanthin per softgel capsule – and also includes the antioxidants vitamin C and vitamin E.

Nutritional properties

• Vitamin C and vitamin E contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress

Nutritional information

*Reference intake according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011
**Information on vitamin E content (α-TE = total alpha-tocopherol equivalents)

Key ingredients

* No reference intake is specified according to the FIC.

Ingredients

Sunflower oil (Helianthus annuus), bovine gelatine (softgel capsule), Haematococcus pluvialis (green alga; contains astaxanthin), L-ascorbic acid, humectant (glycerol), stabiliser (beeswax), purified water, d-alpha-tocopherol, emulsifier (sunflower lecithin).

Recommended intake

Take 1 softgel capsule per day with water at a meal.

Notes from the manufacturer

This dietary supplement is not suitable for children under 14 years. Do not use in combination with other astaxanthin-containing products.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool, dry place protected from light (do not refrigerate).

Legal information

Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a balanced and varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of reach of young children.