
Astaxanthin 12mg | 120 Count
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Made by Micro Ingredients, a supplement brand built around clean, focused formulas that are third-party tested for purity and potency. Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in high concentrations in Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. It is widely studied for its antioxidant activity and its role in supporting skin appearance, eye health, and exercise recovery. Each softgel delivers 12mg of natural Astaxanthin infused with MCT Oil to support fat-soluble absorption. Easy to swallow, no aftertaste. Non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free. Third-party tested. 120 softgels per bottle, a 4-month supply at one softgel per day.
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid, a class of pigment compounds that give salmon, shrimp, and flamingos their distinctive pink and red colouring. In supplement form, it is sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis, a species of freshwater microalgae that produces astaxanthin in very high concentrations when under environmental stress. Astaxanthin belongs to the xanthophyll subclass of carotenoids, which means it has a unique molecular structure that allows it to span the full membrane of a cell, providing antioxidant activity on both the interior and exterior of the cell simultaneously. This structural property is what distinguishes astaxanthin from other carotenoids and most other antioxidants.
Astaxanthin occurs naturally in a number of marine organisms, but Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae is the richest natural source available. Under conditions of nutrient stress or intense UV exposure, the algae accumulates astaxanthin at concentrations significantly higher than what is found in seafood. Wild salmon, often cited as a dietary source, contains approximately 0.4mg of astaxanthin per 100g of flesh. A single 12mg softgel from Haematococcus pluvialis provides the equivalent of roughly 3kg of wild salmon. Supplementation is the practical way to achieve consistent daily intake at a meaningful dose.
Most astaxanthin supplements on the market come at 4mg or 6mg. Micro Ingredients positions the 12mg dose as the level supported by the majority of human research studies examining astaxanthin's effects on skin appearance, eye health, and exercise recovery. Lower doses exist and are functional, but 12mg represents a well-studied, meaningful daily intake for adults seeking visible outcomes from consistent use.
Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid, meaning it requires dietary fat to be absorbed efficiently. MCT Oil (medium-chain triglycerides derived from coconut) is infused directly into each softgel as a built-in fat carrier. This means meaningful absorption occurs regardless of whether the softgel is taken with a full meal, as long as it is taken with some food. Taking with a fat-containing meal improves absorption further.
Astaxanthin
Other Ingredients: MCT Oil (from Coconut Oil), Softgel Shell (Gelatin, Glycerin, Added Color, Purified Water). Free from soy, dairy, and gluten. Non-GMO.
Contains: Coconut (tree nut), Gelatin.
Take 1 softgel daily with food, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Taking with a meal containing dietary fat maximizes absorption. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
01
What is Astaxanthin and where does it come from?
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in marine organisms including salmon, shrimp, krill, and certain microalgae. In supplement form, it is sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, the richest natural source available. Micro Ingredients uses 100% natural Astaxanthin from this source rather than synthetic Astaxanthin, which is produced from petrochemical derivatives and is used primarily in aquaculture feed.
02
What makes it different from other antioxidants like Vitamin C or E?
Vitamin C is water-soluble and works primarily in the aqueous (water-based) parts of cells. Vitamin E is fat-soluble and works primarily in cell membranes. Astaxanthin has a unique molecular structure that spans the entire cell membrane, allowing it to provide antioxidant activity in both the water-soluble interior and the fat-soluble membrane layer simultaneously. This gives it a broader range of activity per molecule than most other individual antioxidants. It is this structural property that makes astaxanthin particularly well-studied for skin and eye health, where multiple layers of cellular protection are relevant.
03
How long before I notice a difference?
Astaxanthin accumulates in tissues gradually with consistent daily use. Research studies examining visible skin improvements typically run for 8 to 12 weeks. For exercise recovery and general antioxidant support, effects may be noticed earlier with consistent daily use. Consistency matters more than dose timing. The 4-month supply in this bottle is well-suited to establishing a long enough routine to assess results.
04
Why does it need to be taken with food?
Astaxanthin is a fat-soluble carotenoid. Fat-soluble compounds require dietary fat present in the digestive tract for meaningful absorption. The MCT Oil carrier in this softgel helps, but taking it with a meal that contains fat improves absorption further. Do not take on a completely empty stomach.
05
Is synthetic Astaxanthin the same as natural?
No. Natural Astaxanthin from microalgae is predominantly in the 3S,3'S stereoisomer form, which is the form found in nature and in human research studies. Synthetic Astaxanthin is a mixture of stereoisomers and is used primarily as a feed additive in aquaculture to colour farmed salmon. The research base for Astaxanthin's antioxidant properties is built on the natural form. Micro Ingredients uses 100% natural Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis.
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06
Is this suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No. The softgel shell contains gelatin. The Astaxanthin itself is sourced from microalgae and is vegan, but the gelatin delivery format is not. If you require a vegan option, look for Astaxanthin products in vegetable cellulose capsules rather than softgels.