Abstract
Background. Astaxanthin (AX) has been consumed as a nutritional supplement for approximately 20years. The primary source has been a natural plant-based supplement from the single-cell alga Haematococcus pluvialis (NAT-AX). Recently, astaxanthin from other sources has entered the marketplace. The primary alternative source in the human nutritional supplement market has been a synthetic form of astaxanthin produced from petrochemicals (SYN-AX). In addition, a very small amount of astaxanthin from a genetically manipulated yeast Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (former nomenclature Phaffia rhodozyma, still commonly referred to as “Phaffia”) (pH-AX) is also available in some supplement products. The three forms have substantial chemical differences. In addition to the chemical differences between sources of AX, in vitro research has demonstrated profound differences in antioxidant strength, and animal research has revealed fundamental differences in health benefits. In all cases, NAT-AX has proven more biologically active than the other sources. This review is designed to assist readers in understanding which form(s) of AX are suitable for consumers desiring preventive or therapeutic health benefits.
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