What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a powerful natural carotenoid pigment found in certain plants and marine animals such as wild sockeye salmon, lobster, shrimp, and crab, which consume large amounts of natural algae-based sources of astaxanthin. Often referred to as the "King of Carotenoids", astaxanthin is recognized as one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, capable of protecting our body's cells from free radical attack. It is particularly important because unlike other types of antioxidants, astaxanthin never becomes a pro-oxidant in the body and therefore can never cause harmful oxidation.
It is similar to chlorophyll, found in green plants and vegetables, and beta-carotene, found in orange plants and vegetables. Plants and animals with intense red coloring tend to be very rich in astaxanthin, which is itself the most potent carotenoid in the world.