Question 1

It only has 4mg of astaxanthin isn't that a bit low dose when others are 7-12-18mg etc?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question. When comparing astaxanthin supplements, beware that there is a difference between ‘bulk oil’ and active astaxanthin. Bulk astaxanthin oil contains a maximum of 10% active astaxanthin, therefore we have used 42mg of bulk oil to guarantee 4mg of active astaxanthin per capsule. If it isn’t clear from the packaging, I would recommend contacting the company to ask them to clarify whether the 12mg is indeed bulk oil or active astaxanthin.

We use an evidence-based approach to our formulations, and a standard part of the NPD process involves our in-house nutrition scientists and medics reviewing published studies to determine the most effective, safe dose. As such, more in one dose doesn’t necessarily equate with better effects. For example, in the case of astaxanthin, 4mg (the equivalent of consuming around six portions of wild pink salmon) has been well documented in humans to provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for many health conditions. If, however, you wish to take a higher dose and sustain peak levels over 24 hours, it may be more clinically efficient to take three 4mg capsules split over the day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) rather than 12mg in one single dose.

However, choosing a quality astaxanthin product is essential to guarantee benefits. There are, in fact, several factors that can help differentiate a genuine astaxanthin product from one that is falling short of the label claim (which may actually result from lack of understanding on the part of sellers). Firstly, astaxanthin comes in two strengths: 5%, and 10%. Secondly, astaxanthin exists as a complex of which 95% is astaxanthin and 5% other carotenoids. Therefore to obtain a product with a 12mg label using a 5% oil you would need to add 254mg bulk oil and for a 10% oil, you would need to add 127mg bulk oil. If the nutritional panel is not clear, it is impossible to know if the bulk oil is 5% or 10% astaxanthin or if the input is by active (mg actual astaxanthin) or the bulk oil itself. If this were the case, 12mg of a 5% oil would deliver 0.57mg astaxanthin, and 12mg of a 10% oil would deliver 1.14mg astaxanthin, both considerably lower than a 12mg label claim. As such, simply stating 12mg astaxanthin on a label can be misleading for consumers. Manufacturers are not permitted to comment on competitors’ pages. Still, we are aware that some companies have been challenged by their Amazon customers to declare a more transparent overview of their nutritional panel.

This is not to say that all astaxanthin products found on Amazon are failing to meet their label claim, and this is generally reflected in the price. It is a complex issue, as explained above, and we strive for absolute clarity for customer confidence. Unlike consumers, as manufacturers we are aware of the cost price of nutrients such as astaxanthin; in fact, the RRP for some brands claiming active rather than bulk ingredient, is lower than the wholesale COST price for genuine 12mg active capsules. As with most nutritional supplements, you get what you pay for in terms of clinically effective nutrients provided at a clinically effective dose. If a product seems too good to be true in terms of the dose offered for the price, then this should perhaps be considered a ‘red flag’.

I hope this clarifies your concern.

Kind regards,

Nina Bailey BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, ANutr
Nutrition Scientist
Igennus Healthcare Nutrition

Question 2

Is this free from synthetic made pill and Binders?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question. The capsule shell used for Pure & Essential AstaPure Astaxanthin Complex is made from glycerol, modified corn starch, carrageenan and sodium carbonate. These ingredients are sourced from sustainably sourced palm oil, non-GMO cornstarch and red seaweed.

Kind regards,

Maxine Sheils BSc (Hons), DipCNM
Nutritionist
Igennus Healthcare Nutrition

Question 3

I'm confused. i have astax. from  london based comp. who also boast  quality of their product but theirs is 12 mg p/ cap. are they lying re efficacy?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question. When comparing astaxanthin supplements, beware that there is a difference between ‘bulk oil’ and active astaxanthin. Bulk astaxanthin oil contains only 10% active astaxanthin, therefore we have used 42mg of bulk oil to guarantee 4mg of active astaxanthin per capsule. If it isn’t clear from the packaging, I would recommend contacting the company to ask them to clarify whether the 12mg is indeed bulk oil or active astaxanthin.

We use an evidence-based approach to our formulations, and a standard part of the NPD process involves our in-house nutrition scientists and medics reviewing published studies to determine the most effective, safe dose. As such, more in one dose doesn’t necessarily equate with better effects.   For example, in the case of astaxanthin, 4mg (the equivalent of consuming around six portions of wild pink salmon) has been well documented in humans to provide significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits for many health conditions.  If, however, you wish to take a higher dose and sustain peak levels over 24 hours, it may be more clinically efficient to take three 4mg capsules split over the day  (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) rather than 12mg in one single dose.

However, choosing a quality astaxanthin product is essential to guarantee benefits.  There are, in fact, several factors that can help differentiate a genuine astaxanthin product from one that is falling short of the label claim (which may actually result from lack of understanding on the part of sellers).  Firstly, astaxanthin comes in two strengths: 5%, and 10%.  Secondly, astaxanthin exists as a complex of which 95% is astaxanthin and 5% other carotenoids.  Therefore to obtain a product with a 12mg label using a 5% oil you would need to add 254mg bulk oil and for a 10% oil, you would need to add 127mg bulk oil.  If the nutritional panel is not clear, it is impossible to know if the bulk oil is 5% or 10% astaxanthin or if the input is by active (mg actual astaxanthin) or the bulk oil itself.  If this were the case, 12mg of a 5% oil would deliver 0.57mg astaxanthin, and 12mg of a 10% oil would deliver 1.14mg astaxanthin, both considerably lower than a 12mg label claim.   As such, simply stating 12mg astaxanthin on a label can be misleading for consumers.  Manufacturers are not permitted to comment on competitors’ pages. Still, we are aware that some companies have been challenged by their Amazon customers to declare a more transparent overview of their nutritional panel.

This is not to say that all astaxanthin products found on Amazon are failing to meet their label claim, and this is generally reflected in the price. It is a complex issue, as explained above, and we strive for absolute clarity for customer confidence. Unlike consumers, as manufacturers we are aware of the cost price of nutrients such as astaxanthin; in fact, the RRP for some brands claiming active rather than bulk ingredient, is lower than the wholesale COST price for genuine 12mg active capsules. As with most nutritional supplements, you get what you pay for in terms of clinically effective nutrients provided at a clinically effective dose.   If a product seems too good to be true in terms of the dose offered for the price, then this should perhaps be considered a ‘red flag’.

I hope this clarifies your concern.

Kind regards,

Maxine Sheils BSc (Hons), DipCNM
Nutritionist
Igennus Healthcare Nutrition

Question 4

Hi just wondering if the lutein, zeaxanthin combination is naturally occurring in Astaxanthin or added syntheticially?

Accepted Answer

Thank you for your question. Our natural astaxanthin oil is derived from H. Pluvialis algae rather than a synthetic form. We decided to leave in, rather than extract, the trace amounts of other carotenoids, including lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene, that naturally occur in H. Pluvialis algae-derived astaxanthin, as these also bring their own antioxidant benefits.

Kind regards,

Maxine Sheils BSc (Hons), DipCNM
Nutritionist
Igennus Healthcare Nutrition

Product Name	HEALTH_PERSONAL_CARE
Additives	Astaxanthin
Weight	0.05 Kilograms
Units	90 count
Storage Instructions	Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of young children.
Serving Recommendation	Adults & adolescents aged 10+: take 1 softgel daily. For optimal absorption, take with a meal containing fat. For additional support, adults may take 2 softgels daily. Do not exceed the maximum dose.
Manufacturer contact	Igennus Ltd, St Johns Innovation Centre, Cowley Road, CB4 0WS, Cambridge, United Kingdom
Country of origin	gb
Country of origin of primary ingredient(s)	United Kingdom
Brand	Igennus Healthcare Nutrition
Format	Softgel
Age Range Description	Adult

Astaxanthin Complex, 42mg Microalgae Complex Oil Providing 4mg H. Pluvialis Astaxanthin, 90 Vegan Softgels, by Igennus

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