Cyanotech takes Bioastin to condition-specific formulas

The product developments will form part of its Nutrex Hawaii line and include Cardioastin and Jointastin. Marketing condition-specific formulas has been the new wave for the dietary supplement market in the US, as the tactic makes supplementation more accessible to consumers who know exact what they are looking to alleviate with a product. As such, those consumers who may not know about a specific science-based ingredient can still derive the benefits by means of a formula geared to their health needs. The bulk of Cyanotech's business comes from its Bioastin astaxanthin and spirulina pacifica nutritional ingredients, both marketed for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also produces NatuRose astaxanthin for sea bream in aquaculture feed. Now Jointastin and Cardioastin will try to take the benefits of the astaxanthin one step further. The company claims Jointastin is the first completely vegetarian joint formula on the market. It contains Bioastin with a 100 percent vegetable source of glucosamine, for the support of healthy joints, tendons and synovial fluids. CardioAstin combines Bioastin, with CoQ10, lutein, acetyl L-carnitine, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and other omega-3 fatty acids for the support of a healthy cardiovascular system. Diversifying marketing strategies is a means of accessing more of the market - a market Cyanotech has already invested heavily into spreading awareness for its product. Last year Cyanotech launched a public relations campaign across consumer print and broadcast media to push the functional ingredient directly towards consumers. Astaxanthin is produced by the haematacoccus pluvialis​ algae when water supplies in its habitat dry up to protect itself against the effects of UV radiation. This microalgae is part of the diet of fish or crustaceans, such as salmon and shrimps, and is responsible for the pink colour in their flesh. Cyanotech already markets it Bioastin line in the US as protecting the skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, enhancing the immune system, and enhance energy metabolism. It holds three usage patents: for carpal tunnel syndrome, for cold and canker sores, and as an internal and topical sunblock.