Astalíf 15 offers a higher concentration of oleoresin, delivering more astaxanthin in less space. Alagalif describes the innovation as setting a benchmark for the industry, adding to their existing range of 5% and 10% astaxanthin products.
“Astalíf™ 15 is a true game-changer,” Orri Björnsson, CEO of Algalíf, said in a press release. “It allows our customers to create more efficient and innovative products, while also aligning with the growing global demand for sustainable, high-quality, and effective ingredients.”
Astalíf is available in standardized forms in sunflower oil or olive oil, or with other carrier oils upon customer request. The product is vegan, carbon-neutral, and non-GMO certified, offering suppliers options for manufacturing functional foods, gummies, and skincare applications.
Icelandic company Algalif has expanded its operations in recent years, responding to consumer trends for free-from nutraceuticals. They previously partnered with Divi’s Nutraceuticals to offer a beadlet form of natural astaxanthin marketed as AstaBead. This 5% concentration product was specifically developed for powder-based formulations, dispersing rapidly in cold water and maintaining stability in hot liquids and a wide range of pH conditions.
The company’s sustainable manufacturing process uses a fully enclosed indoor photobioreactor, LED lighting, and a controlled air system to produce astaxanthin, which is cultivated using clean Icelandic water with exceptionally low levels of contaminants and heavy metals.
The rise of natural astaxanthin
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that has garnered attention from industry stakeholders and consumers due to its reported health benefits.
As part of the carotenoid family, the reddish pigment is synthesized by microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria, providing nutrients to animals that feed on it in nature.
It is industrially produced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, a process that was traditionally achieved through chemical synthesis. However, more recently, suppliers have produced natural astaxanthin, which has a more substantial effect than its synthetic analog due to the presence of additional components.
The current market is fueled by consumer demand for clean, natural products, resulting in a 63.4% global market share for natural astaxanthin, which is expected to grow at a higher rate than its synthetic counterparts in the next few years.
As a result, astaxanthin is increasingly used in dietary supplements, skincare products, and anti-aging products due to its potential to reduce oxidative stress, protect the skin from UV damage, and improve its elasticity.
Additionally, research suggests that astaxanthin may help regulate the immune system, enhance lipid metabolism and cognitive function, prevent cardiovascular disease, and reduce the risk of cancer.
Algalif also notes astaxanthin’s potential to improve muscle recovery due to its ability to protect mitochondria, regulate immune responses, decrease post-exercise inflammation, and enhance endurance.
