Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in a number of algae, mainly Haematococcus pluvialis and the aquatic animals that feed on them. Astaxanthin-containing products are increasingly popular as human health food supplements. They are taken for many different reasons, including to improve eye health and vision, skin health, and exercise performance and recovery. Recommended dosages of astaxanthin are listed below [1].
- Astaxanthin as a feed additive
In 1987, the US FDA approved the use of naturally derived astaxanthin as a feed additive at up to 80 mg/kg feed (Hoffmann la Roche, 1987).
- Acceptable daily intake in humans of astaxanthin
In 2018, the new Novel Foods Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 came into force, and the list entry for astaxanthin-rich oleoresin from Haematococcus pluvialis confirmed a maximum acceptable daily intake (ADI) level for astaxanthin of up to 8 mg (European Commission, 2017).
Over the past 20 years, the FDA has received 17 NDINs (new dietary ingredient notifications) regarding the safety of natural astaxanthin products in various formulations, with recommended daily dosages ranging from 2 - 24mg / day.
Health Canada's licensed natural health products database lists a total of 81 validly registered products containing astaxanthin, which are primarily used to improve physical endurance, provide a source of antioxidants, and help support eye health. The allowable daily dose is up to 12 mg.
The Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods lists 40 registered products containing astaxanthin (Therapeutic Goods Administration, 2013) with a permitted daily doses of up to 12 mg.
Natural astaxanthin has an allowable daily dose of 4-12 mg in products that help improve eye strain.
In at least 87 clinical trials involving more than 2,000 participants, using short-term daily doses (up to 100 mg) and long-term average daily doses between 8 and 12 mg, no significant toxicity of natural astaxanthin was observed at any dose and for any length of time. No serious adverse events were recorded.
* The results of natural astaxanthin are not suitable to evaluate the safety of synthetic astaxanthin.
In addition to supplying high quality astaxanthin products, Alfa Chemistry is also committed to astaxanthin related research. For more information about astaxanthin, please feel free to contact us.
Reference
- Brendler, T., & Williamson, E. M. Astaxanthin: How much is too much? A safety review. Phytotherapy Research. 2019.
