KEY INTERVIEW: Natural Astaxanthin Holds Emerging Role in "Preemptive Medicine"

08 Feb 2016 --- This month, AstaReal will hold an International Symposium focusing on natural astaxanthin. “Research on natural astaxanthin has shown benefits for many of the lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes that are unfortunately increasing around the world. Natural astaxanthin has also been shown to have benefits for skin, eyes, and muscle endurance,” Eric Caston, General Manager for AstaReal in the AsiaPacific region told NutritionInsight.

Knowledge and use of natural astaxanthin is increasing around the world. Caston described the different markets to NutritionInsight:

“The market for natural astaxanhin is growing in almost every market around the world. The US is the largest market and growth continues to be strong, but we find that the fastest growing markets are Thailand, Indonesia, India, and other countries in Asia. The Japanese market for is unique because natural astaxanthin is used in a wide variety of functional foods and beverages including teas, juices, jelly sticks, and even chocolate. We believe this trend of adding the power of natural astaxanthin to foods and beverages will increase in other markets as well.”

The AstaReal Symposium is focused solely on research on natural astaxanthin derived from the Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. A synthetic version of astaxanthin does exist, but only natural astaxanthin from H. pluvialis is well studied for efficacy and safety as a human dietary supplement. Synthetic astaxanthin contains different isomers (molecular forms) that are not found in nature, and the synthetic form is not approved for use in supplements. “For these reasons we always recommend that consumers take care to choose natural algae astaxanthin,” he clarified.

Caston concluded by explaining further investigations and developments in a variety of health fields planned for the future:

“At AstaReal Symposium 2016 natural astaxanthin research will be presented in the following exciting areas: Protective effects on vocal injury; a new treatment strategy for heart failure; diabetic nephropathy and NASH [the liver disease non-alcoholic steatohepatitis], and support for canine beauty and health and much more.

“As you can see, because natural astaxanthin works at a cellular level, it has benefits throughout the human body and for our pets as well.”

The AstaReal International Symposium will be held on 13 February 2016 in Tokyo, Japan.

By Kerina Tull

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