Product Detailed Description

Liposomal astaxanthin 5% — High Bioavailability Carotenoid Supplement

Product Overview

liposomal Astaxanthin 5% is a premium-grade dietary supplement ingredient delivering astaxanthin in an advanced liposomal delivery system. Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7), also known as 3,3′-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione, is a naturally occurring xanthophyll carotenoid characterized by the molecular formula C₄₀H₅₂O₄ and a molecular weight of 596.84 g/mol. It is a red-orange pigment produced by certain microalgae, yeast, and bacteria, and is responsible for the characteristic pink-red coloration of salmon, shrimp, krill, and flamingos. Astaxanthin is a member of the tetraterpenoid family and possesses a unique molecular structure that allows it to span the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, quenching free radicals on both surfaces simultaneously.

Natural astaxanthin is primarily produced by the freshwater green microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which can synthesize and accumulate astaxanthin up to 4% of its total cellular dry weight under oxidative stress conditions. The microalgal-derived astaxanthin is exclusively the (3S,3′S) stereoisomer, which has been demonstrated to possess significantly greater antioxidant capacity than synthetic astaxanthin—over 50 times stronger in singlet oxygen quenching and approximately 20 times stronger in free radical elimination.

Why Liposomal Technology?

Conventional astaxanthin presents significant formulation challenges. The compound is highly lipophilic, virtually insoluble in water, and chemically unstable, being particularly susceptible to photo-oxidative degradation. Its oral bioavailability is variable and vehicle-dependent, typically ranging from approximately 10% to 50%. Studies have demonstrated that formulation type significantly influences astaxanthin absorption, with oil-based capsules, nanoemulsions, and liposomes yielding markedly different pharmacokinetic profiles.

Liposomal encapsulation provides four critical advantages:

1. Dramatically Enhanced Bioavailability — Nano-delivered astaxanthin systems achieve 2- to 10-fold gains in peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) over oil-based references. Lipid-based formulations specifically increase astaxanthin bioavailability by 1.7- to 3.7-fold relative to a commercial reference. A human crossover pharmacokinetic study involving 12 subjects evaluated the relative bioavailability of astaxanthin in six commercially available oral formulations, including liposomal astaxanthin, demonstrating significantly enhanced absorption compared to standard softgel formulations.

2. Enhanced Stability — Liposomal encapsulation significantly improves the stability of astaxanthin against light, heat, and oxidative degradation. Optimized astaxanthin liposomes achieve encapsulation efficiency of up to 94.25%, with reduced particle size (89.81 nm) and increased zeta potential (−34.24 mV), indicating excellent colloidal stability. Astaxanthin liposomes exhibit high storage stability, with encapsulation efficiency maintained at 89.58% ± 1.47% under optimized conditions.

3. Water Dispersibility — Liposomal astaxanthin can be readily dispersed in aqueous systems, forming a uniform emulsion that is suitable for beverages, liquid formulations, and functional foods. This is in contrast to native astaxanthin, which is insoluble in water and requires oil-based delivery systems.

4. Enhanced Cellular Uptake — Liposomes fuse directly with intestinal cell membranes, facilitating efficient cellular delivery via lipid-mediated pathways. The liposomal delivery system bypasses the passive diffusion limitations of free astaxanthin, supporting enhanced systemic absorption and tissue distribution.

Product Specifications

Key Features

• High Purity — Standardized to ≥5% astaxanthin by HPLC, ensuring consistent active content.

• Liposomal Enhancement — Phospholipid bilayer encapsulation achieves up to 94.25% encapsulation efficiency with 89.81 nm particle size and −34.24 mV zeta potential, providing superior colloidal stability and dramatically enhanced bioavailability.

• Potent Antioxidant Activity — Astaxanthin demonstrates antioxidant activity over 500 times more effective than α-tocopherol (vitamin E) and 10 times higher than other carotenoids, with a unique membrane-spanning structure that quenches free radicals on both surfaces of the cell membrane.

• Clinically Studied for Lipid Metabolism — A randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 61 non-obese adults with mild hyperlipidaemia demonstrated that 6, 12, or 18 mg/day of natural astaxanthin for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in triglycerides (approximately 25% at 12 mg and 24% at 18 mg), increases in HDL-cholesterol (10–15% at 6 and 12 mg), and increased serum adiponectin levels at 12 and 18 mg.

• Clinically Studied for Skin Health — Multiple small Japanese trials at 6 mg/day demonstrated measurable improvements in skin elasticity, wrinkle depth, moisture, and texture. A separate 8-week randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study at 6 mg/day in Japanese adults investigated anti-UV benefits on skin, hair, and nails.

• Clinically Studied for Oxidative Stress and Immune Markers — A placebo-controlled trial in 42 healthy young women demonstrated that both 2 and 8 mg/day for 8 weeks reduced a DNA-damage marker (8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine) and C-reactive protein at 8 mg, with the higher dose also increasing lymphocyte proliferation and natural-killer cell activity.

• Water-Dispersible — Liposomal astaxanthin can be dispersed in water as a stable emulsion, suitable for capsules, tablets, powder drink mixes, and functional beverages.

• Batch Traceability — Complete COA, HPLC chromatogram, and identity data provided for each batch.

Application & Formulation Guidance

Recommended Dosage

Clinical studies and regulatory guidelines commonly recommend 4–12 mg of astaxanthin per day. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has established an acceptable daily intake of 0.2 mg/kg body weight—approximately 14 mg/day for a 70 kg adult—and concluded that a supplemental intake of 8 mg/day is safe for adults including pregnant and lactating women. The most cited lipid study randomized 61 non-obese adults with mild hyperlipidaemia to placebo or 6, 12, or 18 mg/day of natural astaxanthin for 12 weeks, demonstrating significant triglyceride reductions at 12 and 18 mg and HDL-cholesterol increases at 6 and 12 mg. A placebo-controlled trial in healthy young women used 2 and 8 mg/day for 8 weeks, with both doses reducing oxidative stress markers and the higher dose also improving immune parameters. For general antioxidant and skin health support, 4–6 mg daily is commonly used. Liposomal formulations may allow for more efficient utilization of lower doses due to enhanced bioavailability.

Shipping & Lead Time

• Stock Orders: 3–5 business days after payment confirmation.

• Bulk / Custom Orders: 2–3 weeks, depending on quantity and customization requirements.

• Shipping Methods: International Express (FedEx, DHL, UPS), air freight, and sea freight.

• Coverage: Worldwide shipping, including remote areas.