Wholesome in bulk™ Astaxanthin Powder
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Bulk Astaxanthin Powder for Supplement Manufacturing
Astaxanthin powder is a deep red carotenoid ingredient made from the freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which is grown, harvested, cracked, and dried. In algal material, most astaxanthin is bound to fatty acids as esters, and content is measured by HPLC. We supply it in bulk to supplement brands, contract manufacturers, and formulators. You can request testing documents and samples on the quote form.
A deep red carotenoid with a traceable source
Astaxanthin is one named molecule, but it reaches the market from algae, yeast, and chemical synthesis. The source shows in the isomer pattern and the ester profile, so buyers can check it on paper and in the lab.
Defined identity
Astaxanthin is C40H52O4, CAS 472-61-7, a keto-carotenoid with a deep red color. HPLC against a reference standard confirms identity and content.
Algal source
Haematococcus pluvialis builds up astaxanthin in thick walled resting cells. Producers crack and spray dry those cells, then sell the meal or extract it.
Mostly esterified
In algal oleoresin, most astaxanthin is bound to fatty acids as monoesters, with smaller shares of diesters and free astaxanthin. Ask how the assay handles the esters, so you compare lots on the same basis.
A choice of forms
Algal meal powder typically runs 1.5% to 5% astaxanthin by HPLC. Oleoresin made by supercritical CO2 extraction runs up to about 11%, and both can be formulated into beadlets.
Source shows in the isomers
Algal astaxanthin is mainly the 3S,3'S form, yeast astaxanthin is 3R,3'R, and synthetic astaxanthin is a 1:2:1 mix of three forms. Chiral HPLC reads that pattern.
Sensitive to air and light
The long chain of double bonds that gives astaxanthin its color also makes it prone to oxidation. Sealed, opaque packaging and stabilized forms help it hold its assay.
Where formulators use astaxanthin
Astaxanthin fits measured formats where the form matches the line and air and light exposure are controlled, including:
- Softgels, with oleoresin
- Capsules, with algal powder or beadlets
- Compressed tablets, with beadlets
- Multiple ingredient capsule blends
- Carotenoid and oil blends
- Gummies, after stability trials
- Powdered drink mixes, with water dispersible forms
- Private label programs
Plan fill weights from the HPLC assay on each COA, and build in an overage from stability data. A 2% algal powder and a 10% oleoresin are not interchangeable gram for gram, so recalculate your serving math whenever you change forms.
What to check before you buy astaxanthin
Two materials sold as astaxanthin can differ in source, form, assay method, and ester profile. Review these points together, and ask for lot documents before you approve a supplier.
Source organism
Confirm Haematococcus pluvialis, yeast, or synthesis on both the specification and the certificate of analysis (COA). Chiral HPLC of the isomers is the lab check behind the paperwork.
Assay method
Ask for astaxanthin by HPLC. UV results take in other carotenoids and usually read higher, so compare lots by the same method.
Ester profile
For oleoresin, ask for monoesters, diesters, free astaxanthin, and cis isomers as shares of total astaxanthin. These figures describe the material beyond its headline percentage.
Cell cracking and extraction
For algal meal, confirm the cells were cracked before drying. For oleoresin, ask for the extraction method, such as supercritical CO2, and any residual solvent results.
Line by line COA review
Check every COA result against its own spec line, including appearance and form. A powder order should arrive with a powder COA.
Contaminant limits
Check lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury by ICP-MS, plus microbial limits. Published algal powder specs set lead at NMT 1.0 mg/kg.
Label math: A 2% algal powder holds 20 mg of astaxanthin per gram. So 4 mg of astaxanthin per serving needs 200 mg of powder before any overage. Base the final figure on each lot's HPLC assay and your own finished product testing.
Typical specification for Haematococcus astaxanthin powder
These values reflect published specs and COAs for algal astaxanthin powder. Final figures come from the specification sheet and COA for your lot, and oleoresin specs differ. NLT means not less than, and NMT means not more than.
| Parameter | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Astaxanthin, C40H52O4, CAS 472-61-7 | HPLC retention time against a reference standard |
| Source | Haematococcus pluvialis, cracked cell meal | Supplier declaration |
| Isomer pattern | Mainly 3S,3'S, consistent with algal source | Chiral HPLC |
| Appearance | Deep red to dark red powder | Visual |
| Astaxanthin | NLT 2.0%, basis stated on the COA | HPLC |
| Protein | NLT 15% | AOAC nitrogen method |
| Moisture | NMT 10% | USP <731> |
| Carrier or added stabilizers | None, or as named on the specification sheet | Supplier declaration |
| Particle size | Stated on the specification sheet | USP <786> |
| Lead | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium | NMT 1.0 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Mercury | NMT 0.1 ppm | ICP-MS |
| Total aerobic count | NMT 10,000 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| Yeast and mold | NMT 25 cfu/g | USP <2021> |
| E. coli and Salmonella | Negative in 10 g and 25 g | USP <2022> |
| Shelf life | 24 months, unopened, in sealed opaque packaging | Stability data |
Storage and handling for bulk astaxanthin
Astaxanthin stays in spec longest when it is cool, dark, and away from air. Supplier specs ask for storage protected from heat, light, and oxygen.
Limit air exposure
Oxygen breaks carotenoids down, so open bags only when you need them. Press out the air and reseal the liner promptly.
Keep away from light
Leave the powder in its original opaque or foil packaging. Light fades both the color and the assay over time.
Keep it cool and dry
Store within the temperature range on the spec sheet, off the floor and away from heat sources. Algal meal also picks up moisture, so keep it sealed.
Rotate and retest
Record the lot number and retest date for each bag. Send older lots to production first, and retest the assay on stock held near its retest date.
Astaxanthin buyer FAQ
Quick answers to the questions procurement and quality teams ask most.
What is the difference between algal and synthetic astaxanthin?
They share a chemical formula but differ in isomer pattern and form. Algal astaxanthin is mostly esterified and mainly the 3S,3'S isomer, while synthetic astaxanthin is a 1:2:1 mix of three isomers. Chiral HPLC tells them apart.
What is astaxanthin oleoresin?
Oleoresin is the oily extract of cracked Haematococcus cells, often made with supercritical CO2. One published oleoresin spec allows 2.9% to 11.1% total astaxanthin. It is the usual fill for softgels.
Why is algal astaxanthin esterified?
The alga stores most of its astaxanthin bound to fatty acids. In one published oleoresin spec, monoesters make up 79.8% to 91.5% of total astaxanthin, with diesters and free astaxanthin making up the rest.
How is astaxanthin content measured?
Astaxanthin content is measured by HPLC against a reference standard, which separates it from other carotenoids. UV methods measure total color near one wavelength and usually read higher. Name HPLC and the basis on your purchase order.
Is there a limit on astaxanthin in food supplements?
Yes, in some markets. The UK register for Haematococcus oleoresin allows 40 to 80 mg of oleoresin per day in food supplements, equal to no more than 8 mg of astaxanthin. The EU sets its own conditions, so check each market you sell into.
What documents can I get with an order?
A certificate of analysis (COA) and a specification sheet ship with every order. An allergen statement and a safety data sheet may also be available, depending on the lot in inventory. Contact us to request them.
Can I get a sample before a bulk order?
You can request one by choosing sample options on the quote form. We will confirm availability, size, and timing.
How should I store an opened bag?
Close the liner, press out the air, and keep the bag cool, dry, and away from light. Use the material within the retest date or shelf life on the COA.
Request a quote for bulk astaxanthin
Tell us the source, form, grade, quantity, and timing you need. We will reply with current pricing. Select testing documents and sample options on the quote form.
Order AstaxanthinBulk orders: Choose a pack size above, or request a quote for larger volumes, samples, and lot documents. We serve supplement brands, contract manufacturers, product developers, and formulators.
This bulk ingredient is sold for further manufacturing and formulation. The information on this page describes the ingredient and how commercial buyers evaluate it. It is not medical advice. Each finished product brand is responsible for its own labeling and product claims.
