The core structure of Synthetic Astaxanthin and Natural Astaxanthin is identical, with the variation occurring with respect to the source, stereoisomer composition, method of production, and formulation properties.
For ingredient buyers and product developers, the natural or synthetic process of obtaining astaxanthin is not enough to make the decision. Before choosing the source of astaxanthin, it is necessary to consider such factors as assay, physical format, stability, regulatory requirements, processing conditions, and intended application.
Natural Astaxanthin vs Synthetic Astaxanthin: Source
Natural Astaxanthin
Natural astaxanthin is synthesized from a biological source, such as Haematococcus pluvialis, and is typically used when a natural source is desired.
Source: from microalgae.
Stereoisomer profile: Characteristic profile of stereoisomers, which can be related to its biological origin.
Formats: Oil, oleoresin, powder, beadlets, and others.
Positioning: They can be used in product formulations where natural ingredients are highlighted.
Synthetic Astaxanthin
Synthetic astaxanthin is chemically synthesized and is another source of a standardized ingredient option.
Production: A chemical manufacturing process that is controlled.
Stereoisomer distribution: Different from the natural astaxanthin.
Consistency: Applicable when a defined assay and batch-to-batch consistency are crucial.
Uses: It has been used widely in the pigmentation industry, especially aquaculture feed.
The source is therefore not just a marketing description for the astaxanthin ingredient, but rather it impacts the molecular profile and commercial positioning of the ingredient.
Astaxanthin Ingredient Formats and Formulation
The astaxanthin may exist in various forms, and the physical form of the astaxanthin can have an impact on the ease with which it can be incorporated into the finished product.
Astaxanthin powder: Appropriate for dry blending, premix, tablet, capsule, and powdered formulations.
Topical/parenteral: Use Astaxanthin oil.
Astaxanthin beadlets: Useful if controlled handling and uniform distribution are required.
Water-dispersible astaxanthin: specially formulated for formulations with an aqueous phase.
High-assay astaxanthin: Decreases the amount of carrier material required to obtain a desired level of active astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is lipophilic and poorly soluble in water, and therefore the formulation of the ingredient should be chosen based on the formulation system and not just on the assay.
Astaxanthin can be found in synthetic form, as well as in natural sources. Natural and Synthetic Astaxanthin: Dosage Factors.
There is no standard dose to take for an astaxanthin ingredient. The amount of addition required is dependent on the desired final concentration of the active ingredient in the product and the nature of the final product.
Determine the correct amount to add for an assay: varies with the assay you're using.
Take carrier into account: The dispersion, flowability, and bulk density may be influenced by the carrier composition.
Different forms of product may be needed for different applications such as powders, capsules, beverages, food, cosmetics and feed.
Allow Processing: Processing time, heat, oxygen, and light can affect the final active content.
Verify regulations: Allowed applications and concentrations are different for various markets and product types.
In formulation development, it is easier to set the target concentration for astaxanthin first and then determine the amount of raw material to be used.
Astaxanthin Stability During Processing
Carotenoids can be sensitive to the environment and require proper handling, whether natural astaxanthin or synthetic astaxanthin.
Exposure to Light: Exposure can cause colour fading over a long period of time.
Oxygen: Carotenoids may be less stable in the presence of oxygen.
Heat: High temperatures and/or long heating times may impact stability.
Moisture: Key to powder flow and storage properties.
Packaging: Consider using light and oxygen barrier packaging to minimize exposure.
Addition: The addition stage should involve as few extended periods of harsh conditions.
Stability evaluation should not only be done at the time the raw material arrives at the factory, but throughout the manufacturing process.
Natural vs Synthetic Astaxanthin in Industrial Applications
Various industries may be looking for different properties to choose an astaxanthin ingredient.
Food and nutrition: In the food and nutrition sector, there is potential for naturally sourced products that require a natural source of Astaxanthin.
Synthetic astaxanthin: It is known and registered for use in aquaculture, for standardized pigmentation applications.
Functional beverages: Water-dispersible or encapsulated formats can make it easier to be incorporated into water-based systems.
Powder, beadlet tablet/capsule: Dry manufacturing.
Cosmetics: Source, colour, and carrier compatibility and stability should be evaluated as a whole.
Technical factors such as assay, particle characteristics, and uniform distribution are important with premixes.
How to Select the Right Astaxanthin Ingredient?
Before buying a natural astaxanthin product, manufacturers need to examine a few specifications when comparing it to synthetic astaxanthin.
Establish the source as biological or synthetic.
Assay: Ensure the concentration and analytical method of the assay.
Stereoisomer profile: Discuss when molecular configuration is important.
Physical Form - Choose powder, oil, beadlet, or dispersible depending on the formulation.
Storage: Check storage conditions, packaging, and stability information.
Documentation: Get COA, TDS, MSDS, specifications, applicable certificates.
Regulatory status: Establish suitability for targeted market and use.
The Difference Between Synthetic Astaxanthin And Natural Astaxanthin
To conclude, natural astaxanthin and synthetic astaxanthin are different in terms of origin, stereoisomer content, manufacturing process, and formulation. The choice of the astaxanthin ingredient should be based on the final product, processing environment, stability, regulatory and sourcing requirements, and not just the origin.
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FAQ
What is the difference between natural astaxanthin and synthetic astaxanthin?
Synthetic astaxanthin is chemically synthesized, and natural astaxanthin is synthesized from biological sources like Haematococcus pluvialis. They are different in terms of their stereoisomer composition and in terms of their production.
Which astaxanthin is suitable for powder formulations?
Astaxanthin can be obtained either from natural sources or produced synthetically and is available as a powder. Selection is based on the type of assay, carrier, particle properties, dispersion requirements, and end product.
Is natural astaxanthin suitable for supplements?
Natural astaxanthin is suitable for use in supplement formulations that do not require its regulation and specification.
How should astaxanthin powder be stored?
In general, astaxanthin powder should be kept away from excessive light, oxygen, heat, and moisture. Store according to the instructions of the supplier.
Can synthetic astaxanthin replace natural astaxanthin?
Substitution is dependent on the use and regulations. Before substitution, manufacturers should consider the following factors: source, assay, stereoisomer profile, physical format, stability, and applicable regulations.
References
1. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA). (2020). Safety of astaxanthin for its use as a novel food in food supplements. EFSA Journal, 18(2), 5993.
2. Kaur, S., et al. (2022). Astaxanthin bioactivity is determined by stereoisomer composition and extraction method. Nutrients, 14(7), 1522.
3. Liu, X., et al. (2023). Recent advances in health benefits and bioavailability of dietary astaxanthin and its isomers. Food Chemistry, 404, 134605.
4. Liu, X. (2023). Astaxanthin isomers: A comprehensive review of isomerization methods and analytic techniques. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 71(50).
