MicroActive® Astaxanthin

Improved Uniform Absorption
24-Hour Sustained Release

MicroActive® Astaxanthin is a free flowing water dispersible paste containing 2.5% of micronized Astaxanthin rendering it suitable for soft gel formulations. This patented formulation provides better absorption using a unique technology that micronizes Astaxanthin and then encapsulates the small particles rendering it water dispersible.

MicroActive® Astaxanthin increases absorption by reducing particle size less than 10 microns thereby promoting more efficient transport through the digestive tract and cell walls. In addition, the proprietary mix of polymers in MicroActive® Astaxanthin slows the release rate allowing for absorption over a longer time period. Evidence supports the claim that this combination of greater absorption and sustained release creates a more uniform absorption from subject-to-subject, improving the probability that all consumers will benefit from the active.

MicroActive® Astaxanthin Bioavailability Study

In a single dose crossover study, MicroActive® Astaxanthin was tested against a popular brand of Astaxanthin supplement (Astaxanthin in oil at 60 mg concentration served as the control formulation). A MicroActive® Astaxanthin dose was formulated so that the amount of the active equaled the amount in the standard product.

Six healthy individuals (subjects) participated in the single crossover clinical study, agreeing not to consume any astaxanthin containing supplements or seafood prior to the study. Day 1, before consuming any food, a blood sample was drawn and then each subject consumed 60 mg of MicroActive® Astaxanthin in capsule form. Following that, blood samples were drawn at 3,8,10 and 24 hours. Following two weeks “washout” period, the subjects then repeated the same regimen (0,3,8,10 and 24 hours post-dose) only this time they consumed the control. The results compared the amount of Astaxanthin found in blood between the MicroActive® Astaxanthin and the control formulation. The results are summarized below:

Study Results

Bioavailability: Subjects taking Astaxanthin MicroActive® formulation demonstrated 3.6 times better Astaxanthin absorption when compared to the control at a high statistically significant level (p<.0005). In addition, subjects who consumed MicroActive® Astaxanthin showed significant sustained release when compared to the control formulation.

A comparison of uptake of Astaxanthin after a single oral dose.

Equally as important as how much Astaxanthin was absorbed by the group as a whole, was the amount of Astaxanthin absorbed by each individual

  • Three of the six subjects absorbed very little of the control formulation while all of the subjects showed high Astaxanthin absorption in the MicroActive® formulation
  • All subjects taking Astaxanthin in the MicroActive® formulation improved their absorption over the popular product.
  • All subjects absorbed more Astaxanthin in the MicroActive® formulation as compared to the control, including the highest absorbers.

The graph below demonstrates absorption of MicroActive® Astaxanthin by each subject when compared to the control formulation.

A comparison of AUC of Astaxanthin in individual subjects.

The following graph depicts clearly the uptake of MicroActive® Astaxanthin compared to the control. Three of the six subjects who consumed control formulation absorb hardly any Astaxanthin. If these subjects were to use such a product they may not see any benefit due to lack of absorption. . This would be particulary troubling if they were taking the product to control a complex cognitive or visual condition. 

A comparison of uptake of Astaxanthin by individual subjects.

A Confirmation Study

It is common practice in the pharmaceutical industry to corroborate results of human studies with dissolution studies. The dissolution test is done using equipment with small heated glass cylinders each with a rotating stirrer. The ingredient is introduced to the cylinder containing a liquid the simulates the fluids in the stomach and then intestinaltract. The stirrers simulate the normal agitation in a person’s digestive system. The test is conducted over 12 hours using 2.5% MicroActive® Astaxanthin (micronized Astaxanthin) formulation in comparison with 2.5% Astaxanthin in oil dispersion which served as the control formulation.

Dissolution Test Results

The dissolution profile shows a sustained release of Astaxanthin from the MicroActive® formula.  Nearly 40% of the dose was released at acidic pH by 2 hours.  By 12 hours, 85% of the dose was in solution in a micronized form, less than 10 microns particle size.  The control showed no dissolution during the same period of 12 hours. The results corroborated the findings of the human clinical study.

12-Hour Dissolution Study MicroActive® Astaxanthin to Control.