Sources of Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red pigment that has nutritional value as a potent antioxidant in the human body. Astaxanthin can be found in a variety of sources including certain fish, shellfish, fruits and vegetables. Astaxanthin is also available as a nutritional supplement.

Algae

Astaxanthin is naturally found in microscopic algae. Phaffia Rhodozyma is a type of microscopic algae that is used to make red phaffia yeast. Red phaffia yeast is commonly used to make astaxanthin into a supplement available in powder and pill form.

Fish

Certain fish are an excellent source of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is found in pink salmon, sockeye salmon, rainbow trout and red bream. These fish eat an abundance of microscopic algae. Farm raised trout do not have microscopic algae in their diets and as a result they are feed astaxanthin supplements daily.

Shellfish

Crabs, lobster, shrimp and crawfish are also a common source of astaxanthin. Shellfish also consume an abundance of microscopic algae. Farm raised shellfish do not consume as much microscopic algae as shellfish raised in their natural habitat.

Fruits and Vegetables

Certain fruits and vegetables are also a source of astaxanthin, although they only contain a small amount of astaxanthin. Astaxanthin can be found in tomatoes, red peppers, carrots and radishes.

Krill

Krill are also a good source of astaxanthin. Krill are tiny fish that eat microscopic algae. Krill is commonly processed and turned into krill oil. Krill oil is used in a variety of nutritional supplements.