They say there’s no such thing as a ‘magic pill’ for health and beauty, but if there was one, it would probably contain astaxanthin from microalgae. An antioxidant 6000x stronger than vitamin C, astaxanthin packs a punch. Here in North Queensland, scientists have successfully, naturally and sustainably farmed astaxanthin. And, it’s now available to us in capsule form.

At Alva Beach, 100km south of Townsville, scientists have developed Australia’s first and only natural astaxanthin supplement, ReefAsta.

Astaxanthin [pronounced asta-zan-thin] is actually the pigmented carotenoid responsible for the vibrant pinks and reds in flamingos, lobsters, prawns and salmon. So, we know it keeps the flamingos looking pretty – what can it do for us humans?

“There is much clinical evidence that demonstrates astaxanthin’s anti-inflammatory abilities, antioxidant abilities and its cell protection characteristics.”

As an antioxidant, astaxanthin is 6000x more potent than vitamin C and works to repair cell damage from free radicals, which we know drives disease and accelerates ageing. We know our bodies produce free radicals as part of our normal functioning, but add to that increased free radicals from our exposure to air pollution, alcohol and processed foods. And, too, the fact that many of us are not getting natural supply of astaxanthin through our diets as Aquaculture practice often uses synthetic astaxanthin supplements.

“Algal research has been going on for a long time, in different avenues, from biofuels through to health products,” says ReefAsta’s Senior Scientist Dr Nicolas von Alvensleben. 

“Astaxanthin is a fantastic product, with a unique structure which makes it particularly bioavailable and effective in the body,” continues Dr Nick. “There is much clinical evidence that demonstrates its anti-inflammatory abilities, antioxidant abilities and its cell protection characteristics.”

The science into astaxanthin shows it improves endurance, recovery and cognitive health, it preserves eyes, skin, joints and central nervous system, and the recommended dose is just one capsule (6mg) a day, taken orally.

If astaxanthin is such a powerful supplement with numerous health benefits, why is this the first natural Australian astaxanthin supplement? Well, growing and harvesting microalgae for astaxanthin is a complex process that requires significant effort and technical skills mastered over years.  

“It’s only recently we have been able to successfully produce algae on this scale,” explains Dr Nick. “There are few other companies that produce it on this scale in the world, and we are the first in Australia.”

When it comes to the success of ReefAsta’s production, location has been key. “We need to treat the algae in specific ways to produce astaxanthin,” says Dr Nick. “Culture conditions here [in North Queensland] are clean and unpolluted, including good, clean water and environmental conditions. In addition to the consistent growth conditions (over 300 days of sunlight a year). 

“We also produce the algae in conditions which are as close to nature as possible, whereas other smaller producers may produce astaxanthin heterotrophically in fermenters with artificial light, if any, or solely in laboratory conditions.”

ReefAsta Sales Manager Mark Clayton says to have an astaxanthin supplement with such compelling health benefits, produced locally, derived naturally and farmed sustainably is a great thing.

“If you look at the Australian supplement industry, you are lucky to count on one hand the number of ingredients that are actually made here in Australia,” Mark says. “This product is natural, Aussie grown, and can compete around the world.

“All of those health benefits, have been approved by our governing pharmaceutical body, TGA [Therapeutic Goods Administration]. In their eyes, this is a registered medicine,” continues Mark. “Everything we claim is backed by science.

“We have launched ReefAsta to the market, and we are now looking for stockists who believe in the benefits of astaxanthin, choose natural Australian products and are eager to support locally produced supplements.”

ReefAsta is available to purchase online at reefasta.com

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