Astaxanthin: A Nutrient Performing a
Variety of Functions in Fishes

The role of Astaxanthin in nature is complicated—it varies among species and according to physiological and environmental factors. Astaxanthin is used extensively in the culturing of many species of fish, and there have been questions as to whether it is providing nutritional value or only serving as a pigment with no physiological role.

The fact is that there is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that Astaxanthin is a critical nutrient for the health of various species of fish.

In an article from the Proceedings of the Third International Symposium on Feeding and Nutrition in Fish, Torrissen concluded that “Carotenoids are essential to fish and should be added to the diets for salmonids.” He even suggested that Astaxanthin should be classified as a fat-soluble vitamin. In another published article, Torrissen and Christiansen concluded that “Astaxanthin or canthaxanthin should be required as a vitamin for fish and crawfish and added to all fish diets at a level above 10 mg per kg dry diet.”

There has been an extensive amount of additional research indicating a valuable nutritional role for Astaxanthin, particularly for reproduction and immunity. As the world’s largest producer of Astaxanthin-rich microalgae, Cyanotech would like to encourage you to evaluate the benefits of Natural Astaxanthin supplementation for all stages of your fish or crustacean production. You may find that the nutritional benefits bring a healthy return on your investment and prove that Astaxanthin is far more than just a pigment.

For copies of the references or information on NatuRose® Natural Astaxanthin please call 808.334.9402 or e-mail bcapelli@cyanotech.com

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