BioReal ups astaxanthin content and rebrands

The ingredient AstaReal L10, extracted from the alga Haematococcus pluvialis​ using supercritical carbon dioxide, offers a higher content astaxanthin for food supplements and cosmetics, with the natural astaxanthin market estimated to be worth some $15-20 million (€11-14.8 million) annually. "There is always a demand for better and more stable products that is part of the reason for us developing this new formulation​," BioReal's Tobias Rauch told NutraIngredients.com. "The demand is also driven by our distributors, wanting to have the product with the highest content."​ BioReal obtained market approveal for the product for use in human food supplements and cosmetics last year. The product is available in the US, Europe, Japan, South America, and Africa. Ruach added that, while historically the demand has been greatest from supplements, the demand is increasing from cosmetics. The launch also sees a rebranding of the ingredient from AstaCarox into AstaReal, gathering all raw materials under one common brand name, and facilitating global communication and brand recognition, said the company. BioReal AB is wholly owned by Japan's Group Fuji Chemical Industry, and the parent company holding several patents for the use of Astaxanthin in application areas such as muscle endurance, gastric health and immunity.