With its novel algae-based formula, global natural astaxanthin pioneer AstaReal perfectly addressed the current trends for plant-based and holistic health-promoting nutritional solutions at this year’s Vitafoods. The finished formula combines two potent algae-derived components: AstaReal’s core product natural astaxanthin, with omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from French company Polaris. At the show, visitors also explored AstaReal’s proven range of high-quality astaxanthin bulk products and finished formulations, which includes the company’s established and recently rebranded retail supplements Astaxin® Original and Vegan.
As a company dedicated to sustainable nutrition education and promotion, AstaReal joined forces with another microalgae expert, omega-3-producer Polaris, to showcase the compatibility of the two potent algal ingredients for fully plant-based formulations. The product concept resulting from this collaboration attracted huge interest at the show: a sustainable and vegan product that contains not only algal astaxanthin but also algal omega-3s, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). With proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features, astaxanthin from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis protects cells and their powerhouses (mitochondria) from oxidative stress, while EPA and DHA from microalgae Schizochytrium help preserve cell membrane structure and also support physical performance and healthy skin.
This year, Vitafoods witnessed an increasing openness to collaborations among the key players in the market for developing complementary or synergistic combination formulas. Ingredients with scientific backing were in particularly high demand. In this regard, AstaReal is well positioned with more than 70 clinical trials supporting the potential of its natural astaxanthin.
Moreover, as Vitafoods Europe has become a truly global hub for international business meetings and the establishment of collaborations, AstaReal enhanced its already strong presence with
representatives from its various sites, including Sweden, the USA, Japan, and India to better serve its international visitors.
AstaReal® Astaxanthin was among the finalist ingredients in the Sports Nutrition category for NutraIngredients Awards 2024, based on its innovation potential, scientific merits, and market success. As always, the awards ceremony, held in association with Vitafoods Europe, offered a fantastic opportunity to connect with some of the best and brightest in the nutrition and dietary supplements industry.
Peter Ahlm, Head of Marketing & Sales at AstaReal, comments: “This year’s Vitafoods revealed a strong interest in plant-based ingredients and functional foods that boost immunity, improve mental and physical performance, or address specific topics such as woman’s health and gut health or lifestyle factors such as sleep or stress. And there was a clear preference for dosage forms such as softgels or gummies, jelly or flavored functional drinks and beverages, as well as powder mixes and sachets. Among plant-based ingredients, algae-based compounds could carve out a special place. Our novel, double-microalgae formula confirms the compatibility of the two health-promoting and potent algae-based ingredients: algal astaxanthin and algal omega-3s. We were thrilled to see that it fits perfectly with so many essential trends and sparked the interest of the specialised audience.”