Company insight
The timeless wisdom of tiny plants
How the anti-ageing properties of BDI-BioLife Science’s premium ASTAFIT astaxanthin can improve biological cell protection in cosmetic and nutritional supplement products designed to boost and nurture healthy youthfulness.
bath or fountain? You might have been looking at algae making astaxanthin. They make it when times are hard – when their puddle is drying out, nutrients are low or the sunlight is too intense. It helps them survive harsh conditions and, as it turns out, we can learn from them. Our cells have a hard time, exposed to the light, air and all the dirt that life throws at us. Oxidative stress is a big topic in nutritional supplements and cosmetics, and antioxidants are a must in anti-ageing products. Well, the new kid on the block is this ancient red stuff that algae used to protect themselves before animals walked the earth. Astaxanthin is the strongest known natural antioxidant, many times more efficient than vitamins C or E, or even Q10. Also, unlike some of the others, it has no pro-oxidant activity. Its special chemistry as a carotenoid makes it extremely relaxed about bumping into radicals; it can easily inactivate oxygen radicals without turning into a reactive substance itself. Since it combines the oily middle section of a carotene with hydrophilic groups at the ends, it can penetrate well into the skin and it can insert into cell membranes.
H
The new kid on the block is ancient Although it may only be coming into focus now as an ingredient for food supplements and cosmetics, astaxanthin is well-tested, both for safety and beneficial effects. Due to its chemical structure with 13 conjugated double bonds, it can penetrate all layers of the cell and thus it protects holistically against oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress is frequently defined as an imbalance between pro-oxidants and
Ingredients Insight /
www.ingredients-insight.com
ave you ever seen a puddle of water that seemed to be turning red? Or a dark red stain in a bird
Research and development centre at BDI-BioLife Science.
antioxidants, arising when the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) overwhelms the intrinsic antioxidants. Living cells are under constant oxidative attack by ROS, leading to oxidative damage. The complex antioxidant defence system generally holds this attack in balance. The body’s cells produce free radicals during normal metabolic processes. However, cells also produce antioxidants that neutralise these free radicals. In general, the body can maintain a balance between antioxidants and free radicals. Studies confirm that astaxanthin supports the immune system, positively influences cardiovascular health and improves muscle regeneration after heavy physical exertion. An intake of up to ≤8mg of astaxanthin per day is recommended, and products with astaxanthin are well tolerated. Users report they found them pleasant to use and they noticed improvements in their health and skin condition.
Astaxanthin from BDI-BioLife Science is made from the microalga
Haematococcus pluvialis in a biotech process developed independently by the company. The algae is cultivated in a closed, fully controlled system that prevents any kind of contamination with other organisms or impurities. The astaxanthin is extracted using a mild, low-temperature method without the use of solvents or synthetic additives. The product is strictly 100% natural, solvent- free, pesticide-free, herbicide-free and hygienic, made in Austria in a plant with a strong commitment to sustainability. Its shelf life is 24 months. For nutritional supplements it is offered in various forms such as microbeadlets, oleoresin, flakes and more. For cosmetic use, it is mainly offered as an oleoresin in certified organic jojoba oil, though dry biomass is also an option. BDI-BioLife Science has an excellent astaxanthin competence centre that offers a full-service package to support development of your own products, and can show you a range of prototype formulations. ●
www.bdi-biolifescience.com 35
Otmar Winterleitner
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