Results of previous head-to-head testing of algae-based astaxanthin vs artificial astaxanthin from petrochemicals were published in the peer-reviewed journal NutraFoods in December 2013. These independent results from Creighton University and an independent laboratory showed that algae-based astaxanthin is approximately 20-50 times more active in singlet oxygen quenching and free radical elimination than artificial astaxanthin. However, the members of Naxa felt that further testing was necessary since the earlier tests were not done specifically with the DSM AstaSana product.
“We see the same results with the AstaSana product that we saw in earlier antioxidant testing of artificial astaxanthin,” said Robert Corish, MD, a member of Naxa and a worldwide authority on astaxanthin. “Plain and simple, the two products are completely different, not only in antioxidant potential, but the molecules are also different in three crucial ways. It’s only logical that these products will perform differently in antioxidant testing because they’re inherently different molecules. And while all the human clinical research showing a wide variety of health benefits has been performed exclusively on natural astaxanthin from algae, we still don’t know how artificial astaxanthin will react in our bodies long-term.”
Questions remain not only about the efficacy of artificial astaxanthin, but also about its safety and regulatory status.
Dr Corish concluded: “There has not been one published safety study on direct human consumption of this synthesised molecule and it hasn’t gone through the FDA’s New Dietary Ingredient process. Frankly, we’re amazed that DSM launched it in the US market without going through these necessary steps.”
Source: Natural Algae Astaxanthin Association
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