1. Coloration: Astaxanthin is responsible for the characteristic pinkish-red color of salmon flesh. Wild salmon obtain astaxanthin from their diet, which mainly consists of krill and other small crustaceans. In the case of farmed salmon, astaxanthin is added to their feed to ensure the desired coloration. Consumers often associate the color of salmon flesh with its quality, and therefore, a deeper color is preferred.

2. Health benefits: Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that offers numerous health benefits for both salmon and humans. In salmon, it helps protect the fish against oxidative stress, supports immune function, and promotes overall health.

3. Reproduction: Astaxanthin also plays a crucial role in the reproductive process of salmon. It aids in the development of eggs and sperm, ensuring the survival and reproduction of the species.

1. Salmon and other fish: As previously mentioned, salmon, trout, and Arctic char are all rich sources of astaxanthin.

2. Shellfish: Shrimp, lobster, and krill also contain astaxanthin, contributing to their vibrant colors.

3. Microalgae: Astaxanthin is produced by certain microalgae species, such as Haematococcus Pluvialis. consuming microalgae

Wild salmon contain higher levels of astaxanthin than farmed, particularly wild sockeye. One-hundred grams of wild sockeye salmon provides as much as 4.5 grams of astaxanthin, while farmed salmon has about a fourth as much.

1. Reduced oxidative stress: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

2. Improved eye health: Astaxanthin has been shown to protect the eyes from damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and oxidative stress, potentially helping prevent age-related macular degeneration and other eye disorders.

3. Enhanced skin health: Astaxanthin can help maintain skin elasticity, hydration, and overall skin health. Its antioxidant properties may also protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation and environmental pollutants.

4. Improved heart health: Some studies suggest that astaxanthin can improve heart health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, major contributors to heart disease.

Yes, farm-raised salmon does contain astaxanthin. In fact, astaxanthin is often added to the feed of farmed salmon to achieve the desired pinkish-red color in their flesh. Farmed salmon may not have access to the same natural sources of astaxanthin as their wild counterparts, who mainly obtain it from their diet of krill and other small crustaceans. To ensure that farmed salmon still receive the benefits of astaxanthin, it is added to their feed in the form of supplements, often derived from microalgae or synthesized chemically.

• Improve the anti-oxidation and anti-stress ability of the breeding objects, and improve the immunity of the breeding objects;

1. Be derived from a reputable source, such as microalgae or krill oil.

2. Clearly state the concentration of astaxanthin per serving.

3. Be free of contaminants, such as heavy metals or harmful chemicals.

4. Be manufactured by a trusted company with strict quality control measures in place.

References:https://marine-aquaculture.extension.org/what-does-color-added-mean-on-a-label-for-salmon-at-the-grocery-store/
https://www.nutritionletter.tufts.edu/ask-experts/q-is-it-true-that-farmed-salmon-do-not-contain-astaxanthin-because-the-fish-is-dyed-rather-than-pink-from-consuming-algae-like-wild-salmon-is-this-a-reason-to-prefer-wild-salmon/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125449/
https://www.healthline.com/health/health-claims-astaxanthin