The new beadlets pair AlgaTech’s AstaPure brand of astaxanthin with Lycored’s proven beadlet technology. Golan Raz, head of Lycored’s global health division, said the versatility of the new beadlets sets them apart.
“Lycored’s advanced beadlets production technologies are used by multiple brands around the world to add value to finished products via a sophisticated delivery system. While there are A few alternative Astaxanthin beadlets, the variety of solutions (vegan, 2% concentration, 2.5% concentration, water soluble) is unique. The new astaxanthin portfolio will allow manufacturers and brands maximum flexibility in adding astaxanthin to the finished products,” Raz told NutraIngredients-USA.
Astaxanthin has been under development as a dietary ingredient for decades, but first started growing strongly in the North American market after a mention on the Dr. Oz Show in 2011. But unlike some other ingredients that first found fame on that platform, astaxanthin’s popularity has endured, driven in part by some promising science results.
Lycored already has extensive experience with carotenoids with its lycopene portfolio. So, even with all of the hoopla surrounding astaxanthin, it is good to keep in mind where the ingredient stands in the overall market.
“While it is relatively smaller compare with other carotenoids like lycopene, beta carotene and lutein, astaxanthin has tremendous growth potential. With multiple clinical trials supportive of its health
properties, astaxanthin supports a long list of structure functional claims,” Raz said.
Formulation flexibility
Raz said the new beadlets will allow flexibility in product formulation, allowing manufacturers to use the ingredient, which normally has an earthy, pond water-like odor, to a wide variety of products.
“The range of beadlets can be used in confectionery and chewable gummies, health bars, chocolates and many other food applications,” Raz said.
Algatech, whose production plant is located in Israel’s southern Negev Desert, has been a leader in the production of natural astaxanthin from algae, which it cultivates in a closed tube system. The system allows for a highly controllable and reliable output, and the company has been acknowledged as producing some of the purest raw material in the business. This isn’t the first time Algatech has teamed with a formulation partner to boost the market reach of its ingredient. At the Vitafoods trade show in Geneva in 2015 Algatech launched a water soluble form of astaxanthin using Virun’s patented Esolve technology that employs a diester form of Vitamin E as a carrier.