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This month, we
address an important issue regarding the quantification of AstaREAL® astaxanthin. Whether you
produce supplements or outsource your manufacturing, the astaxanthin content
needs to be checked routinely. Help is at hand in the form of analysis
methods and technical support by Fuji Chemical Industry.
Two reliable methods are available for download at AstaREAL.com. Those methods
determine astaxanthin content derived from Haematococcus
microalgae; the source of AstaREAL®.
The procedures have been perfected based on published work and internally
validated by Fuji Chemical Industry. Moreover, several US authorized
analytical laboratories employ the AstaREAL®
method.
First, the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) is the most accurate
way to quantify natural astaxanthin. The procedure remains the same even when
the sample contains other carotenoids such as lycopene, lutein and/or
beta-carotene. Initially, samples require enzymatic de-esterification then
HPLC analysis. The reason for the de-esterification step is that natural
astaxanthin from Haematococcus
is mainly esterified (astaxanthin molecule is linked to either one or two
units of fatty acids). Esterified astaxanthin in a HPLC column is impossible
to quantify accurately because of the fatty acid assortment. However, after
astaxanthin is gently freed from the fatty-acids, it can then be resolved by
HPLC.
Enzymatic de-esterification is the recommended route because chemical
saponification methods can oxidize astaxanthin and produce artifacts. Even
though the HPLC process takes time and has to be followed exactly; the
results are accurate and we recommend this method for your added peace of
mind.
On the other hand, a second method is quick and convenient spectrophotometric
assay. This ‘spec-method’ was determined empirically and yields a
close estimation, but it’s not as accurate as HPLC because the presence
of carotenoids other than astaxanthin can inflate the final value. There is
no need to de-esterify the sample but the downside is that the
spectrophotometric result is always slightly higher than HPLC.
Moreover, other sources of astaxanthin has been tested with the AstaREAL® HPLC and spectrophotometric
method e.g. synthetic astaxanthin and Phaffia
rhodozyma astaxanthin.
For further support and technical inquiries do not hesitate to contact the
Fuji Chemical Industry.
50FC (5% Oil Type)
L10 (10% Oil Type)
P2AF (2% Powder Type)
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