Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid pigment naturally found in several aquatic organisms, mainly sourced from the green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater single-celled organism that produces large amounts of astaxanthin under environmental stress (intense sunlight, nutrient scarcity, salinity) — turning from green to deep red as astaxanthin accumulates.

Further up the food chain, astaxanthin is the pigment responsible for the red-orange colour of wild salmon, shrimp, lobster and flamingos, none of which synthesise it themselves — they obtain it by eating microalgae or organisms that contain it; a wild Pacific salmon accumulates 26-38 mg of astaxanthin per kilogram of flesh over its lifetime, giving it its characteristic colour and helping it withstand the intense effort of swimming upstream to spawn.

Naturamedicatrix is a Belgian laboratory specialising in high-quality nutritional supplementation, based on orthomolecular medicine principles. Their astaxanthin stands out through several quality markers: the raw material comes from Haematococcus pluvialis grown under certified organic farming in closed photobioreactors, guaranteeing no contamination from heavy metals, pesticides or unwanted micro-organisms; extraction takes place at low temperature with no solvents, using a supercritical CO2 process that keeps astaxanthin’s molecular structure fully intact.

The 8 mg dose per capsule matches an effective level according to available scientific literature, and the plant-based capsule makes the product vegetarian-friendly. The 60-capsule format covers two months at one capsule a day, or one month at two capsules a day.

The recommended dose is 1-2 capsules a day, taken with a meal containing dietary fat — astaxanthin is a fat-soluble compound whose absorption is significantly improved in the presence of dietary lipids, such as olive oil, avocado, nuts or oily fish. The 60-capsule format provides one to two months of use depending on the dose chosen; for a foundational course, 2-3 months of supplementation is generally recommended, repeatable.

A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women without prior medical advice. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. Store away from heat, direct light and humidity.

What is the difference between natural and synthetic astaxanthin?

There are two sources of astaxanthin: natural, from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae, and synthetic, chemically produced from petroleum derivatives. They aren’t molecularly identical — natural astaxanthin occurs as esters, while the synthetic form is free, non-esterified astaxanthin; the stereochemistry also differs, with natural astaxanthin predominantly in the 3S,3’S form, while the synthetic product is a racemic mixture. Naturamedicatrix uses exclusively natural, organically grown astaxanthin, guaranteeing a molecular form identical to what’s found in nature.

How does astaxanthin differ from other antioxidants?

Astaxanthin’s unique molecular structure lets it sit within both layers of the cell membrane, offering protection both inside and outside the cell. Unlike some antioxidants that can become pro-oxidant under certain conditions, astaxanthin doesn’t show this drawback, even at high doses — making it a particularly safe, versatile antioxidant.

How long should I take astaxanthin to see results?

Being fat-soluble, astaxanthin accumulates gradually in tissue over weeks of supplementation. Most clinical studies use supplementation periods of 4-12 weeks, so it’s reasonable to plan a course of at least one month before fully appreciating the benefits.

Herba Barona is an independent specialist supplement shop in the heart of Paris — established in 2006. What you order is genuinely on our shelves: we ship from our own stock, with no dropshipping and no long waits.

Visit us at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, Paris 12 — or use Click & Collect and pick up your order in-store. We also deliver across France and Europe. Friendly, expert advice in English from our team.

Where is the shop?

Herba Barona is at 10 rue Théophile Roussel, 75012 Paris — a two-minute walk from Ledru-Rollin (line 8), close to Bastille. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9:30 am–6:30 pm.

Can I order online or collect in store?

Yes. We ship across France and Europe under the same conditions as our French store, or choose Click & Collect to pick up your order for free at our Paris shop.