Carotenoids are natural organic pigments that are synthesized by plants and are responsible for the bright colors of various fruits and vegetables. Dozens of carotenoids are present in the foods we eat, and most of them have antioxidant activities. But, nature’s most powerful carotenoid antioxidant is Astaxanthin. It is a keto-carotenoid, which is a colorful and lipid-soluble pigment found in microalgae, salmon, yeast, trout, krill, shrimp, and the feathers of some birds. Astaxanthin has the capability to provide red color of salmon meat and cooked shellfish. Studies have shown that Professor Basil Weedon’s group proved the structure of Astaxanthin by synthesis, in the year 1975.
