• EB15 brings an encapsulated astaxanthin ingredient previously used in animal feed into human dietary supplements.

• The format supports two-piece HPMC and gelatin capsules, while AstaReal continues stability and formulation testing for tablets.

AstaReal AB, a Stockholm-based natural astaxanthin producer owned by Fuji Chemical Industries, launched AstaReal EB15 for human dietary supplements on Nov. 5. The encapsulated ingredient moves a format previously used in animal feed into HPMC and gelatin two-piece capsules, where oxygen exposure can challenge astaxanthin stability.

EB15 contains at least 1.5% astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis algal meal encapsulated in hydrogenated rapeseed oil. The oil matrix is intended to protect the pigment from oxidation. AstaReal said its tests showed good stability in two-piece capsules, a format widely filled by supplement manufacturers.

The launch gives contract manufacturers and brands another way to formulate natural astaxanthin without moving directly to a softgel or other low-oxygen format. AstaReal is also evaluating EB15 in tablets, but the company has not released quantitative stability data for either capsule type or tablet prototypes.

AstaReal is part of AstaReal Group and supplies natural astaxanthin ingredients to supplement manufacturers while also producing branded products. The company said EB15 is made at a facility approved for food production, though it did not identify the site or disclose commercial capacity. Pernilla Berg, head of R&D at AstaReal, described the formulation challenge the ingredient is intended to address.

“Astaxanthin is sensitive to oxygen. With EB15, we can maintain ingredient stability even in product formats where oxygen exposure is higher.”

Pernilla Berg, head of R&D, AstaReal AB