Solabia-Algatech Nutrition has unveiled its astanxanthin whole algae complex, AstaPure, in a new gummy format as it makes steps to expand its portfolio of astaxanthin-based products. The new delivery system will be introduced by the company at SupplySide West, Las Vegas, 2-3 November, 2022.
The microalgae cultivators offer a vegan, pectin-based food supplement in a move to offer a new, flavoursome medium for delivering its flagship astaxanthin ingredient from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. This comes a year after the company launched its ready-to-mix AstaPure powder concept targeting premix formulations for smoothies.
The plant-based gummies are available as a cherry flavoured chewy treat. Each gummy contains 4mg of the astaxanthin algae complex, with 50mg of vitamin C and contains no preservatives or synthetic colours. One or two gummies per day can supply the recommended daily dose of the two antioxidants.
“Integrating our prized ingredient into gummy application was actually quite a smooth process,” explained Dr. Omer Grundman, VP of R&D of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. “Our AstaPure Arava powder was shown to perform well in a gel medium and the integrity and stability of its naturally occurring carotenoids remain intact.”
As the trend for gummies continues to grow in the nutraceutical environment, the company says their astaxanthin gummies are designed to offer supplement providers a ready-to-market gummy product.
This increase in functional gummy sales has been recorded by Innova Market Insights. According to their reports, during the first eight months of 2021 one quarter of vitamin and mineral launches comprised of gummies. Millennials and generation Z are the biggest gummy consumers according to a 2019 report.
“Astaxanthin is an extremely powerful antioxidant and is one of the most potent carotenoids in nature surpassing lutein, lycopene and β-carotene” explained Liat Shemesh, Marketing Manager of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition. “AstaPure Arava contains 3% of astaxanthin along with amino acids, vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides; – attributes highly extolled and sought after by consumers looking to consume whole foods and boost and maintain vitality and wellbeing.”
A recently published clinical study demonstrated that nutrition can have a beneficial effect on the immune system and global wellbeing. A key function was the significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, with positive changes in the gut microbiome.
AstaPure is manufactured in a controlled, closed cultivation system made up of long tubular structures in the south of Israel. The gummies are both kosher and halal certified.
“We are continuously looking to diversify our portfolio of products by introducing new formats, applications and formulations for the delivery of AstaPure,” concluded Shemesh.
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