Valensa International plans to offer ZanthinNEX Astaxanthin commercially in late 2014. ZanthinNEX is a form of the carotenoid Astaxanthin produced via a proprietary process using natural enzymatic conversions that delivers a safe finished product that is ‘nature equivalent’ to conventional Astaxanthin produced via extraction from Haematococcus pluvialis.
 
 In this instance, the nature equivalence of ZanthinNEX means that it has the same exact composition and isomeric structure (e.g. S, S’ Astaxanthin) as the Astaxanthin found in natural algae and wild salmon – and will function in the human body exactly as an algae-derived product would. Safety and bioequivalence testing for ZanthinNEX have been conducted.
 
Valensa expects to complete regulatory approvals and anticipates no issues for GRAS approvals prior to commercial launch. This new source will help meet market demand for Astaxanthin, which is currently exceeding industry supply.  The availability of ZanthinNEX will not be impacted by seasonal variances of quality and quantity such as is encountered with algae-derived Astaxanthin.
 
According to Dr. Rudi E. Moerck, CEO & president, Valensa’s commitments to better health through natural products and to the science of Astaxanthin were the driving forces behind the development of this nature equivalent ingredient. “Valensa has more than a decade of experience with Astaxanthin for the support human health. We led the use of supercritical CO₂ as a nature-friendly extraction technology for Astaxanthin. We were the first to achieve Novel Foods approvals in Europe with our Zanthin brand, which requires a commitment to purity and safety. We have been at the forefront of safe and economical dosage recommendations for this ingredient— where we’ve actually suggested that lower doses are sufficient and highly effective. And we have developed a novel, natural stabilization system that significantly extends the storage stability of Astaxanthin. In all of these areas, our goal remains to offer the most natural, stable and efficacious Astaxanthin ingredient to the market. ZanthinNEX is the result of our commitment to a scientifically superior, safe, and truly nature equivalent Astaxanthin offering,” he said.
 
Testing has shown that ZanthinNEX is significantly more bioavailable than Astaxanthin made from algae because of several factors, including much higher purity levels. This enhanced bioavailability could lead to lower supplementation levels in finished products, with potentially lower costs for consumers.
 
Like Valensa’s flagship Astaxanthin product – Zanthin Natural Astaxanthin – ZanthinNEX will be stabilized using the proprietary O2B Peroxidation Blocker stabilization system to provide long-term product stability and higher efficacy for the consumer.
 
For more information: 
www.valensa.com