Source Naturals ASTAXANTHIN is a natural compound found in the algae Haematococcus pluvialis. This powerful antioxidant has been found to be effective in protecting cell and mitochondrial membranes from oxidative stress. Recent studies have indicated that astaxanthin is more powerful than its carotenoid cousin, beta-carotene, at trapping singlet oxygen free radicals. Astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family, is a powerful antioxidant. In vitro research demonstrates that astaxanthin is ten times stronger in scavenging free radicals than other carotenoids such as lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, and one-hundred times stronger than alpha-tocopherol. Astaxanthin has also been shown to prevent low density lipoprotein oxidation in human blood and to enhance the immune system in animal studies.