What is the difference between Astaxanthin and Beta-carotene?
Astaxanthin belongs to the same family of fat-soluble carotenoid molecules as the yellow/orange colored Beta-carotene. It differs from Beta-carotene in that its’ molecular structure contains two additional oxygen groups in each ring structure. This gives it a deep red color and classifies it as a xanthophyll, with up to 10 times stronger free radical scavenging activity. Another difference is that, unlike Beta-carotene, Astaxanthin cannot be converted to Vitamin A in the human body.
