Algae Life Sciences announces 239 structure/function claims

The claims relate to the company’s AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin product, which is extracted from certified organic Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.

Algae Life Sciences, a subsidiary of BGG, initially submitted 241 structure/function claims for FDA review, and 239 got through the notification period without objection from the Agency.

The claims focus on ten health benefit categories, including: Eye health; brain health; skin health & UV exposure, anti-aging / DNA & cellular health; anti-inflammatory / joint, tendon & muscle health; athletes & energy; cardiovascular  health; immunity; and antioxidant [the tenth is male fertility but that is not included in the structure-function claim list].

“We’ve been working for months to attain this landmark achievement which now makes us the leader in this critical marketing category,” said Bob Capelli, EVP of Global Marketing for Algae Life Sciences. 

“We have some extremely compelling claims that are now allowed for AstaZine.  This will enable brands to successfully market astaxanthin with an incredible variety of health claims. Individual brands can customize their message to consumers while educating about astaxanthin’s extensive clinically validated health benefits.”    

“We were very forceful with the wording in many of the claims so that our customers can aggressively market our astaxanthin and can educate consumers on astaxanthin’s diverse health benefits,” Capelli told us. “We submitted many different claims for each of the ten health benefit categories so that different brands can customize their message to consumers.” 

Some of the “juicier” claims include:

•         Helps maintain beautiful, younger looking skin

•         The ultimate nutrient to support the eyes and brain

•         Nutritional support in the battle against aging  

•         Promotes improved performance levels in athletes 

•         Promotes healthy joints, tendons and synovial fluids

•         Helps support cardiovascular function and a healthy circulatory system

•         Supports energy production in the cell’s power plant—the mitochondria

•         The ultimate weapon to fight oxidation in our bodies

Lixin Ding, PhD, chief operating officer, added that astaxanthin has been validated in approximately 500 different medical research studies for a range of health benefits for athletes and active people.  “And now with 239 allowed claims for labels and marketing literature, brands will easily and legally be able to tell US consumers just how beneficial Astaxanthin really is,” said Dr Ding. 

The ingredient is available in a variety of forms, said the company, including Organic Certified 5% powder; 5%, 10% and 20% oleoresin; 2% water soluble powder; 2.0% and 2.5% microencapsulated beadlets.