When it comes to antioxidant protection, each of us has to have enough to meet the challenges of our free-radical workload, which can depend on variables like mental and physical stress, air and water pollution, physical activity levels, concentrations of chemicals in our foods and other factors. In addition, the dietary antioxidants we depend on to defend us against free radicals tend to concentrate in certain organs or tissues, adding another consideration to the equation. This is why we've developed our high-potency Astaxanthin with 8 mg per softgel to help you tailor your antioxidant intake to meet your specific needs. As a fat-soluble antioxidant, astaxanthin is particularly beneficial for the brain, skin and other organs with high concentrations of fatty acids. In the skin, astaxanthin is especially valuable for protecting against free radicals generated by the activity of the sun's ultraviolet radiation. The antioxidant properties of astaxanthin also offer support for connective tissues throughout the body including joints and tendons as well as healthy skin. It may also protect the heart and blood vessels against oxidative stress and promote healthy eye function. Emerging research indicates that astaxanthin may also offer benefits for exercise performance and recovery. It occurs in many foods, including salmon, crab and lobster (to which it provides their rich red color), but the best source by far is the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis , which can yield 8,000 times the astaxanthin concentration found in salmon. Our astaxanthin is harvested from this unique microalgae through an advanced supercritical CO 2 extraction process without the use of any chemical solvents. For optimal effectiveness, our softgels are fortified with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) to enhance bioavailability.