Method for producing esterified astaxanthin from esterified zeaxanthin

摘要

A method is described for preparing astaxanthin esters from zeaxanthin by acylation of zeaxanthin with an acylating agent followed by contacting the esterified zeaxanthin with an oxidizing agent to produce esterified astaxanthin. The astaxanthin esters are more stable and show a better bioavailability than free astaxanthin when used in salmonid pigmentation.