Method of analysis of astaxanthin and its occurrence in some marine products

Abstract

Abstract A method for the determination of astaxanthin in free and esterified forms is based on silica gel chromatography of a lipid extract to obtain fractions of diester, monoester and free astaxanthin. The fractions are reduced with borohydride and the tetrahydroxy β‐carotene is measured by ultra‐violet spectrophotomefry at 450 and 476 nm. The method has been applied to different crustacean samples and products to fish oils and to organs from rainbow trout. Values down to 0·1 μg/g sample could be measured. The fractions were identified by thin‐layer chromatography.