BGG World (BGG) has earned a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for the use of astaxanthin to support heart function during exercise (U.S. Patent #10,827,775). The company’s AstaZine is natural astaxanthin, a naturally occurring carotenoid extracted from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae.
 
This patent reflects significant potential for both cardiovascular health as well as for athletes and active people based on an innovative clinical trial sponsored by BGG in amateur athletes preparing for a half marathon (Talbott, S., Hantla, D., Capelli, B., Ding, L., Li, Y., Artaria, C.  (2017). “Effect of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Function in Runners.” EC Nutrition 11.6 (2017): 253- 259.).
 
Results found that subjects in the treatment group taking BGG’s AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin experienced heart rates on average 10% lower during endurance training than the placebo group. Shawn Talbott, lead researcher in this study, noted, “the subjects in this study were able to perform the same amount of ‘work’—but at lower cardiovascular ‘strain’ after supplementing with Astaxanthin.”
 
Talbott pointed out the far-ranging potential applications for AstaZine based on this study, and encouraged further similar research in diverse populations such as those suffering from cardiovascular disease and the elderly. 
 
Lead inventor of the U.S. patent and BGG’s Global Chief Scientific Officer, Yanmei Li, PhD, commented, “BGG focuses on innovation by dedicating 5% of gross revenue to R&D. As a prime example of this policy, we are one of only a very small handful of astaxanthin producers sponsoring clinical research to validate our product, and have published several astaxanthin clinical studies over the last few years. This patent is another example of how BGG supports our customers through our investment in research and constant innovation; we’ve successfully opened up a whole new area of health benefits for our astaxanthin customers to focus on.”