BURLINGTON , N.J.—The Canadian Product License approved AstaReal Inc.’s antioxidant astaxanthin for up to 12 mg per day. Health Canada gave its approval on July 25 for use as a source of antioxidants, and to help improve muscle endurance.

Years of research shows astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant against singlet oxygen, which is one of the strongest reactive oxygen species. Additionally, it is able to modify muscle metabolism, resulting in improved muscle performance and endurance. AstaReal is also researching the effects of astaxanthin on cardiovascular health, liver support and metabolic syndrome. It received generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status in 2010.

AstaReal is a biotech company with the Fuji Group, a Japanese pharmaceutical company.