Astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family, is a powerful antioxidant. In vitro research demonstrates that astaxanthin may be up to 4 times stronger than other carotenoids such as lutein, cryptoxanthin, and beta-carotene, and may be up to 85 times stronger than alpha-tocopherol. Astaxanthin possesses both hydrophilic and lipophilic properties, and may provide health benefits throughout the body by modulating the activity of free radicals.