astaxanthin

noun

as·ta·xan·thin | \ˌa-stə-ˈzan(t)-thən

Definition of astaxanthin

: a carotenoid pigment C₄₀H₅₂O₄ found in red- or pink-colored aquatic organisms (such as shrimp, lobster, and salmon) and the feathers of some birds that is used especially as a food coloring and dietary supplement Wild salmon attain their color by absorbing a carotenoid called astaxanthin from their krill-based diet, while farmed salmon eat fish feed supplemented with various sources of astaxanthin to enhance their grayish color. — Cook's Illustrated Astaxanthin is found in many marine animals, like shrimp and fish, and is also responsible for the pink color of flamingos that feed on crustaceans rich in the pigment.— C. Claiborne Ray

Examples of astaxanthin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lobster coloring is all thanks to a pigment called astaxanthin. — Robinson Russell, National Geographic, "Why This Rare Lobster Is Colored Like Blue Cotton Candy," 19 June 2018 But inside the shell proteins bind the astaxanthin. — Robinson Russell, National Geographic, "Why This Rare Lobster Is Colored Like Blue Cotton Candy," 19 June 2018 Some points: Canthaxanthin and astaxanthin are carotenes produced by algae, which are eaten by shrimp. — Wired Staff, WIRED, "Rants & Raves," 1 Apr. 2004

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'astaxanthin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.