AstaReal Wins Award, Expands Focus on Children’s Eye Health

AstaReal has been recognized with the Editors’ Award for Infant and Child Nutrition Initiative at the NutraIngredients-Asia Awards held in Bangkok on September 17, 2025. The award highlights the company’s groundbreaking project, “AstaReal Natural Astaxanthin for Children Digital Eye Strain,” which focuses on the effects of astaxanthin on digital eye health in children. This initiative is notable for being the world’s first clinical trial examining astaxanthin’s impact on eye strain in young individuals.

The 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 64 children from India. Results indicated that astaxanthin supplementation significantly reduced both chronic and acute digital eye strain compared to the placebo group. This finding complements existing research on astaxanthin’s antioxidative properties, which are believed to support cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and skin radiance.

The judges of the awards praised AstaReal for addressing a less-discussed issue in children’s health, which traditionally focuses on cognitive development, bone health, and growth. By investing in this pioneering clinical trial, AstaReal aims to pave the way for future product innovation in the children’s supplement market.

New Opportunities for Product Development

Following the award, AstaReal expressed optimism about creating a new segment for children’s eye health products. Dr. Vincent Wood, president of AstaReal Pte Ltd, stated that the positive clinical results and the recognition will facilitate partnerships with brands to develop new supplements featuring astaxanthin. “What we can do with this award is to further add value and then expand our partnering brands’ product line-up,” he said, emphasizing the potential for creating products specifically targeting children’s eye health.

While astaxanthin is already recognized as effective for adults, its application in children’s supplements has been limited due to a lack of clinical evidence. AstaReal’s recent findings could change this landscape, offering new opportunities to enhance children’s eye health solutions.

Carlo Alberto Muratore, assistant manager of AstaReal’s International Sales & Marketing Department, noted the versatility of astaxanthin. It can be formulated as a standalone product or combined with other ingredients such as lutein, providing various dosage formats including soft gels, tablets, and water-soluble powders.

Upcoming Clinical Trials in Malaysia

To further validate astaxanthin’s benefits for children’s eye health, AstaReal has initiated a second clinical trial in Malaysia. This study is set to last six months and will continue to use a daily dosage of 4 mg of astaxanthin for the intervention group. Dr. Wood highlighted the significance of this trial, noting previous findings that suggested a slowing of myopic progression rates among participants in the first trial.

The new trial will be conducted in collaboration with a prominent eye clinic specializing in pediatric health, which has developed several supplement formulations for eye health. By partnering with clinical experts, AstaReal aims to strengthen its marketing claims and enhance the scientific foundation supporting its products.

As AstaReal continues to explore astaxanthin’s potential, the company is committed to addressing critical health challenges faced by children in today’s digital age. With the support of recent accolades and ongoing research, AstaReal is poised to lead in the development of innovative solutions for children’s eye health.