Released on = December 6, 2005, 11:30 am

Press Release Author = Boots Herbal Stores

Industry = Healthcare

Press Release Summary = Solgar, the multi-award winning provider of a comprehensive
range of nutritional supplements, and Boots Herbal Stores, announce the launch of a
powerful new marine-based antioxidant, available for the first time in the UK and
available on the web at httP://www.solgar.co.uk

Press Release Body =

The health-supportive role of antioxidants has been well documented but we are only
just realising the benefits of one of the most potent yet - astaxanthin. Hailed an
'advanced antioxidant' in the US, astaxanthin is thought to help support the eyes
and skin - and the good news is that it is about to become widely available in the
UK.

Considered to be 80 times more potent than vitamin E and ten times more potent than
beta-carotene as an antioxidant, astaxanthin is showing great potential in helping
to support the health of both the eyes and skin against.

Because astaxanthin is both fat- and water-soluble and thought to be extremely well
tolerated by the body (there is no evidence of toxicity), it also has potential
benefits elsewhere within the body as a free radical scavenger. Already cited in
more than 300 publications and patents , it has been positively associated with
cardiovascular health, immunity and the central nervous system.

While most other well-known carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein and lycopene,
are derived from plant sources, astaxanthin comes from marine sources - primarily
from micro-algae. In fact, its distinctive pinkish-red pigment is responsible for
the colouration of salmon and flamingos. There has even been a theory that this pink
pigmentation is nature's way of protecting flamingoes from predators by camouflaging
them at sunrise and sunset - their most vulnerable eating times.

Now astaxanthin derived from the algae Haematococcus pluvialis, which is one of the
richest sources and is grown off the coast of Hawaii, is available in the UK as part
of the Solgar range of natural supplements distributed by Boots Herbal Stores at
http://www.solgar.co.uk . Astaxanthin Complex 4mg Softgels from Solgar will have a
RRP of £12.99

- Ends -

About Solgar
Founded in 1947, Solgar Vitamin and Herb is a leading authority in nutritional
science, technology and education, operating in 45 different countries.
From its state-of-the-art research and manufacturing facility in Leonia, New Jersey,
Solgar's team of R&D specialists and research partners adhere to the highest global
standards in the research and manufacture of quality nutritional supplements.
More information can be found at http://www.solgar.co.uk

About Boots Herbal Stores
Founded in 1939 Boots Herbal Stores have a history of bringing new and innovative
products to the UK health food sector and now more and more of its distribution is
coming via the World Wide Web



Web Site = http://www.solgar.co.uk

Contact Details = Keith Woolley