Molecular Mechanism of Absorption, Transport and Metabolic Transformation of Astaxanthin in Aquatic Animals

Q: What does this research mean for the field?

Astaxanthin absorption in aquatic animals is mediated by intestinal lipid transporters such as SR-B1, CD36, and NPC1L1, and understanding these molecular pathways is essential for optimizing its bioavailability and utilization in aquaculture. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

Huakang Peng; Yihui Du; Qianwen Ding; Dongdong Du; Ruyue Dong; Chao Ran; Zhen Zhang; Yuanyuan Yao; Hui Liang; Ming Li; Nan Wang; Yalin Yang; Zhigang Zhou

doi:10.1111/raq.70202

September 1, 2026Reviews in AquacultureOpen Access

Molecular Mechanism of Absorption, Transport and Metabolic Transformation of Astaxanthin in Aquatic Animals

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Key Points

To synthesize the molecular mechanisms driving astaxanthin absorption, transport, metabolic transformation, and tissue storage in aquatic species to improve feed formulation efficiency.
Reviewed scientific literature detailing the uptake pathways, physiological processing, and tissue deposition of astaxanthin in aquatic organisms.
Evaluated the regulatory roles of intestinal lipid transport proteins and external factors influencing astaxanthin bioavailability.
Identified scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36), and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) as key membrane transporters mediating intestinal astaxanthin uptake.
Demonstrated that metabolic transformation and organ-specific storage mechanisms dictate tissue pigmentation and overall nutrient retention across aquatic species.

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Implication

Narrative review reveals intestinal transporter pathways and metabolic fates of astaxanthin in aquatic animals, highlighting strategies to optimize aquaculture feed bioavailability.

Abstract

The global astaxanthin market reached $1.69 billion in 2024, with 47% directed to aquafeed—yet the molecular basis of its absorption, metabolism, deposition, and storage in aquatic organisms remains incompletely resolved. A deeper understanding of these mechanisms will help optimize feed formulations, enhance astaxanthin bioavailability, and improve economic efficiency in aquaculture. This study investigates the absorption mechanisms of astaxanthin mediated by intestinal lipid transporters (SR‐B1, CD36, NPC1L1) and its utilization/deposition in different tissues and organs. It reviews the latest research progress on major absorption pathways, metabolic processes, and storage forms of astaxanthin in aquatic organisms, analyzes key factors affecting its utilization efficiency, and discusses potential future research directions to provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for aquaculture practices.

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Cite This Study

Peng et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a99365f636c6408cfa7f787 https://doi.org/10.1111/raq.70202

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Molecular Mechanism of Absorption, Transport and Metabolic Transformation of Astaxanthin in Aquatic Animals

Key Points

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Cite This Study

Molecular Mechanism of Absorption, Transport and Metabolic Transformation of Astaxanthin in Aquatic Animals

Key Points

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Implication

Abstract

Discussion

Cite This Study

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