WATCH - AstaReal's Singapore boss on its latest sports, skincare and delivery system developments

Astaxanthin, a carotenoid extracted from freshwater algae, is used in supplements, cosmetics, and functional food and beverages for its purported joint, skin, cardiovascular, cognitive, anti-fatigue, anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting health benefits.

Speaking to us at Vitafoods Asia, Singapore president Vincent Wood said the firm considered beauty, sports nutrition and healthy ageing its core segments in South East Asia, where it intends to expand further after having opened an office in the city state in 2015.

In the video, he touches on recent research that highlights astaxanthin's mental endurance benefits​ in the sports nutrition space, and the latest findings regarding its impact on skin health, which suggest it helps control chronic inflammation​ that leads to skin damage.

He also explains why new delivery formats are crucial to expand across the healthy ageing market, where many seniors are looking for non-pill solutions.

Established in Japan over 70 years ago, the company now has offices in Japan, Sweden, the US, Singapore, India and Australia. While it prefers to keep its growth figures a secret, it maintains that things are looking positive, especially with its new subsidiaries in Mumbai and "good early indications"​ in Australia.

Wood also discusses three emerging South East Asian markets that are in the company's sights.

Watch the video to find out more.