The invention relates to astaxanthin compositions for use in foods food supplements or animal feed or as a medicament. Astaxanthin compositions which contain at least 50 wt.% in particular at least 60 wt.% more particularly at least 70 wt.% especially at least 80 wt.% or at least 90 wt.% relative to the total weight of astaxanthin and astaxanthin derivatives in the composition a monoester of the astaxanthin having an aliphatic unbranched C C moncarboxylic acid have a particularly high bioavailability if at least 90 wt.% of the monoester contained in the astaxanthin composition is a monoester with exactly one aliphatic unbranched C C monocarboxylic acid. They are therefore particularly suitable for use in foods food supplements or animal feed and for therapeutic use as a medicament and as an ingredient for medical preparations or pharmaceutical agents.
