Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis) in VH Life: what it is and what we may say
VH Life contains Haematococcus pluvialis whole algae powder, standardised to 3% astaxanthin, named on the box in its superfoods complex without an individual amount. No health claim for astaxanthin is authorised on the GB register, so VH Life makes none. Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater microalga that makes astaxanthin, a red carotenoid pigment, when stressed. The powder is the whole dried alga, standardised for astaxanthin.
What is Astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis)?
Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater microalga that makes astaxanthin, a red carotenoid pigment, when stressed. The powder is the whole dried alga, standardised for astaxanthin.
How much is in a VH Life sachet?
The box names Haematococcus pluvialis whole algae powder, standardised to 3% astaxanthin in the superfoods complex. The box prints amounts for its 26 vitamins and minerals; the botanicals, mushrooms, amino acids, enzymes and live cultures are named without individual amounts, so we do not give one here.
What may VH Life claim for it?
Nothing. In Great Britain a food may only make health claims that are on the GB register, worded as registered. The register holds no authorised claim for this ingredient, so VH Life makes no claim for it and will not describe it as doing anything. Any benefit you may have read about it elsewhere is not something a UK supplement may lawfully say.
Where does VH Life fit?
VH Life is a UK-made food supplement: one 11.8g berry sachet a day in cold water, with 87 active ingredients. The vitamins and minerals carry authorised claims; the other actives, this one included, are there as ingredients, not as claims. On subscription VH Life is £49.99 for 28 sachets every 4 weeks, which works out at £1.79 a day. There is also a 7-day trial (7 sachets, £12.99, one per customer) and one box of 14 sachets for £34.99, with free UK delivery. The full ingredient list is on the product page; every ingredient has its own page on the ingredients index.
Questions people also ask
Is astaxanthin in VH Life?
Yes. The box names Haematococcus pluvialis whole algae powder, standardised to 3% astaxanthin in the superfoods complex, without an individual amount.
What does astaxanthin do?
No health claim for it is authorised in Great Britain, so VH Life does not say it does anything. The vitamins and minerals in the sachet carry the authorised claims.
Which VH Life ingredients do carry claims?
The 26 declared vitamins and minerals. Each has its own page on the ingredients index with the register wording.
Sources
- Great Britain nutrition and health claims (NHC) register, 19 May 2026 edition.
- The VH Life box, 7 October 2026 print: ingredient names and complexes.
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. One sachet a day. Do not exceed the recommended intake. Not suitable for children, adolescents, or pregnant or breastfeeding women. VH Life is a food supplement, not a medicine. If symptoms persist, see your GP or pharmacist.