Testing laboratory Eagle Diagnostics announced that AstaReal Astaxanthin’s softgels have achieved TruShield Certified Status, assuring that the finished softgels are free from more than 400 WADA-prohibited compounds and other high-risk contaminants.

The TruShield program was developed with more than two decades of anti-doping expertise, and is exclusively focused on banned substance detection. Eagle Diagnostics is relied upon by professional sports leagues and Olympic programs for drug testing.

AstaReal Astaxanthin is the most clinically-studied astaxanthin ingredient worldwide, the company reported, with research validating its role in skin health, healthy aging, muscle endurance and recovery, and eye health. The company’s natural astaxanthin is grown, harvested, and manufactured in the U.S. and Sweden.

“AstaReal Astaxanthin softgels represent exactly the type of finished product TruShield Certified was created to support, one that is science-backed, rigorously tested, and designed for athletes who demand absolute confidence in what they take,” said Lori Bestervelt, senior vice president of certification services. “We are proud to certify a turnkey solution that helps brands bring trusted, high-integrity sports nutrition products to market.”

“Achieving TruShield Certified status for these AstaReal Astaxanthin softgels marks an important step for brands looking to deliver clean, performance-focused products with speed and confidence,” said Karen Hecht, vice president of science at AstaReal. “By offering a ready-to-launch, finished format built around AstaReal’s clinically supported astaxanthin, brands can introduce a premium product athletes and active consumers can trust from day one. By partnering with TruShield Certified, brands can protect their reputation by ensuring ingredients and finished products are screened for banned substances, giving athletes and active consumers confidence that what’s on the label is exactly what they are putting into their bodies.”