[Stockholm, Sweden, 2025-09-26] – AstaReal has been awarded the Editors Award for Infant and Child Nutrition Initiative at the 2025 NutraIngredients-Asia Awards. The recognition comes for conducting the world’s first clinical trial on digital eye health in children, demonstrating that astaxanthin supplementation can effectively reduce both chronic and acute digital eye strain while enhancing objective measures of visual performance.
“This entry tackled an issue that is less talked about in the children’s health space. The investment in a first-of-its-kind clinical trial was described as a bold move that could shape future product innovation,” the judging panel noted.
In the clinical study, school-aged children received a daily dose of 4 mg of astaxanthin (AstaReal®) for 84 days. The findings indicate a significant improvement in chronic digital eye strain in astaxanthin group compared with placebo, demonstrating a 20 percent more reduction in the CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome) symptoms score by the end of the study. The results also showed a 27 percent improvement in visual fatigue (acute digital eye strain) as well as improved stereopsis and pupillary light reflexes after the trial period.
“We’re very proud of this recognition. It reflects the commitment we put into science every day at AstaReal. To be acknowledged for our study on children’s digital eye health highlights how important it is to keep pushing research forward in areas that really impact people’s lives,” said Behnaz Shakersain, Scientific Affairs Manager, AstaReal AB.
The NutraIngredients-Asia Awards recognises outstanding achievements across ingredients, finished products, companies, individuals, and initiatives within the nutrition and dietary supplements industry. The judging panel is composed of experts from across the nutrition and functional food sector.
The study was published in the international medical journal of Advances in Therapy. Study authors Pankaj Negi and Megha Marwah are employed by AstaReal India Pvt. Ltd, Karen A. Hecht is employed by AstaReal Inc. and Vincent Wood is employed by AstaReal Singapore.