Heliae’s algae starter cultures are grown using a proprietary mixotrophic technology. This technology provides an axenic (bacteria-free) environment, allowing the growth of high density, healthy algae cultures.

We believe nature knows best and therefore at the peak of culture growth, we let nature stimulate astaxanthin production. For astaxanthin expression, we move our cultures to phototrophic raceway ponds where the pure sunlight of the Sonoran Desert combined with nutrient stress triggers natural astaxanthin production.

But these raceways are unique. Our photobioreactors are fully enclosed in greenhouse-like structures. Protecting the microalgae with fully transparent enclosures allows us to capture the natural intensity of the Arizona sun while protecting the cultures from environmental contaminants. Microalgae, organisms that have been around for over 3 billion years, are miniature sponges. They are skilled at taking up components from their environment. What is in the pond is taken up by the algae therefore every effort is made to keep environmental contaminants out of the algae cultures - because how things are made matters.

Full enclosure of the ponds is just the beginning. Our commitment to quality is also reflected in our use of only water purified by reverse osmosis and our selection of concentration methods. As a final step, we utilize only supercritical CO2 extraction to concentrate the TruAzta astaxanthin oleoresin.

Need more? TruAzta 10% contains only astaxanthin-rich algae oil. No blending oils are used; only the natural astaxanthin and the complementary algae oil that naturally accompanies it. And TruAzta 5%? It is blended with nutritionally superior olive oil.

Supported by our onsite multimillion dollar quality testing laboratory, all production steps are closely monitored and all final product completes thorough specification testing.