DESCRIZIONE
The invention relates to a method for producing a solution of an astaxanthin derivative in an oil that is suitable for foodstuffs, said method comprising the following steps: i) provision of a suspension or solution of the astaxanthin derivative in an organic solvent that consists of oxygen, hydrogen and carbon, is suitable for foodstuffs and is selected from C2-C6 alkanols, C1-C4 alkyl esters of aliphatic C1-C4 carboxylic acids and aliphatic ketones with 3 to 6 C atoms; ii) incorporation of the solution or suspension of the astaxanthin derivative into an oil that is suitable for foodstuffs to obtain a solution of the astaxanthin derivative. The astaxanthin derivative consists of at least 70 % by weight, preferably of at least 80 % by weight, in particular of at least 90 % by weight and especially of at least 96 % by weight of a compound of formula (I), in which R represents a group of formula (II), where # is the link to the carbonyl group, A represents -CH2CH2- or -CH=CH- and Rx is C1-C4 alkyl.