Abstract:The sources， form distribution， biological function， absorption and metabolism characteristics of astaxanthin were reviewed. Based on these information， the problems in the process of using astaxanthin as func－ tional factor was analysis and concluded. The current review has important significance for grasping the front di－ rection of astaxanthin researching filed， function and mechanism investigation， and revealing relationship be－ tween structure and function. Meanwhile， the current review provides up-to-date information on nutrition main－ tenance of astaxanthin in processing， and rational development of functional food.