Manufacturer of antioxidant supplement sees value in triathlon demographic

February 10, 2006 - Danville, CA - Astavita, a leading manufacturer of high potency antioxidant supplements, has announced a sponsorship partnership with professional triathlete Chris Lieto. Astavita will be Lieto’s title sponsor for the 2006 season.

Astavita, known by its brand name Astaxanthin ®, is manufactured by Japanese based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical giant Fuji Chemical Industries based in Toyama Japan.

“We’re pleased and proud to not only continue our relationship with Chris Lieto, but also to become the title sponsor of an Ironman Champion of Chris’ caliber. His dedication to his family and the demanding sport of triathlon is an inspiration to everyone. Chris Lieto is the perfect spokesman for our nutritional performance product, Astavita Astaxanthin", commented Scott Lictherman, Sales and Marketing Manager of Astavita.

“Working with Astavita and representing a company like Fuji Health Science that has been in business since 1946 is a true honor”, commented Lieto. “The financial support and their belief in me as an athlete are both very humbling. I have definitely improved my performance and overall health since I started using the Astaxanthin product. I find that my recovery is much quicker than in previous years and I just generally feel much better”, said Lieto.

As part of the sponsorship agreement, Lieto will participate at Ironman Japan on May 25th. Astavita has a strong presence in the Japanese market and as such, Lieto will focus his training and race schedule to peak for Ironman Japan. “I was contemplating racing Ironman Japan well before our deal with Astavita finalized, so this is really a perfect fit for everyone. I’m going to do my best to represent Astavita in Japan by bringing home a victory, said Lieto. Before Lieto heads to Japan he will race at Ironman Malaysia on February 26th and will also focus his attention on the prestigious Wildflower Triathlon in early May.

About Chris Lieto:
www.chrislieto.com
Chris began is triathlon career winning his first race as an age-grouper, and turned pro less than three years later. His record includes:
Champion Ironman Canada 2005
2nd place Ralph’s Half Ironman 2005
U.S. Champion (2nd place IM Lake Placid) 2003
Champion Ironman Wisconsin 2002
Champion Vineman Half Ironman 2002
Champion Nautica Malibu Triathlon 2003
Ranked #5 in the world in 2003 by Inside Triathlon Magazine.
Chris, his wife Karis and son Kaiden reside in Danville, California.

About Fuji Health Science and Astavita Astaxanthin:
www.astavita.com
Fuji Health Science is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. of Toyama, Japan. Fuji Chemical, founded in 1946, is a manufacturer of pharmaceutical ingredients. In addition to pharmaceutical products Fuji has also made a commitment to the development of unique nutritional products. As testament to this position, Fuji established subsidiaries in Hawaii and Sweden for the cultivation and production of natural astaxanthin from the micro algae, haematococcus pluvialis. Both facilities employ a proprietary and fully enclosed system to insure the highest purity product available. Through these unique and proprietary technologies, Fuji Chemical can offer specialty, high performance and natural ingredients worldwide.

Natural Astaxanthin from the microalgae, haematococcus pluvialis, is a natural carotenoid found in abundance from arctic marine environments to common fresh water rock pools throughout the world. Astaxanthin is what gives the pink and red color to salmon, shrimp and lobster. Fuji produces the highest purity astaxanthin in the world from haematococcus pluvialis through its two subsidiaries, BioReal, Inc. (USA) and AstaReal AB (Sweden). Located on the paradise island of Maui, BioReal utilizes the proprietary, state of the art technology called “biodome” to cultivate and grow the naturally occurring microalgae, haematococcus pluvialis for the natural production of astaxanthin.

About Katalyst Multisport Management:
Founded on the most basic principals of integrity, experience and creativity, Katalyst is committed to extending the reach and influence of the multisport lifestyle.
www.katalystmultisport.com

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Chris McCrary
Katalyst Multisport Management
(415) 215-3412
chris.mccrary@katalystmultisport.com