Save
Astaxanthin is a red pigment that belongs to a group of chemicals called carotenoids. It occurs in certain algae and causes the pink-red color in salmon.
Astaxanthin is an antioxidant. This effect might protect cells from damage. Astaxanthin might also improve the way the immune system functions.
People use astaxanthin for many purposes, including Alzheimer disease, athletic performance, aging skin, muscle soreness from exercise, and many others. But there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
- Age-related cognitive decline. Oral astaxanthin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oral astaxanthin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Aging skin. Small studies suggest that oral and topical astaxanthin may reduce wrinkles.
Login for details - Alzheimer disease. Login for details
- Athletic performance. Small studies suggest that oral astaxanthin may improve some aspects of athletic performance.
Login for details - Carpal tunnel syndrome. Oral astaxanthin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Dyspepsia. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin improves symptoms of dyspepsia.
Login for details - Exercise-induced muscle damage. Small clinical studies in trained athletes suggest that oral astaxanthin may not improve markers of muscle damage from exercise.
Login for details - Exercise-induced muscle soreness. Oral astaxanthin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Fatigue. Oral astaxanthin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Heart failure. Oral astaxanthin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Hyperlipidemia. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin reduces cholesterol levels.
Login for details - Male infertility. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin improves male infertility.
Login for details - Menopausal symptoms. Login for details
- Metabolic syndrome. Login for details
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Login for details
- Parkinson disease. Login for details
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Oral astaxanthin has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.
Login for details - Stroke. Login for details
- Sunburn. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin might help to prevent sunburn.
Login for details
When taken by mouth: Astaxanthin is found in some foods and is often consumed in small amounts in the diet. Astaxanthin is possibly safe when taken as a supplement. Doses of 4-18 mg daily have been used for up to 12 weeks. Taking astaxanthin might cause increased bowel movements and red stool color. High doses of astaxanthin might cause stomach pain.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if astaxanthin is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid using in amounts greater than those found in foods.There are no known interactions with medications. Before taking this product, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Carotenoids: Other carotenoid supplements may decrease the absorption of astaxanthin. Carotenoids include astaxanthin, beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene.
There are no known interactions with foods.
Astaxanthin has most often been used by adults in doses of 4-18 mg by mouth daily for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
Astaxanthine, Astaxantina, Dihydroxy-3,3' dioxo-4,4' bêta-carotène, Microalgae, Microalgue, Micro-Algue, Ovoester, 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,4'-diketo-beta-carotene, 3S,3'S-astaxanthin, 3R,3'R-astaxanthin, 3R,3'S-astaxanthin.
Natural Medicines disclaims any responsibility related to medical consequences of using any medical product. Effort is made to ensure that the information contained in this monograph is accurate at the time it was published. Consumers and medical professionals who consult this monograph are cautioned that any medical or product related decision is the sole responsibility of the consumer and/or the health care professional. A legal License Agreement sets limitations on downloading, storing, or printing content from this Database. Except for any possible exceptions written into your License Agreement, no reproduction of this monograph or any content from this Database is permitted without written permission from the publisher. Unlawful to download, store, or distribute content from this site.
For the latest comprehensive data on this and every other natural medicine, health professionals should consult the Professional Version of the Natural Medicines. It is fully referenced and updated daily.
© Copyright 1995-2021. Therapeutic Research Faculty, publishers of Natural Medicines, Prescriber's Letter, and Pharmacist's Letter. All rights reserved.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2023 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.