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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 be beneficial in aging skin; however, there is conflicting evidence regarding its effects on 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 - Diabetes. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin is beneficial for diabetes.
Login for details - Dry eye. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin is beneficial for dry eye syndrome.
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. Small clinical studies suggest that oral astaxanthin is not beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels.
Login for details - Hypertension. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin reduces blood pressure.
Login for details - Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes). It is unclear if oral astaxanthin is beneficial in patients with prediabetes.
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
- Obesity. Login for details
- Parkinson disease. Login for details
- Physical performance. It is unclear if oral astaxanthin improves physical performance in older adults.
Login for details - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is unclear if oral astaxanthin is beneficial for PCOS.
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.
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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.Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Astaxanthin might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these medications.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Astaxanthin might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects and side effects of these 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.
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