Astaxanthin
Scientific names: 3,3'-dihydroxy-4,4'-diketo-beta-carotene, 3S,3'S-astaxanthin, 3R,3'R-astaxanthin, 3R,3'S-astaxanthin
Alternate names: Astaxanthine, Astaxantina, Microalgae, Microalgue, Micro-Algue, Ovoester
Actions: 5-Alpha-reductase inhibitory activity, Anti-asthmatic, Anticancer, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Cardiovascular, Dermatologic, Exercise performance-enhancing, Gastroprotective, Hepatoprotective, Immunostimulant, Photoprotective, Renal protective, Weight loss
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using astaxanthin for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
Carotenoids: Other carotenoid supplements may decrease the absorption of astaxanthin. Carotenoids include astaxanthin, beta-carotene, canthaxanthin, lutein, and lycopene.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 07/12/2023 11:00:00 and last updated on 01/05/2022 05:27:28. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
